Employment Services ASL
A free program for Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers.
For over 80 years, we have been empowering Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians to overcome barriers to participation. Our Employment Services were created for the needs of Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers and are free for those over the age of 16.
CHS Employment Services
Canadian Hearing Services’ Employment Services program focuses on supports for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing and their unique employment challenges. Our Employment Consultants understand the job search challenges and accommodation needs related to hearing loss. They will support you on all aspects of finding a job and work with your employer to provide the accommodations you require to succeed.
- We work with both job seekers and employers to put the right supports in place.
- We work with a network of employers who are familiar with the needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing.
- We have experience working with those receiving Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
- We have expertise in technology applications, workplace communication, and safety strategies.
- We understand the unique needs of people with literacy challenges.
- We have expertise in supporting newcomers to Canada whose first language is not English, French, ASL or LSQ.
Support, resources and training to find employment.
Our Employment Consultants will provide career consulting, job search training, and make referrals to other services which could be of benefit. We will:
- Work with you to create a career plan.
- Identify job related training and development programs.
- Help you create a resume and write cover letters.
- Provide leads and referrals to potential job opportunities.
- Prepare you for interviews.
- Arrange an interpreter or live translation of speech to text for your interviews.
- Assist you in accessing funds for work related expenses such as appropriate clothing, training, or assistive devices including hearing aids.
Setting you up for success on the job.
Once you are hired, we will work with you and your employer to provide the training, support and accommodations you require to succeed. We will:
- Conduct a workplace assessment to identify your individual communication needs.
- Identify and implement appropriate workplace accommodations for a barrier-free work environment.
- Advise of current technology and communication devices available.
- Host communication workshops for your manager and co-workers.
Achieve your employment goals. ASL
Having the right supports in place to help break down communication barriers can empower you to overcome those barriers and set you on the right path towards a career you enjoy. We are here to help!
Contact an Employment Consultant today!
Services are provided Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Please check with your consultant if support is available outside of these times.
Phone: 1-866-518-0000
TTY: 1-877-215-9530
Email: employmentservices@chs.ca
Juan’s story: ASL
Juan reached out to Canadian Hearing Services just before he was about to graduate from high school. Juan has been deaf in one ear since early childhood. Throughout most of his academic journey, Juan experienced communication barriers and low self-esteem. With Juan approaching graduation, he was concerned about his future and did not feel confident about entering the workforce. This lead Juan and his mother to reach out to Canadian Hearing Services for assistance.
Juan connected with CHS Employment Consultant, Jocelyn Brown. Jocelyn introduced Juan to various types of assistive technology and communication tools, such as CART and live transcription options on his devices. Jocelyn also helped Juan create a resumé, prepare for interviews, and search for potential employers. “Having hearing loss myself, I was able to share my personal experiences with hearing loss and employment, and provide the motivation Juan needed to believe that finding the right job was possible,” explains Jocelyn. “Juan has many skills and talents he can offer an employer.
He just needed to believe in himself and have the right tools and supports in place so he could succeed.” In August 2022, Juan started his first job at Modu-Luc Fence Rentals. Juan is excelling in his first job and is receiving high praise as a natural leader on many of the projects he takes on. “Before Canadian Hearing Services, I didn’t believe that I could find employment – now I believe in myself and that the possibilities for my future are endless,” says Juan.