January 2022
Did You Know: ASL Nook
ASL Nook is an online hub of videos where a Deaf family teaches ASL in a casual, fun way to put people at ease in learning the natural language of the Deaf. This website features many videos with signed stories, activities and more. Check out ASL Nook's website and learn some new signs.
Parent Resources
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
Charlie & Frog Series
by Karen Kane
Charlie's parents have left him (again). This time they are off to South Africa to help giant golden moles. And Charlie? He's been dumped with his TV-obsessed grandparents. Lonely and curious, Charlie heads into the village of Castle-on-the-Hudson, where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message-in sign language. When she suddenly disappears, Charlie is determined to find answers. Frog, who is Deaf, would rather be solving crimes than working at the Flying Hands Cafe. When Charlie Tickler walks into the cafe looking for help, Frog jumps at the chance to tackle a real-life case. Together, Charlie and Frog set out to decipher a series of clues and uncover the truth behind the missing woman's mysterious message. Charlie needs to learn American Sign Language (fast) to keep up with quick-witted Frog. And Frog needs to gather her detective know-how (now) to break the case before it's too late. Discover the surprising ways people listen in debut author Karen Kane's page-turning mystery filled with humor, intrigue, and heartwarming friendships.
Charlie is the new kid at Castle School for the Deaf and one of the few students who is hearing. It's hard to keep up (and fit in) when you don't know American Sign Language. That's why Charlie missed the most important detail of all about the Legend of the Boney Hand. It's real! And when the Boney Hand goes missing, outsider Charlie is suspect number one. Francine (aka Frog) Castle wants to be understood. Frog has been at Castle School for the Deaf her entire life. It's hard to break away (and stand out) when people don't take you seriously. That's why Frog desperately wants to solve a mystery and show the world who she really is: a detective. But when the Boney Hand goes missing, insider Frog is suspect number two. Together, Charlie and Frog must uncover the facts about an old legend and solve their latest case before the trail goes cold. It will take the help of unexpected friends and a daring race against the clock to finally reveal the truth.
Upcoming Activities
1/3/22
7:00-8:00pm
Hands and Voices Zoom event answering questions about advocating for children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
1/15/22
10:30-12:30 online
MN H&V Parent Guide Marie Pank and MNH&V DHH Guide Shelby Geldon will lead a discussion about Marlee Matlin and Doug Cooney’s book, “Nobody’s Perfect”. This event is best for students ages 10 through 16, but anyone interested in the book can join. One parent/guardian is required to attend.
1/25/22
6:00pm
This is great for parents who have a child who has been newly identified with a hearing difference, regardless of the child's age, Reside in states/territories with limited opportunity, Have not experienced the opportunity to meet and connect with D/HH Adults
