The Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf (BRCD) has served the deaf community for over 30 years, operating as both a community center and service provider. BRCD offers childcare for deaf children aged 0-6, and works with organizations supporting the deaf community. While BRCD provides many accessible programs and services, it faces barriers such as limited transportation options, a reliance on American Sign Language, and a lack of weekend programming. Overall, BRCD upholds its mission of enhancing independence and culture for deaf seniors and children.

1. Analysis
Part 2B
The Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf (BRCD) was the leader in starting a facility which has
served the deaf community with sincere care and effort since its inception over thirty years ago.
BRCD operates as a community centre and as service provider for the deaf.
The Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf (BRCD) childcare is available for children aged 0-6 who are
hearing impaired and it provides a free-drop in program to children. BRCD Childcare is the only
childcare that is specifically designed for deaf or hearing impaired children in Canada. BRCD
works with hearing impaired associations and organizations to help serve the deaf community
better. BRCD Childcare provides information and support to TDSB, TCDSB, provincial school
branch outreach, and, infant hearing program, etc.
BRCD provides support to “seniors, those with developmental, physical, health, or mental
health issues, infants and young children, and newcomers to Canada.”1 This esteemed
institution strives to improve the quality of life for deaf people by offering programs and
services that are unique, and offers the access to care, education, and socialization.
BRCD is mostly accessible to the people. However, it is the only centre with childcare services in
Toronto. The centre offers drop in hours on weekdays from 9:30 to 12 PM for ages 0-6 and
older children are not turned away. The centre tries to make services accessible through the
use of drop-in programs, workshops, phone support, etc. However, the timing is a concern
especially for working parents. As the only centre with childcare support in Ontario, it is difficult
for working parents from all over the province to come in during drop-in time.
The centre does not provide transportation for childcare and the parents are responsible for
transporting the children. This is a barrier as it makes it harder for parents. Another barrier
evident is the issue of the use of an alternate form of sign language. BRCD only uses American
Sign Language and when it encounters different forms of sign language, the centre has to call in
interpreters at the expense of the client. This is a barrier as it doesn’t help communication
especially with newcomers who might be used to be different form of sign language. There is
no funding for interpreters. Another barrier is the lack of availability of weekend classes. This
denies the opportunity for many people who work during the weekdays an opportunity to learn
ASL during the weekends at the centre.
BRCD is a noble and great institution which exists to serve the deaf community. It upholds its
values and philosophy of commitment to enhance the lives and self-determination of seniors
and children. It successfully promotes and preserves deaf culture, language, and heritage. It
helps families learn about deaf culture and issues and helps families to adjust and assimilate
very well.
1
http://www2.bobrumball.org/content/3/Centre

2. Individual GC&E Reflection Paper – Part 4
The visit to Bob Rumball Centre for Deaf (BRCD) had a profound impact on me. Prior to
the visit to the centre, I did not know anything about the services for deaf people in Canada.
After the visit, I am deeply amazed by the humanitarian and noble spirit of Senator Bob
Rumball. His contribution to the deaf society is truly amazing. His spirit of building a centre for
deaf people through his contacts despite not being deaf himself is inspirational. A church for deaf
people inside the building is also a great contribution to the community. Bob Rumball is a true
inspiration for everyone and to me. The visit to the agency helped me learn more about Bob
Rumball and the BRCD.
The visit to the agency helped me understand the true power of volunteer spirit and kind
nature. I understood that BRCD runs itself because of volunteers. The atmosphere and the
environment they create at the centre is amazing. After my visit to the child care centre at
BRCD, I wished I could do some service for the deaf/hard of hearing children myself and
volunteer during my spare time.
Through the presentations, I learned that community support organizations like
Woodgreen Homeward Bound Program and East End Community Health Centre serve people
and provide quality health care service and support. Families need resources to survive and
become sustainable in a country like Canada. It is especially difficult for new immigrants and
refugees to settle down easily after coming to a new country. Services such as Woodgreen
Homeward Bound program is extremely beneficial because it teaches technical and computer
skills, helps to enrol in college education, helps attain internships and work experiences and aids
in the preparation for a better future and life. Woodgreen also provides access to safe and
affordable housing. East End Community Health Centre provides accessible health and mental

3. support. Families require this service and these services are essential to achieve sustainability
and equitable distribution at the personal and professional level.
I believe, we as global citizens and Early Childhood Educators have a responsibility and
duty to help transitioning families ease into normalcy. As global citizens, we can use our
knowledge of other cultures and traditions to support families. I am from India; I can use my
knowledge of the country to help support families from there through understanding and
eliminating the language barrier. As an Early Childhood Educator, I can educate people on the
need for a good family life for children in order to be successful. If all of us play our parts as
Early Childhood Educators and Global citizens alike, we can make a difference in the life of
children and help families by giving proper information.