u/VoteForGeorgeCarlin

Wanted to share this so people know about another lost public service that provides important services to those with disabilities and sensory impairments. To lose a service like this so suddenly for those who need it is deeply disturbing. If IDHHC is something you believe should not be permanently closed, please write to your MLA, MP or anyone else you believe can help fight to see these important services remain available to the public. Maybe it’s possible to reverse this shortsighted decision that will affect so many in need of support.

June 25, 2026 To Everyone in the IDHHC Community  After 35 years of service to clients on Vancouver Island and elsewhere in British Columbia, Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre Association (IDHHC) is closing on June 30, 2026. Serving Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing and hearing communities has been our goal since September 1991, and it is with great sadness that we take this action.  Accessibility, community connection and essential hearing health services cannot be delivered without adequate and ongoing funding. Since the onset of COVID-19, IDHHC had to relocate office spaces in Victoria and Nanaimo. A long-term Government contract was terminated in 2023, resulting in a loss of services to the Deaf community. Despite generous donations from members and aggressive cost containment measures, the gap between revenue and expenses has continued to grow. All efforts to seek continuing funding from Government has been unsuccessful, resulting in the closure of all services. The information about our closing is now in the public domain, so we wanted to be sure you heard from us about this closure. In the final few days ahead you will receive additional emails from the service area that you are connected with (employment, hearing health services, interpreting and captioning) about potential next steps and/or options if they are available. Again, it is with sincere and heart felt sadness we share this news. IDHHC Board of Directors