Canadian Hearing Society Shines Light on Everyday

Toronto, ON, May 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It’s no secret that Canadians who are Deaf or hard of hearing face greater societal barriers than those who are hearing. Despite these challenges, thousands of Canadians are working everyday to break down these barriers and improve access and inclusion for everyone.

To recognize the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of these individuals, the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) is proud to launch its latest awareness and fundraising campaign: “Breaking Barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Canadians.”

“Breaking down barriers is what we strive to do everyday at CHS,” says Julia Dumanian, CEO of the Canadian Hearing Society. “But the stories we hear from individuals, young and old, from coast to coast to coast, who take it upon themselves to make an impact by improving their lives and the lives of others are truly inspiring and are worthy of recognition. We hope that by sharing these stories we inspire others to act.”

The “Breaking Barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Canadians” campaign consists of a photo and video voting contest with a national awareness and fundraising campaign that runs from May 11 to June 22, 2018. The initiative is an opportunity for Canadians to share their personal stories describing how they are breaking down barriers for Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians.

Participants enter the contest by submitting a photo with their personal story in writing or in video format. Once entered, participants will share their story allowing Canadians to vote and donate in support of the CHS National Scholarship Program .

The top three individuals who receive the most public votes over the 6-week contest will win fantastic prizes courtesy of Enginess. Each week, participants, voters and donors will also have a chance to win spot prizes, including gift cards from Amazon.ca.

“We are proud to support CHS and the Breaking Barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Canadians Campaign,” says Oren Shapiro, VP, Operations. “At Enginess, we are passionate about giving back and believe all Canadians should have equal access. It’s an honour to shine a light on individuals from across Canada who are doing their part to break down barriers in their communities.”

Share your story and enter the contest or vote for your favorite story today at: www.chs.ca/BreakingBarriers .

For more information on CHS’ fundraising activities please visit: www.chs.ca/ways-to-give .

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About the National Scholarship Program

CHS’ National Scholarship Program is uniquely inclusive of Deaf and hard of hearing students. Selection criteria are based on community involvement, character references, and a demonstrated commitment to transform the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians – and not on grades or individual student performance indicators. $3,000 (full-time) and $1,000 (part-time) scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students, including mature students attending any accredited institution inside or outside of Canada.

About the Canadian Hearing Society

Trusted since 1940, the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) provides industry-leading products, programs and services to people who are Deaf and hard of hearing to ensure barrier-free communication access and increased quality of life. As the largest independent, registered non-profit organization of its kind in Canada, CHS experts advises other organizations and all levels of government on creating more accessible environments. To learn more, visit www.chs.ca .

About Enginess

Enginess is a Toronto-based digital consultancy. We help our clients realize the potential of digital technology. We shape strategies for business processes and deliver solutions that enhance customer experience, improve efficiencies, generate new market opportunities, and redefine value creation for industries. We consult, analyze, and design user experiences that exemplify your business requirements, user needs, and industry demands. We also perform implementation, focusing on system and information architecture, usability and programming, all with an eye to achieving better business outcomes. Over the past 18 years, we’ve built a strong reputation for consistently delivering high-quality customer service, and for our ability to handle complex digital strategy and development assignments. For more information about Enginess, please visit www.enginess.io .

Josh Tucker, Communications Manager Canadian Hearing Society 416-919-1324 jtucker@chs.ca Pam Feldman, Director, Fundraising & Scholarships Canadian Hearing Society 866-518-0000 ext 4268 pfeldman@chs.ca