Home - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Early Language Services

Engagement Update

We recognize that the initial engagement website and survey did not fully meet our commitment to accessibility, and we sincerely apologize. We are taking immediate steps to correct this. An ASL translation of the survey and the full engagement website will be provided as soon as possible.
If anyone needs support to participate, we continue to offer direct 1:1 assistance completing the survey and/or understanding the engagement. This includes providing ASL and/or other language translation, technology and addressing other barriers to participation to the best of our capacity.
There will be ASL interpreters for all other engagement activities. The engagement has been extended until April 3, 2026.

New Timeline: February 9 to April 3, 2026

ASL version

Engagement Update

What is this engagement about?

ASL version

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) is seeking input to help inform the services provided through an MCFD service agreement for early language services. These services support language acquisition and language development for children ages 0 to 5 with hearing differences, and their families, in B.C.

Who is this engagement for?

ASL version

Parents and/or guardians of Deaf and hard of hearing child(ren) across the province who have received or needed early intervention/early language services, within the last 10 years (note: early intervention services specific to children ages 0 to 5 years with a hearing difference.)
Early language/early years professionals and service providers that work with children across the spectrum of hearing differences(s) and their families.
Representatives from Deaf and hard of hearing community
Other interested parties

How to participate

ASL version

Status:Open

Online survey

Take the online survey in ASL

Take the online survey in English

This survey is for everyone who wants to share input to inform early language services in B.C. but who are not part of an interview or small group meeting, or who want to add more comments in addition to their participation in an interview or meeting.

The survey will be open February 9 and close on April 3, 2026 at 4:00pm.

If text-based response is not accessible to you, you can request support completing the survey by emailing citizenengagement@gov.bc.ca.

ASL version

Status:Closed

Small group meetings

ASL version

During March 2026, small group meetings were conducted with two groups:

Early language/early years professionals and service providers across the spectrum of hearing difference(s).

Representatives from Deaf and hard of hearing community

If you did not receive an invitation and would like to participate in this engagement process, we invite you to provide feedback through the online survey.

Status:Closed

Family Interviews

ASL version

Parents and/or guardians of a child(ren) with a hearing difference who have received or needed early intervention/early language services, in B.C. within the last 10 years were invited to participate in short interviews throughout February 2026.

Available meetings fully booked

Next steps

ASL version

We will analyze input from this engagement and publish an Engagement Summary Report in 2026. This engagement will inform the development of early years services and service delivery practices, contracted though the MCFD service agreement, for children ages 0 to 5 with hearing differences, and their families, in B.C.

ASL interpretation is available. Contact us if you would like ASL support to participate or submit questions online.

Commitment to Anti-Racism

ASL version

The Province of B.C. is committed to taking action against racism and to working to ensure this engagement process is anti-racist and safeguards human rights. Disrespectful and racist comments will not be accepted or considered and will be removed from the engagement record. Please ensure comments are constructive and focused for this engagement.