A record number of students gathered in Burnaby last month to make new friends and celebrate their Deaf and hard of hearing pride through art, poetry and Sign language.
Children and youth from 19 school districts were in town for the third annual DHHproud, a two-day event that includes a one-day showcase of art, poetry and signing presentations by kindergarten-to-Grade 12 students who are Deaf and hard of hearing, followed by a friendship day for making new connections.
This year's showcase, featuring a series of contests centred around the theme "This is my Deaf/Hard of Hearing Superpower," drew 125 participants, compared to 80 last year.
And the friendship day that followed drew 261 students – representing one-fifth of the total DHH student population in the province, according to the school district.
Participants played games, shared meals, took a trip to Science World and toured Victory Hill Dorm, the home away from home for students attending the B.C. Provincial School for the Deaf, which shares a campus with Burnaby South Secondary.
There are about 1,300 school-aged kids in B.C. who are Deaf or hard of hearing, according to Lynley Lewis, a DHHproud organizer and educational consultant with the Provincial Outreach Program: Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
"Many of them live in isolated communities and may have never met a d/Deaf or hard of hearing peer or adult in their lives," Lewis said in an email to the NOW.
He said DHHproud "leverages their hearing differences as something that is positive and not the sole definition of who or what they are."
"Students are excited to learn that they aren't alone," Lewis said. "They thrive on the camaraderie and friendships developed at this event and many of our regional camps. And, most importantly, they see themselves as being valued and part of a wider community."
For a full list of results for the showcase contests, visit the DHHproud webpage.
Follow Cornelia Naylor on X/Twitter @CorNaylor
Email [email protected]
