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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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Trail Etiquette

Spring is here but it sure felt like summer over the weekend. I want to talk about trail walks, how it is important to be courteous and mindful of others around you. As a Deaf person who enjoys walking on trails with my dog (my family comes sometimes). I understand the importance of being mindful and considerate of others around me. Since I cannot hear bike bells or verbal cues, I’m always extra vigilant and aware of my surroundings.

One thing I do to ensure that my dog is on a leash and I stay on the right side of the trail is to use a keyword. We trained my dog to respond to the word “clear,” which means that we need to move over to the side more and let someone pass. This has been a useful tool in ensuring that we don’t get in anyone’s way, a bike rider or runner in our path from behind or in front of us and can easily communicate our intentions.

Being Deaf on the trail can present some unique challenges…

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Meat and Bread

I want to talk about after the conference when my husband and I explored Vancouver downtown. We decided to have lunch, discovered a unique simple business name display and was intrigued by their menu. Meat & Bread on Robson street. We were looking forward to a sandwich which sold out with the people before us. A nice man named Colin appeared and started signing to the best of his ability. Explaining what was available.

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2022 Message

Hello, I am wrapping up the year 2022 this week for a much needed two week tech free holiday to spend time with cherished family and friends.

Funny how it seemed only yesterday that I retreated to reflect on the year 2021. I treasure this time of the year because it gives me a rare opportunity to conduct an inventory of my motivations and values; my relationship with my family, friends, and colleagues; and, my work. But, it is also a time to assess my learning curve and to identify areas of improvement. I cherish the moment because it is the time of the year when I get to compose my year-end review of the year, not just a catalogue of the chronology of my activities, but also my heart and my business soul.

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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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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?

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Let’s make accessibility happen

Person signing barrier free

Have you had a Deaf customer come in and faced an unfortunate conflict? You may have felt frustrated that you couldn’t help resolve an issue due to lack of communication. So you decided you wanted to know more about deafness and a bonus, learning sign language. Where do you go to seek such services? SignABLE

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Tim Hortons

A photo of a Tim Horton's seen through a window

Couple weeks ago, BriConnect owned by Caylan McMullan contacted me to work together on a project with Tim Hortons. Tim Hortons shot a commercial involving ASL and just posted today of #TimsTrueStory told by MacKenzie and Blair. Tim Hortons reason for reaching out to BriConnect and me, their mission was for us to provide authentic

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Knowledge is Power

Collins Bay Institution

The Employment Equity and Diversity Committee at Collins Bay Institution reached out to me to provide a workshop. I hosted two-part lunch and learn workshop series at the institution. I provided my expertise for the attendees with the basic skills needed to interact effectively and respectfully with culturally deaf people within their work environment and