May 2020
Did You Know: Communication with Face Masks
The CDC is now suggesting that everyone wears a face mask when outside of the home to protect against infection from CoVid-19. This poses some challenges for people who are deaf and hard of hearing who rely on facial expressions and lip reading to understand what is being said. Face masks also muffle the sound and will make understanding the auditory information more challenging. Here are some helpful tips:
- keep paper and pencil with you incase you need to write notes.
- make sure those around you know that you have a hearing difference and may need repetition.
- use signs or gestures to clarify information.
- be patient
- ask for clarification
- speak clearly
To make your own communicator face mask check out this link: https://deafhhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Communicator-Face-Mask.pdf
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.
College Scholarships for Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Is your child in the process of applying to college? HERE is a list of available scholarships for students with hearing differences.
Book Recommendations
Super Kena by Becky Cymbaluk
Fierceness comes in many forms, but Super Kena’s fierceness arrives in the form of powerful determination. When kids at school make fun of her hearing aids, Kena gets a super idea. She will gather her differently-abled classmates to create a team of superheroes! There’s Amazing Anna, whose glasses give her perfect vision. An insulin pump helps Watchful Wendy fight her diabetes. Using his super wheelchair to zip around is Zippy Zach. Quiet Quinn battles his stutter with the help of a speech teacher. A food allergy is no match for Precise Priya, who always makes sure to be careful around peanuts. And Determined Danny can run as fast as the wind with the power of his asthma inhaler! Together they use their unique super powers to make a difference in the world by spreading understanding and acceptance . . . one classroom at a time.
Upcoming Activities
DHH Family Camp
6/22/20-6/26/2020
Register at camponomia.campbrainregistration.com
or email mndhhffcamp@gmail.com for more information.
MN Hands & Voices Family Picnic
8/6/20 5:00-8:30
Como Park Midway Pavilion
Sanneh Free Summer DHH Soccer Camp
8/17 - 8/20 1:00pm-3:30pm
Visit The Sanneh Foudation Camp's Website for more information