October 2020
Did You Know: Corona Virus and Access
The Corona Virus and CDC guidelines have changed they way that we live. Changes have affected people who are deaf and hard of hearing because they have less access in many situations. Watch these videos for more information on how you can support people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Social Justice Corner
COVID has limited our children's opportunities to learn and have healthy discussions with peers and teachers about racial injustice and racial inequity following the murder of George Floyd. It is important that we have conversations with our children and answer their questions honestly. Children who are deaf and hard of hearing often miss overhearing conversations and miss critical information. They can be confused and worried about the world around them. It is important to talk openly with them about what we are experiencing and seeing in our community. Here are some tips for taking to them about racial injustice and racial inequality.
Be honest. Discuss differences openly and model how to treat others with respect. Make sure that your words and behaviors aline.
Get involved. Answer questions kids have about diversity. Call out biases or prejudice when you see it in your family and in public. Encourage activism with your child and peers.
Foster pride. Help children to understand their family heritage and acknowledge others have different family heritage. Have conversations and make opportunities to learn about people with different backgrounds.
For more tips and information visit these websites:
MN Hands and Voices How to Talk to Children About Tolerance and Racial Justice
Did You Know: Show's on Netflix with DHH Characters
Deaf U comes out in October on Netflix. Produced by deaf advocate and actor Nyle DiMarco, Deaf U’s cast includes students at Gallaudet University, a private college in Washington D.C. that caters to the deaf and hard of hearing.
Feel the Beat: After blowing a Broadway audition, a self-centered dancer reluctantly returns home and agrees to coach a squad of young misfits for a big competition
A Silent Voice: A former class bully reaches out to the deaf girl he'd tormented in grade school. He feels unworthy of redemption but tries to make things right.
The Society: When everyone else mysteriously vanishes from their wealthy town, the teen residents of West Ham must forge their own society to survive.
Tales of the City: Returning to San Francisco after a long absence, Mary Ann Singleton reunites with the community of characters at 28 Barbary Lane.
You: A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by.
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 Recommendation
That Deaf Guy A Wild Ride
by Matt Dalgle
"That Deaf Guy: A Wild Ride!" by Matt and Kay Daigle is a 8.5" x 8.5" humor book featuring a 140+ pages of the very best of "That Deaf Guy" webcomic strip (2012-14).
Suggested reading for ages 3 and over
Upcoming Activities
Advocating for your DHH Child/Students Drop-in Events
Educational advocacy, support, and training by Hands & Voices
More information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/educational-advocacy-support-and-training-astra-tickets-116424704425
Deaf Culture Art Festival
The Deaf Cultural Festival goes virtual this year! Learn more about Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL) from Deaf artists, poets, and storytellers through art activities, ASL storytelling and performances.
https://nelson-atkins.org/nelson-atkins-at-home/deaf-cultural-festival/