The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) has taken on a distinct new look with the launch of its new logo, colour scheme and website. The unveiling will take place at CHS's 71st Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held in North York Civic Centre on Saturday June 25, 2011.
In 2008, CHS members, Board of Directors, staff and consumer organizations were invited to provide their input on key elements to further enhance the CHS brand. Early stages of development in the design criteria of the new logo reinforced the need to better reflect the CHS brand "Expertise on Your Terms", and represent the multiple consumer groups, languages and services at CHS.
In March 2011, final designs were approved by CHS Board of Directors to go to a membership vote. With an overwhelming response, CHS members voted and a winning logo design was selected. For the first time the logo embraces both the organization name in full and its well-known acronyms "CHS and SCO". The new branding incorporates new colour and typeface for all CHS marketing collateral.
"Refreshing the CHS logo and a CHS re-brand are a result of a comprehensive strategic planning process that included extensive membership and community consultation. Our consumers play a key role in who we are and what we do," says CHS Board of Directors Chair Len Mitchell. "It is vital we continue to provide programs and specialized services here at CHS to meet the demands of our growing consumer base."
In addition to the logo launch, CHS has taken a bold approach with its redesigned website incorporating user-friendly features, and making it accessible in four languages, American Sign Language (ASL), la langue des signes québécoise (LSQ), English and French. Other firsts for CHS include CHS TV, which will be available at all CHS offices. Content will provide consumers with valuable information and up-to-date news on all the programs and services available at CHS and issues of relevance. The newly enhanced Accessibility Services @ CHS and Accessible Customer Service E-Learning Course will also be highlighted at the AGM.
"Barrier-free access to information and communication, goods and services is what we strive for here at CHS and it's our goal to continue to provide quality services to culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing individuals accessing our programs and services, " says CHS President & CEO Chris Kenopic.
"Expectations are high and we are committed. CHS's strong foundation allows us to lead with innovative approaches to serve all of our consumers."