Did You Know: Accessibility during the Biden Harris Inauguration

Did you know that the Inauguration of President Biden had a cued speech transliterator for the first time ever! There was also a certified Deaf interpreter for ASL presentation, Live closed captioning, and stream text in addition to audio descriptions for the blind. The presidential inaugural committee made accessibility for people who are Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing a priority at all aspects of the ceremonies and events of the inauguration for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Read more about accessibility at the inauguration here.

Social Justice Corner

Deaf people of color have a strong opinion about the possible name signs given to Biden and Harris. A group of Deaf women of color met to create a name sign honoring Kamala Harris. Watch as Nadia Nadarajah explains how this group of women created a name sign for Harris or read about it here. The watch this video to learn the sign they created for Kamala Harris.

There have been several suggestions for name signs for Joe Biden. You can read about those here, here, and here. Nakia Smith a Deaf influencer had something to say about the sign some people had chosen for Biden. Watch her video here to learn more. An possible name sign that is being considered can be viewed here.

Parent Resources

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.

Upcoming Activities