We provide an orientation to culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing newcomers to make decisions about their settlement and to understand life in Canada.  Newcomers will receive pratical guidance, useful, and appropriate service to help them with their everyday living needs.  Newcomers will also receive help dealing with settlement issues, understanding their rights and responsibilities in Canada and how to access community resources.

Who is eligible for the Settlement Program?

• Individuals who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing
• Permanent residents of Canada
• Protected refugees, convention refugees or persons in need of protection
• Temporary residents working in Canada with a work permit under the Live-in Caregiver Program
• Persons who have been selected in Canada or overseas to become a permanent resident and have been informed by letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Convention refugees and protected persons from overseas who have been selected for resettlement in Canada by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Overseas applicants who have been informed by letter of confirmation from Citizenship and Immigrantion Canada with a temporary work permit

What Services does the Settlement Program offer?

Needs Assessment and Referrals

This activity determines eligibility of service for newcomers and assessing their needs. This includes assisting clients with their needs and goals and priorities.  Newcomers may be referred to other community agencies.

Information and Awareness Services

Assisting newcomers in coping with everyday living and providing information on technical devices, housing, transportation, health, employment, education, legal system, and settlement issues.  This includes an informative introduction to the local community.

Support Services

Translating documents from written English to American Sign Language (ASL) or from ASL to written English.  Assisting newcomers in filling out forms and applications.  Helping newcomers with problem solving, daily life, and settlement issues

Language Learning and Skills Development

We provide information about the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program within The Canadian Hearing Society.  Referrals to the most appropriate language program can also be made.