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A Journey from Hope to Positive Change

In a world where struggles are not uncommon, there are individuals who emerge with a vision fueled by passion and hope. SignAble Vi5ion is one such endeavor, born not out of mere passion, but a profound desire for positive transformation in the lives of the Deaf community and beyond. This blog narrates the personal journey of the visionary behind SignAble Vi5ion, how they evolved from witnessing struggles within their family and friends to striving for positive change that could impact the world. Their wish to create a practice of inclusive communication that meets the needs of Deaf individuals and those faced with communication barriers while benefiting everyone became the driving force behind this inspirational endeavor.

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Embracing Inclusivity: Breaking Barriers in the Workplace

August 2nd, a date that marks the passing of yet another year in my life. As I celebrate my birthday, I can’t help but reflect on the things that remain unchanged over the years. One significant aspect that continues to persist is the barriers faced by disabled and deaf individuals in the workplace. Despite progress in various fields, some hiring practices still deny opportunities to those who communicate differently. It is disheartening to see that ignorance and misconceptions about disabilities still prevail. However, it is not a time to lose hope; change is possible, and it starts with raising awareness and providing the right training and knowledge to create an inclusive environment.

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Exclusionary Practices at Conferences: A Call for Full Access and Authentic Inclusion

This disparity in access perpetuates an exclusionary environment, where minority individuals, including those who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and disabled, are tokenized, left to feel like an afterthought rather than equal participants. As an advocate for inclusivity, I firmly believe that conferences should strive to provide comprehensive support, breaking down barriers to participation for everyone.

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Taboo No More

People around the world are seeing a new generation of Deaf people achieve what is achievable, there are endless online platitudes splashed across social media, recognizing amazing Deaf people who are performers, writers, business owners, and more. 

It has long been taboo to talk about the possibilities of and by Deaf people, some of that do linger today. 

It’s world hearing day.  

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Sticky Situations in Hospitals

Have you ever seen Squid Game? Do you remember the dalgona cookie challenge? How each player had to patiently and methodically lick or prick their way against the countdown before they were eliminated for good? Can you imagine being trapped in a life-threatening situation forced to play a game that may determine whether they survive?

Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients often end up in situations like these, where they are trapped by necessity and circumstance. They show up to the emergency room or to their doctor’s office and are not provided the communication access they need so they can discuss their needs or decisions, often leading to miscommunication, misdiagnosis and mistreatment. 

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Alexander Graham Bell

In the last few years we have learned so much of what has happened and is happening in our country. How it affects people livelihoods. We learn about Every Child Matters, Black Lives Matter. Gay Pride and more. We learn to do better not to repeat history and educate to end hatred, I hope. 

A friend wrote me discussing the latest concern, “People really need to realize it is difficult to find a cis-gendered, heterosexual abled white male in our national history who isn’t problematic. Stop honoring them! They have been honoured! Focus on the people who have been erased or ignored!”

This is regarding the Royal Canadian Mint honouring Alexander Graham Bell not doing their homework. The researchers at the mint have an obligation to dig deeper and be curious about the people they clear for this honour. Google his name and controversy before declaring his worth.

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Amazing Race Canada

Screenshot image of woman pointing at ASL alphabet chart on tv

Did you watch The Amazing Race Canada Tuesday evening???
Did you see biggest secret I kept since April, the race occurred at my old alumni Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf (SJW) in Belleville, Ontario. The show used my ASL alphabet chart!!! I am so honoured to have my illustrations with my logo displayed on the amazing show. 

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Parks Accessibility Conference

Hi. I’m Leah Riddell, artist of the card you just scanned from. I’m honoured and thrilled to be chosen to design for the Parks Accessibility Conference to teach you sign language. Their slogan is “Make Canada’s National Parks Accessible”. I completely agree! We CAN make this happen. A first step to inclusive communication when encountering visitors in the parks is understanding and communicating using some signs! Are you ready to learn?