Derek Rumball
President, The Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf
Monte Hardy
CEO, The Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf
The Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf provides critical support to deaf communities through all phases of their lives.
As a deaf person, navigating a world where most people don’t know sign language can be challenging. That’s why organizations that provide accessible and community-focused support for the Deaf are a critical lifeline.
One of those is the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf (BRCCED). For over 50 years, BRCCED has provided a place and services for Deaf people across Ontario, in an accessible, communication-rich environment where the Deaf community can thrive and flourish.
We take our direction from members of the Deaf community in everything we do and bring a deep understanding of the deaf lived experience to the services we provide.
Mediaplanet recently spoke with BRCCED’s President, Derek Rumball, and CEO, Monte Hardy, to learn more about who they are, what they do, and their impact.
Q&A with Derek Rumball, President, and Monte Hardy, CEO
Who is BRCCED?
DR: We are an organization that provides a place, opportunities, and services that are accessible to the Deaf community. We take our direction from members of the Deaf community in everything we do and bring a deep understanding of the deaf lived experience to the services we provide. Our vision is to respect and preserve the language, culture, and heritage of the Deaf community.
Who are the people that work at BRCCED?
MH: I describe them as people with big hearts because of their compassion and sensitivity the needs of deaf people. They are a critical part of who we are. Over half our staff are deaf and the rest can sign in both American Sign Language (ASL) and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ). They see the deaf community as individuals, each one having unique life experiences, dreams, and passions.
What does BRCCED do and what is its impact on the deaf community?
DR: Whether it’s housing, education, support for newcomers, senior care, or navigating the world, we provide diverse supports and services, from infancy through to end of life. Our impact is far reaching and we learn of it especially at the annual Mayfest event when people come up to thank us for things like taking extra time to support them, teaching someone to waterski, or being there for their parents’ final life moments. This would not be possible without our organization’s vision for the Deaf community.
Why does this work remain so important to the communities it serves?
MH: There will always be people looking for a place to sleep on a Friday afternoon or a meal to eat, who cannot express their needs in their own language. BRCCED fills that critical service gap by providing the right services that deaf people need at the right time.
Donations, partnerships, and volunteering
While organizations that serve Deaf communities receive government funding, many rely on additional support to continue providing enhanced services. BRCCED accepts monetary donations as well as specific items for their Summer Camp Wish List. Partnerships with businesses are an optimal way to share resources and expertise to mutual benefit, while the numerous volunteer opportunities allowing for people to immerse themselves in a rich and unique language and culture
To learn more, visit www.bobrumball.org.