About DDS
Over 40 Years in our Community
In 1980, a group of concerned people met in the St. Albert Church in Oshawa to talk about the need for Deaf Services and a Sign Language course to be offered in the area. It was from this meeting that the seeds of Durham Deaf Services, then known as the Oshawa Deaf Centre (ODC), were sown.
In 1995 the Oshawa Deaf Centre changed its name to Durham Deaf Services. Naturally, with the change in the name, came the change in mission statement:
“Durham Deaf Services Incorporated offers quality services and programs that promote self-reliance within the Deaf and Hard of hearing community.”
Vision:
An inclusive society free of barriers and discrimination of Deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing people.
Mission:
To promote independence and autonomy for all in the Deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing community through the elimination of barriers to participation and through the preservation of Deaf culture, language, and heritage.
Values:
Our values guide our decisions, actions, and service to our community.
Advocacy
Proactively advocate for the rights, equal access, and inclusion of the Deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing community.
Collaboration
To work with and serve the Deaf and hard of hearing community in partnership with stakeholders, with the goal of creating a barrier-free society.
Inclusion
Committed to building and maintaining an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates all people of diverse backgrounds; a place where people can belong, connect and grow.
Durham Deaf Services
900 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1H2
Phone: (905) 579-3328 Voice/Text
Fax: (905) 728-1183 Email: info@durhamdeaf.org
Office Hours:
Mon - Thurs
8:30 - 4:30
Fri - Sun: closed