The Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre (IDHHC) in Victoria has permanently closed after 35 years of providing essential services to Vancouver Island's Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The organization announced its shutdown on June 26, 2026, citing financial challenges and an inability to sustain operations.
End of an era for community support
Founded in 1991, IDHHC served thousands of clients across Vancouver Island, offering American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, hearing aid support, and advocacy. The closure leaves a significant gap in services, as no other organization in the region provides the same comprehensive support.
According to a statement from the centre's board, the decision was made after exhausting all options to secure stable funding. The organization had relied on a mix of government grants, donations, and fee-for-service revenue, but rising costs and declining funding made continued operations impossible.
Impact on the Deaf community
The closure has deeply affected clients and staff. One long-time client, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "This centre was a lifeline. Without it, many of us will struggle to access basic services like medical appointments and legal aid." The centre had also provided employment and volunteer opportunities for Deaf individuals.
IDHHC's executive director, Sarah Thompson, expressed gratitude for community support over the decades. "We are heartbroken to close, but we are proud of the work we've done. We urge the government and other organizations to step up and fill this void," she said in the announcement.
Financial struggles and systemic issues
The centre's financial troubles reflect broader challenges faced by non-profit organizations serving marginalized communities. A 2025 report by the British Columbia Non-Profit Housing Association found that 40% of social service non-profits in the province were at risk of closure due to funding shortfalls.
IDHHC had recently launched a fundraising campaign to raise $200,000 to keep its doors open, but it fell short of its goal. The board noted that the pandemic exacerbated financial pressures, as many fundraising events were cancelled and demand for services increased.
What happens next?
Clients are being directed to other resources, including the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Vancouver and online ASL interpretation services. However, advocates warn that these alternatives are insufficient for the island's dispersed population.
The closure has prompted calls for provincial and federal action. The British Columbia government has not yet announced any new funding for Deaf services on Vancouver Island. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction said they are "reviewing the situation" but provided no timeline for a response.
