Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Western Manitoba

NACTV recently had the opportunity to discuss support services and resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Western Manitoba with Cody Zimmer, an ASL Consultant for the province, and Sander Cabrera, a student in Neepawa.

Cody Zimmer plays a vital role in assisting deaf and hard-of-hearing students in mainstream public schools across Manitoba. He provides access to American Sign Language (ASL), serves as a role model, and helps students develop their language skills and understanding of Deaf culture. His work begins when students first receive services and continues through graduation, ensuring they have the tools to succeed in both school and life beyond. Additionally, he conducts ASL assessments, offers workshops, and helps educators create inclusive learning environments.

Zimmer, who has been in this role for four or five years, is based at the Manitoba School for the Deaf but travels extensively throughout the province. He noted that many public schools lack awareness of Deaf culture and maybe welcoming deaf students for the first time. His work helps bridge that gap by providing schools with cultural information and guidance on setting up classrooms to best support their students.

“I work in mainstream public schools across the province, though my office is at the Manitoba School for the Deaf,” said Zimmer. “Many schools don’t have an understanding of Deaf culture. They may be welcoming deaf students for the first time, and that’s where the Department of Education steps in. We provide cultural information and resources to help schools create an environment where students can learn effectively.”

Zimmer also highlighted the challenges of being the only ASL Consultant for the entire province. His work requires extensive travel, particularly to remote and northern communities, which can be time-consuming.

“I travel a lot, especially to southwestern and northern Manitoba,” he said. “I love visiting students in rural and remote areas, whether in person or virtually. Being physically present helps reduce the isolation that many deaf and hard-of-hearing students already feel. But the travel time can be significant.”

Sander Cabrera shared his experience as a deaf student in Neepawa, where he communicates using a mix of sign language and typing on his phone to interact with friends. His Educational Assistant (EA) helps him navigate school activities, though Zimmer pointed out that EAs and interpreters receive different levels of training. He emphasized the importance of hiring professional interpreters to support students better.

As the demand for support continues to grow, the work of individuals like Zimmer is essential in ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need. Through both in-person visits and virtual consultations, these efforts are helping to create more inclusive learning environments across Manitoba. The goal remains the same: to ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing students can fully engage in their education and have the same opportunities as their hearing peers.