BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Bridging communication in healthcare: Deaf culture in practice

Deaf culture is a diverse community grounded in shared language, identity, and lived experience. It views Deafness as a cultural identity and linguistic minority, not a disability to be fixed. Core elements include Sign Language, Deaf education, social norms, and a strong sense of pride and community. Understanding Deaf culture helps organizations move beyond assumptions and create services that are respectful, accessible, and inclusive. 

This is especially important in health care, where communication barriers can affect safety, dignity, and quality of care. Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing patients may face challenges when interpreters, captioning, or other communication supports are not available. Building accessible systems means recognizing communication access as an essential part of patient-centered care. 

The upcoming Diversity Circles workshop with Christian Vasquez, Service delivery impact for Deaf, Deaf Blind, and Hard of Hearing individuals in BC's healthcare system, will explore how health care organizations can strengthen communication equity in practice. As a Sign Language Service Coordinator with Provincial Language Services, Christian supports province-wide accessibility initiatives that help providers, services, and emergency teams deliver safer and more inclusive care. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience, he will share practical strategies for working effectively with interpreters and better supporting Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing patients. 

Join the workshop to learn how to strengthen communication equity, better support Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing individuals, and help create more accessible, respectful environments. Participants will also experience a real-world health care interpreting scenario and gain tools they can apply in their own workplaces.

The workshop, part of a broader Diversity Circles series on Deaf Culture, is open to everyone. RSVP is required for the workshop, taking place at the Burnaby Campus on May 6, 2026.

Resources for BCIT

• Booking ASL Interpretation - Steps and Best Practices: A practical guide to requesting ASL interpretation, including key steps, timelines, and best practices to help ensure accessible communication for events, meetings, classes, and services. 

• A resource for individuals in STEM: A collection of supports, tools, and guidance for individuals in STEM to help navigate learning and workplace environments, access accommodations, and thrive in their studies and careers. 

About Diversity Circles

Diversity Circles is a series of panels, workshops, and community conversations that brings together staff, students, and the broader public to explore equity, diversity, and inclusion in practice. Rooted in community-based expertise, it creates space for meaningful dialogue and practical learning to help participants engage with diversity in thoughtful, informed, and strategic ways.