Durham Deaf Services

Durham Deaf Services Durham Deaf Services is a non-profit organization that offers program and services to members of both the hearing and Deaf communities.

• Deaf Adult Upgrading Program

DDS provides a literacy program, in American Sign Language, for Deaf adults that want to improve their literacy skills in the following areas: reading, writing, numeracy/math, computers, and employment preparation.

• American Sign Language (ASL) Instruction

American Sign Language classes are offered in partnership with Durham College. All of DDS’ certified instructors are Deaf. An introductory course is also offered at the centre for those that prefer a basic non-credit course.

• Community Support Services

Individuals can get assistance with telephone calls, filling out forms, reading correspondence, making appointments, etc.

• Children’s Programs

DDS hosts an integrated recreation program for children, both Deaf and hearing. Activities include a summer day camp, a March Break day camp, Christmas, Easter, and Halloween parties, and a number of field trips (swimming, circus, skating, zoo, maple syrup festival, etc)

• Public Education Presentations

DDS can provide a speaker to visit service clubs, schools, businesses, and other organizations to provide information about the differences between the Deaf and hearing communities, communication tips, technical devices used by Deaf individuals, ASL, hearing ear dogs, accessibility issues, and solutions, Deaf culture and accommodations in the workplace for Deaf employees. There is no fee charged for this service but a donation to the agency to help cover the cost of the interpreter is appreciated.

• Workshops

Workshops are provided throughout the year on a number of topics for interpreters and the Deaf community. Past workshops: Boat Safety, CPR, First Aid, ASL instructor training, wills/power of attorney and cemetery arrangements, parenting for Deaf parents, and professional development for ASL/English interpreters.

• Information and Referral Services

DDS is available to answer inquiries about current and upcoming programs and services and will make a referral to the appropriate agency if required.

• Durham Deaf Club

DDS is home to the Durham Deaf Club. The club welcomes both Deaf and hearing members of all ages. Social events for Deaf seniors happen on Wednesday afternoons and evening socials for the club take place on Saturday.

• Oshawa Deaf Senior Citizens

Social events for Deaf seniors happen on Wednesday afternoons at the centre.

Our second annual Krispy Kreme fundraiser is here! For just $15 per dozen, you can enjoy some delicious doughnuts while ...
08/21/2025

Our second annual Krispy Kreme fundraiser is here!

For just $15 per dozen, you can enjoy some delicious doughnuts while supporting Durham Deaf Services and Silent Voice Canada.

Order by September 26: https://durhamdeaf.org/krispy-kreme-fundraiser/

This year, we have two pick-up locations:
a) Durham Deaf Services – 900 King Street East, Oshawa
b) Silent Voice Canada – 60 St. Clair Ave East, Toronto

Pick-up day is October 18th, 2025, at both locations from 11 am to 1 pm.
Your support helps us continue providing valuable programs and services. Thank you!

Silent Voice Canada invites you to our 4th annual Welcoming Week BBQ. This year, we are also celebrating Silent Voice Ca...
08/14/2025

Silent Voice Canada invites you to our 4th annual Welcoming Week BBQ. This year, we are also celebrating Silent Voice Canada’s 50th anniversary of serving in the Deaf community!

More information is coming out soon.

Also, don’t forget to bring your ideas for a new name for Silent Voice Canada! Deadline for your ideas is September 30.

Credit Cards and Interest Workshop with the Durham Deaf Services! When: August 7th, 2025, from 10 am to 12 pmWhere: In-P...
08/05/2025

Credit Cards and Interest Workshop with the Durham Deaf Services!

When: August 7th, 2025, from 10 am to 12 pm

Where: In-Person at DDS Office or on Zoom (YOU PICK!)

Please RSVP: rds@silentvoice.ca

Durham Deaf Services, a division of Silent Voice Canada, attended the Durham Regional Police Services Youth in Policing ...
07/11/2025

Durham Deaf Services, a division of Silent Voice Canada, attended the Durham Regional Police Services Youth in Policing (YIP) - Day of Interactive Experiences as a guest organization.

We truly enjoyed teaching the youth about the Deaf Community and introducing some basic ASL!

Huge thanks to Detective Martin Franssen for inviting us!
Durham Deaf Services, a division of Silent Voice Canada, attended the Durham Regional Police Services Youth in Policing (YIP) - Day of Interactive Experiences as a guest organization.

We truly enjoyed teaching the youth about the Deaf Community and introducing some basic ASL!

Huge thanks to Detective Martin Franssen for inviting us!

Durham Deaf Services invites you to the 2025 Summer Workshops! There will be 5 workshops throughout the summer!1. Public...
07/07/2025

Durham Deaf Services invites you to the 2025 Summer Workshops! There will be 5 workshops throughout the summer!

1. Public Transportation on Thursday, July 17th
2. Canada Disability Benefits on Thursday, July 24th
3. Will and Estate Planning on Thursday, July 31st
4. Credit Cards and Interest on Thursday, August 7th
5. Tenant and Landlord Rights on Thursday, August 14th

The workshops will be held either in person at Durham Deaf Services or via Zoom.

Please RSVP: rds@silentvoice.ca

07/02/2025
06/25/2025

Our 2nd Online 50/50 Raffle fundraiser is wrapped! The total jackpot was $410.00, meaning the winner takes home $205.00!

The lucky winner of $205.00 is Sarah Stadnicki!

Congratulations Sarah, and thank you to all who supported our fundraisers today!

06/25/2025

SLSP Camp is just around the corner, and we’re getting ready for a fun-filled summer!
You can help make it extra special! Our program is always in need of supplies, and we’ve created an Amazon Wish List to make giving easy. Any contribution would go a long way in supporting our campers and would be deeply appreciated!

Shop here: https://a.co/bGEwcQK

06/25/2025

Our Summer Basket Raffle winner is Krista McNeil!!

Congratulations Krista.

Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets or volunteered selling tickets!

Silent Voice Canada

06/16/2025

Exciting for CODAs (Children of the Deaf Adults)! There's a retreat, "East Coast CODA Retreat," happening from August 8th to 10th in Moncton, NB!

A huge shoutout to everyone who supported our recent Value Villager fundraiser! We collected over 3,000 lbs worth of it...
06/10/2025

A huge shoutout to everyone who supported our recent Value Villager fundraiser! We collected over 3,000 lbs worth of items all thanks to you!

Address

900 King Street East
Oshawa, ON
L1H 1H2

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19055793328

Website

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Our Story

• Deaf Adult Upgrading Program DDS provides a literacy program, in American Sign Language, for Deaf adults that want to improve their literacy skills in the following areas: reading, writing, numeracy/math, computers and employment preparation. • American Sign Language (ASL) Instruction An introductory course is offered at the centre for those that prefer a basic non-credit course. • Interpreting Services Qualified ASL/English interpreters can be booked the Ontario Interpreting Services (OIS) at the Canadian Hearing Society office in Oshawa.

• Community Support Services Individuals can get assistance with telephone calls, filling out forms, reading correspondence, making appointments, etc. • Children’s Programs DDS hosts an integrated recreation program for children, both Deaf and hearing. Activities include Christmas, Valentine’s, Easter and Halloween parties. • Public Education Presentations DDS can provide a speaker to visit service clubs, schools, businesses and other organizations to provide information about the differences between the Deaf and hearing communities, communication tips, technical devices used by Deaf individuals, ASL, hearing ear dogs, accessibility issues and solutions, Deaf culture and accommodations in the workplace for Deaf employees. There is no fee charged for this service but a donation to the agency to help cover the cost of the interpreter is appreciated. • Workshops Workshops are provided throughout the year on a number of topics for interpreters and the Deaf community. Past workshops: Boat Safety, CPR, First Aid, ASL instructor training, wills/power of attorney and cemetery arrangements, parenting for Deaf parents and professional development for ASL/English interpreters. • Information and Referral Services DDS is available to answer inquiries about current and upcoming programs and services and will make a referral to the appropriate agency if required. • Durham Deaf Club DDS is home to the Durham Deaf Club. The club welcomes both Deaf and hearing members of all ages. Socials for the club take place on Saturdays. • Oshawa Deaf Senior Citizens Social events for Deaf seniors happen on Wednesday afternoons at the centre.