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.

12/18/2025

Silent Voice Canada and Durham Deaf Services will be closed from Monday, December 22, to Sunday, January 4th, for the holiday break. Have a safe holiday!

12/17/2025

Congratulations to our 4th and final Online 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser - Beverly Dooley!

The total jackpot was $785.00 - our biggest yet!

The winner will receive $382.00.

Thank you to everyone who participated in all of our Online 50/50 Raffle Fundraisers!

The earlybird ends on December 2nd! $100 for a ticket to attend the Durham Deaf Club's New Year's Eve Party! Do not miss...
12/09/2025

The earlybird ends on December 2nd! $100 for a ticket to attend the Durham Deaf Club's New Year's Eve Party! Do not miss out on the fun night!

12/09/2025

A new update from Durham Deaf Club about the New Year's Eve Party!

We had such a wonderful time at Durham Deaf Services visiting with Deaf Santa! The kids learned some Christmas ASL, made...
12/03/2025

We had such a wonderful time at Durham Deaf Services visiting with Deaf Santa! The kids learned some Christmas ASL, made festive crafts, enjoyed a fun scavenger hunt, searched high and low for our sneaky elf, and warmed up with yummy hot chocolate. 🎄✨

Durham Deaf Services: a division of Silent Voice Canada, is hosting 50/50 raffle tickets! They are now open!!- 3 tickets...
11/17/2025

Durham Deaf Services: a division of Silent Voice Canada, is hosting 50/50 raffle tickets! They are now open!!

- 3 tickets for $5.00
- 10 tickets for $15.00
- 20 tickets for $25.00
- 40 tickets for $40

Buy your 50/50 Raffle Tickets: https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/durhamdeaf5050_2025_4

Durham Deaf Club presents New Years Eve Party!Join us for our next New Years Eve Party on December 31st, 2025 to celebra...
11/13/2025

Durham Deaf Club presents New Years Eve Party!

Join us for our next New Years Eve Party on December 31st, 2025 to celebrate the new year - 2026!

Early bird tickets are $90.00 until December 2nd, afterwards prices will increase to $100.00.

The event will include door prizes, catered dinner, games, and dancing the night away!

RSVP and e-transfer can be made to durhamdeafclub@gmail.com

Sharing on behalf of Durham Deaf Club (DDC) Durham Deaf Club is hosting a holiday potluck event on November 22nd, 2025.R...
11/12/2025

Sharing on behalf of Durham Deaf Club (DDC)

Durham Deaf Club is hosting a holiday potluck event on November 22nd, 2025.

RSVP and $10.00 payment due by November 15th, 2025.

Email and e-transfer can be made to durhamdeafclub@gmail.com

11/04/2025

✨ Meet Deaf Santa!

Join us for a fun holiday celebration for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, their siblings, and CODAs (ages 4–12)!

Saturday, November 29, 2025
Durham Deaf Services, 900 King St. E, Oshawa
Two sessions: 10:30–11:30 AM or 1:00–2:00 PM

$5 per child

☕ Hot chocolate + a hidden elf to find!

Register by November 21: https://silent-voice.zohobackstage.com/MeetDeafSanta

11/04/2025
11/04/2025

Adults and families are invited to celebrate the season together!
Bring a dish that represents your culture and share the joy of the holidays.
• Learn about cultural holiday celebrations
• Games and activities for all ages
• Meet Deaf Santa and a friend

Saturday, December 6, 2025
1 PM – 4 PM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help – 78 Clifton Rd, Toronto

RSVP by December 1 at rsvp@silentvoice.ca

Come celebrate community, culture, and the holiday spirit with us.

Address

900 King Street East
Oshawa, ON
L1H1H2

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.