Deaf Empowerment Program

The Deaf Empowerment Program is an academic upgrading program for deaf adults and provides instruction in math, reading, writing, basic computer and employability skills.  Learners may attend the full-time day program, Monday to Friday, at the Fennell Campus or night school classes at the Fennell or Brantford campuses.  Offering continuous intake, this is a learning outcomes based literacy program taught in ASL by deaf instructors in a learner-centred environment.  Ontario residents, eligible to work in Ontario, may attend these programs at no cost, full or part-time, day or evening.

DEP pdf flyer

Program Overview
The DEP program is designed and facilitated in a bi-literacy environment to allow Deaf adults who wish to further their post-secondary education and/or training program opportunities.

DEP is open to those over 18 years and are:

Deaf

Deaf-Blind

Hard of Hearing (knowledge in ASL)

Deafened

DEP is provided in a barrier free classroom setting with deaf instructors facilitating in ASL by using the learner centred approach. Special Support Allowances reimburses a portion of child care and transportation costs while learners are enrolled in the LBS/DEP Program. (Certain eligibility requirements apply.)

Program Outcomes

Bi-literacy Environment
Learner Centred Approach
Academic Upgrading
Communication Skills
Numeracy
Employability Skills
Personal Development
Problem Solving
Independence
Computer Technology
Computer Software Applications
ASL Refresher
Deaf Culture
Job Readiness/Placements
Advocacy
Current Events and Trends
Group Projects

Information Sessions
The information sessions usually take place 2-3 weeks before the DEP program start date. During the information sessions, learner assessments, testing and interviews will be done to determine the learner's goals. Assessments also take place throughout the year.

Program Length
The Deaf Empowerment Program operates between September and the end of June.

Daytime Classes
Fennell Campus -  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3:00 pm

Evening Classes
Brant Campus -  Wednesdays 6:00pm - 9:00 pm

Program Costs
No cost to you; the program is fully funded by the Government of Ontario.

For further information, please contact:

Sheila Safranyos, Community Training Solutions
Room J137    Fennell Campus
TTY (905) 575-2436
Voice (905) 575-2029 or (519) 759-7200 ext.2029
Email DEP Administration
For more information, please call Voice: (905) 575-2029, TTY: (905) 575-2436, email the Deaf Empowerment Program 

  This Employment Ontario program is funded by the Ontario Government.

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