Upcoming Events
We offer a variety of virtual online and in person events throughout the year.
A Panel Event Just for Dads
Connecting and Learning from Fellow Dads of Children who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM via Zoom
Calling all Dads! Join Matthew Rickmon, Director of The Washington State Fathers Network and a Panel of Dads as they share their experiences and answer questions on being a dad of a child who is Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing. To create a safe and comfortable space, this event is just for dads.
- Prize drawings for those who attend
- ASL Interpreting provided
- For all other accommodations contact Christine Griffin no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. gbys@wahandsandvoices.org
Save the Date!
Advocacy Support & Training In person Workshop
Saturday, April 20, 2024
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Whether you are just starting out on this journey or are a veteran this workshop is for you! Please join parents, caregivers, professionals, and community members wanting to learn from national Hands & Voices trainers on educational advocacy skills and tools to help ensure the integrity of education for students who are deaf, deaf plus, or hard of hearing.
More details and registration coming soon!
What’s Up Wednesday
A virtual meeting for families of children who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. Come meet other families, ask questions, share support, celebrations and stories. We meet regularly Oct-May (except in Dec) Visit our calendar page for more information.
Online Recorded Webinars
Washington Hands & Voices has partnered with Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth and the Hands & Voices OUR Children Safety Project to bring families relevant information to support your children.
IDEA’s Special Considerations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Presented by Carol Carrothers, Kris Rydeki Ching and Christine Griffin
Is a series of 9 short 5-7 minute recorded sessions on the six Special Considerations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students and using the family input form to convey these needs to your child’s educational team.
In 1997 when Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized, it included specific language that acknowledged the need for consideration of special factors for students who are deaf and hard of hearing – 34 CFR 303.324(2). This webinar series explains each of the six considerations teams must address annually; Language and communication needs, Opportunities for direct communication with peers and professionals, Academic level, Full range of needs, Opportunities for direct instruction in the student’s communication mode or language, and Assistive Communication Devices and Services. (34 CFR 300.5-.6)
Click here to view this webinar series
Parents as Observers, Teachers & Lookouts
Presented by Harold Johnson
Infants and toddlers rely upon their parents to understand and respond to the meaning of their behaviors, e.g., hunger, interest, fear, sleepiness, etc. Parent/child interactions serve to create a connection through which children begin to learn and use the language of their culture. Parent/child interactions also serve to teach children culturally expected behaviors (e.g., “Wave bye, bye”) and safety strategies (e.g., “No! No! Don’t touch that!”). Unfortunately, most parents are unaware of the need to interpret the meaning of their children’s behavior to others, or to insure that individuals who interact with their child will do them no harm. These needs are critical for parents of children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Click here to view this recorded webinar. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.