May/June 2022

Did You Know: Hearing loss and Ableism

There is a wide variety of different types of hearing loss and communication preferences between people with hearing differences. If you have met one deaf person you have met one deaf person. People who have typical hearing often do not understand the challenges faced by people who have hearing differences. They take their hearing for granted. They can go through the drive thru, concerts, watch movies, and play sports without worrying about missing important auditory information. People who are deaf and hard of hearing don't have that privilege. They have to preplan what they will do and extend extra effort to "hear" in a world of sounds. Check out these links for more information:

Deaf People Going Through The Drive Thru! HOW?

The Harmful Ableist Language You Unknowingly Use

I'm Deaf and I Have Perfect Speech. Here's Why It's Actually A Nightmare.

Parent Resources

College Tuition Waiver for Students who are DHH

Minnesota Statute allows students who are deaf/hard of hearing to attend the University of Minnesota or Minnesota State Colleges with a tuition waiver. Here's the link to the statute.

Scholarships for students who are DHH

Check out this list of scholarships for students who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Minnesota Hands and Voices

has some fun upcoming events. Check them out in the activities section below and register if interested. Also check out the Hands and voices parent newsletter at https://www.mnhandsandvoices.org/news-events/focus-newsletter

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Guide

Many students who are deaf and hard of hearing have never met someone just like them and may be struggling with their identity as a hard of hearing or deaf person. Would you like to connect with a DHH role model in your area that could meet with your child outside of school and help them learn about things like peer friendships, using technology, self-esteem and identity, and thinking about the future? Lifetrack in Minnesota offers a program that you should take advantage of! Learn more about the program HERE and read about the guides in Minnesota.

Lifetrack Deaf Mentor

The Deaf Mentor family program is offered to families who have a deaf or hard of hearing child. They work with families and use research-based curriculum to promote communication and language skills. For more information about the program click HERE.

Book Recommendation

The Sign For Home

by Blair Fell

Arlo Dilly is young, handsome and eager to meet the right girl. He also happens to be DeafBlind, a Jehovah’s Witness, and under the strict guardianship of his controlling uncle. His chances of finding someone to love seem slim to none. And yet, it happened once before: many years ago, at a boarding school for the Deaf, Arlo met the love of his life—a mysterious girl with onyx eyes and beautifully expressive hands which told him the most amazing stories. But tragedy struck, and their love was lost forever.