Language for life: ASL support across Saskatchewan

By Parsa Navidi on May 6, 2025 in Giving

Children learning American Sign Language at SDHHS event

In Saskatchewan, access to language can be the difference between isolation and empowerment. This is especially true for families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) children. Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (SDHHS) is expanding American Sign Language support in Saskatchewan, helping families build communication skills and connection.

“We’re not just teaching sign language — we’re giving kids access to a future,” signed Robyn Holmes, early childhood and family service worker (ECFS) at SDHHS. “For some, it’s their first chance to express themselves.”

Language is a human right

Historically, access to language services for DHH children in Saskatchewan has been inconsistent. But today, thanks to a growing partnership between SDHHS and the SHA Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC), families are being referred earlier and more often.

The Yardi grant helped SDHHS build capacity to support children across the province, from Saskatoon to remote communities in the north. Whether a child uses hearing aids, cochlear implants or no amplification at all, SDHHS focuses on giving them a solid language foundation through American Sign Language (ASL).

“We go where the families are,” signed Holmes. “At-home visits help us connect in a way that builds trust and identity. When a child sees someone who signs like them, it says, ‘It’s okay to be deaf.’”

A growing community & growing need

Patricia Spicer works as a Vocational Worker and ECFS Worker in Regina. She highlighted a major milestone: “In 2023, Saskatchewan officially recognized American Sign Language in the Accessibility Act. That’s a huge step in validating our language and increasing access.”

With limited ASL-certified instructors in Canada, the demand for qualified teaching is higher than ever. SDHHS is one of the few organizations equipped to deliver these services. That means programs are growing faster than expected.

Beyond the ECFS program, SDHHS is also working to establish a dedicated Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Centre. The vision: a space where people can attend workshops, access programs and gather in a fully accessible, language-rich environment.

How Yardi is helping

“Last year, our early childhood program was severely underfunded,” said Jody Thompson, vocational worker and Youth Worker at SDHHS. “The support from Yardi came at the perfect time. It helped us keep the ECFS program going.”

The funds enabled the team to expand their resource library, support outreach to rural families and be present at events like the Saskatoon Family Expo or the Nutrien Children’s Festival. The funding allowed SDHHS to host a Deaf Expo in Regina, Holiday Cheer parties and Little Buttons classes for DHH children and the community. Volunteers like Cam, a Yardi employee who studies ASL, participate in these events.

“Having someone like Cam who shows up, supports us and learns with us — it’s a win-win,” signed Holmes.

Everyone deserves a voice

From ASL classes to Sign’n Stories, an online children’s book library that includes Plains Indigenous Sign Language, the team at SDHHS is helping kids and families feel seen and understood.

“There’s a grieving process when parents first learn their child has hearing loss,” signed Spicer. “But what every child needs is love and language. With those two things, they can do anything.”

One program doing just that is 4C Preschool in Saskatoon, where Deaf educators lead classrooms for children who are DHH, or hearing and connected to the community. “It’s an amazing space where kids learn, grow and see themselves reflected,” said Thompson.

Get involved

Volunteers are always welcome at SDHHS. Upcoming events include the Spring Expo on May 10 and their annual kids’ summer day camp. They also run online and in-person ASL classes for anyone interested in becoming an ally to the DHH community.

Your support helps create a more inclusive Saskatchewan for everyone. Learn more about Yardi’s philanthropic efforts.