Seniors’ deaf retreat wraps up in Sudbury

A three-day retreat for deaf seniors, hosted by the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf, concluded Monday. Amanda Hicks reports.

A three-day retreat for deaf seniors concluded in Greater Sudbury on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the local deaf community. Hosted by the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf, the event drew between 70 and 80 participants from across Ontario, serving as both a social gathering and a powerful introduction to the centre’s new northern branch. For many attendees, the retreat was a long-awaited reunion.

This was the first time Sudbury has had the opportunity to host the annual retreat, signaling a growing presence and support network for deaf individuals in the region.

“People are here from all over Ontario, and some of them haven’t seen each other in 25 to 30 years,” said Derek Rumball, president of the centre.

“So, it’s really terrific that they’re all here.”

Weekend of activity and cross-cultural exchange

The retreat was packed with diverse activities designed for engagement and enjoyment. The schedule included line dancing, nature walks, various crafts, dream catcher making and a presentation given by an Indigenous deaf woman. The event wrapped up with a final breakfast and a group visit to Science North.

For participants like Denise Jarbeau, who traveled from Webbwood, the social connection was the highlight. She noted the interesting dynamic of different signing languages coming together.

“Everybody signs differently,” Jarbeau said.

“You try to figure out what people are saying… I use Quebec Sign Language (LSQ) and we are socializing with American Sign Language (ASL). Not everybody’s francophone in the room. So, you know, I like learning from other people.”

This cross-cultural and linguistic exchange underscored the event’s role in reducing isolation and building a broader, more inclusive community.

Sudbury centre fills a critical void for northern deaf community

The retreat also served to raise awareness about the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf’s new permanent location on Paris Street in Sudbury, which officially opened its doors in March. Natalie Lamondin, director of community services and programs with the Sudbury chapter, said the event helped solidify their presence.

“I think it opens the door in letting people know that we’re here and we’re present in the community and that, we’re welcoming anybody who is coming through town,” Lamondin said, noting they have already welcomed international visitors.

The establishment of the centre was a direct response to a critical need in the north.

“For our deaf community, there was no social outlet,” said Rumball.

“There were very limited services and support, for even something as a simple as a medical appointment. Then, covid changed the world and we reacted to that, saying we really need to have a presence in the north. So that’s how we started.”

The centre’s launch was made possible largely through support from the local Lions Club, which provided a physical building. Lamondin described the centre as a “game changer” for Sudbury and the northeast, offering a dedicated space for a community that previously had nowhere to gather.

“The deaf had nowhere to go to gather before, they were gathering at Tim Hortons and they would have their coffee chats there,” she said.

“Now they have a designated room where they can do crafts and have meals together, potlucks and it’s a free environment for them to come before they had to rent everything.”

For participants like Denise Jarbeau, this dedicated hub is vital for combating the profound isolation felt by many.

“People up north are very isolated. People are language-deprived because they’re not socializing,” she said.

“It’s important for them to keep their language because it’s their language and it just hurts to see people isolated and alone. But you know, it will come.”

With programming continuing to ramp up monthly, the officials with the centre promise it will have a lasting and transformative impact on the community.