November 8, 1996
(Social Services)

The Department of Social Services recently awarded a contract to the Newfoundland Coordinating Council on Deafness (NCCD) for the provision of Visual Language Interpreter Services for people throughout the province who are deaf or hard of hearing. This contract will have effect from November 1 and will be for a period of one year. The contract will ensure the provision of interpreter services in a number of defined settings, including medical, legal, employment, social services and education. The service provider will deliver services on an as needed, prioritized basis to consumers.

The department announced that the provision of Educational Support Services to students who are deaf or hard of hearing will continue to be provided by NCCD, pending the outcome of a program review which will be carried out by the Department of Social Services, NCCD, community organizations, consumers and stakeholders. This review will begin immediately and will focus on services provided to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing which are not covered by the Interpreter Services contract. The review will be completed within several months.

Consumers who require services should contact NCCD in St. John's at (709) 576-4592.

Contact: Glenn Bruce, Director of Communications, 729-4062