Manitoba Deaf Community

10/02/2026

This October, Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates Manitobans with disabilities and the important contributions they make to our economy. Learn how to make your workplace more accessible at https://bit.ly/3Ac1GS2.

10/02/2026

Manitoba Government Expands Cabinet with New Roles for First Responders and Accessibility https://bit.ly/4yZZ8z8

09/23/2026

Across Manitoba, Deaf flags are rising today 💙💛

The flag represents who we are: turquoise for Deaf community, sign languages, unity and pride, yellow for light and life, and hands that reach beyond borders.

The Deaf flags have been raised across Manitoba to celebrate International Day of Sign Languages and Deaf people!

Sign languages matter. Deaf culture matters. Inclusion matters.

Happy IDSL to our community, families, interpreters, allies and CODAs across Manitoba.

Video description: Deaf flag with light blue, dark blue and yellow pattern waving on a flagpole over flat Manitoba prairie fields under a heavy cloudy sky.

09/23/2026

“Sign language had never needed a rebrand.” 💯

09/23/2026

Today is the International Day of Sign Languages. All this week, from September 21 to 27, communities around the world mark the International Week of Deaf People.

Barrier-Free Manitoba celebrates Deaf, hard of hearing and Deaf-Blind Manitobans. We honour American Sign Language, Quebec Sign Language, Indigenous sign languages and tactile sign languages. Each one is a full language with its own grammar, culture and history.

The World Federation of the Deaf was formed on September 23, 1951. This year the federation turns 75. The world also marks 20 years since the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The 2026 theme says it clearly. Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights.

Manitoba has a proud history here. In 1988, Manitoba became the first province to recognize ASL. This year, the Legislature passed The Sign Languages Recognition Act.

We welcome this step. But a Deaf presenter told a legislative committee this spring that recognition alone does not change lives. We agree. Rights need action. Deaf Manitobans need sign language access at the doctor, at school, at work and in public services. Deaf people must lead the decisions that affect their lives.

Accessibility is a human right. The Accessibility for Manitobans Act exists to remove barriers, including communication barriers. We call on the Province to put sign language access at the centre of that work.

This week, learn a few signs. Follow a Deaf-led organization. Ask the places you visit how they serve Deaf customers.

09/23/2026

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, Cheryle Broszeit, American Sign...

09/23/2026

💙💙💙

is pleased to join other city organizations and landmarks participating in the Blue Light Campaign, organized by Canadian Association of the Deaf/L'Association des Sourds du Canada and the Manitoba Deaf Association - MDA

Wesley Hall and the centenary rock will be lit blue the night of September 23 in support of the International Day of Sign Languages and the International Week of Deaf People (September 21-27).

UWinnipeg is committed to facilitating and promoting an accessible learning environment in which all students can participate fully in all aspects of campus life.

Learn more about the Blue Light Campaign here ➡️ https://buff.ly/eCCwKXN and learn about campus accessibility supports available here ➡️ https://buff.ly/jiyFFEC

Photo: MB Deaf Association

09/17/2026

08/26/2026

💛 Love seen on The Kelly Clarkson Show

We watched a beautiful moment where Kelly Clarkson was chatting with a mama of a Deaf child.

She shared how she chose to learn ASL, Deaf history, and Deaf culture — not instead of her child's cochlear implants, but alongside them — so she could truly connect with her child in their language.

And then her neighbours did something amazing. They all signed up to learn ASL too, so her child would feel included and have people to talk to right on their own street.

That is what language, community, and love looks like.

To every parent in Manitoba who is just starting this journey with a Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing baby or child — you are not alone. You don't have to choose between love and language.

Follow Manitoba Deaf Community to connect with people who are creating a truly inclusive community and want what’s best for our Deaf babies and children.

Whether your child uses ASL, cochlear implants, hearing aids, spoken language, or a beautiful combination — you belong here. Your baby belongs here. Your whole family belongs here. We are here to learn with you, share with you, and celebrate your child with you. 🤟

07/16/2026

Hearing parents of Deaf babies are still often told they have to pick one: spoken English or ASL. You don’t.

Your Deaf child can learn both, and having access to ASL from the start gives them more ways to communicate, connect, and thrive.

You have options, and you have support.