Deaf speak at Belleville council

For the third year Belleville City Council held a forum at city hall for the deaf community.

Members of the comunity packed the council chambers to listen to councillors and question them.

Speaking through interpreter Erika Tilling, deaf spokesperson Margurite Constable said the top issues are employment and a wish for a deaf centre.

Constable said the deaf community has its own language and culture but works in a hearing world. There is a large deaf community in Belleville since the Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf is located here.

Constable said she felt there were improved relations with the city since the meetings with council began.