HLAA of California has partnered with California Hands & Voices to spread awareness about their invaluable programs for parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children. If you’re a parent in this community, you need to know about this exceptional non-profit organization.
California Hands & Voices is dedicated to offering support to families with DHH children, providing guidance in a respectful and non-judgmental way, regardless of language choices, communication tools, or educational approaches. As a parent-driven non-profit, they provide resources, networks, and information to enhance communication access and educational outcomes for your child. https://cahandsandvoices.org/
CA Hands & Voices Programs:
Advocacy, Support, & Training (ASTra): The Hands & Voices ASTra Program is designed to empower parents with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate effectively for their Deaf and Hard of Hearing children within the educational system. The ASTra program not only promotes student self-advocacy but also encourages collaborative partnerships between families and schools to ensure that each child’s unique needs are met. Through ASTra, families gain access to resources, training, and one-on-one support, all aimed at creating the best possible educational outcomes. You can self-refer for free at cahandsandvoices.org/family-support/astra.
Family Camps: These weekend camps offer a variety of fun and engaging activities for the entire family. Children can participate in skits, field games, campfires, and other exciting events designed to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. Parents can attend educational seminars to gain valuable insights and strategies for supporting their Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, while a team of enthusiastic and well-trained volunteers supervises all activities for the kids, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. These camps are held annually across the state: Memorial Weekend in Southern California, Labor Day Weekend in the Inland Valley, and a Fall Weekend in Northern California, making them accessible to families in various regions. https://cahandsandvoices.org/family-camp/
CARES CPRC: The CARES Community Parent Resource Center is dedicated to offering free support and virtual training for families with infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, from birth to age 26. CARES CPRC provides families with essential resources, guidance, and advocacy tools to ensure their children receive the support and services they need. Support is available in both English and Spanish. Whether you’re seeking training opportunities or personalized support, you can register for these valuable resources or self-refer at carescprc.org.
Connect With CA Hands & Voices:
Board of Directors: Meet and connect with their dedicated board of directors, a team of passionate parents and professionals committed to supporting families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. Their combined expertise and personal experiences drive their mission to provide valuable resources and foster inclusive communities. https://cahandsandvoices.org/board-of-directors/
ASTra Advocates: The ASTra educational advocacy team is dedicated to empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the educational system for their Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. They provide support in understanding IEPs, 504 plans, and ensuring that students have access to the resources and accommodations necessary for their success. Their goal is to promote self-advocacy, build strong partnerships between families and schools, and ensure that every child receives an equitable and quality education. https://cahandsandvoices.org/meet-our-team-copy/
Become a Member of CA H&V for as little as $25 a year: https://cahandsandvoices.org/become-a-member/
