Oct
19
to Nov 16

Optimizing Outcomes for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, a webinar series

Dates: Wednesdays October 19, November 2, 9, and 16, 2022, 3-4pm

Registrants will receive a Zoom link for attending live, as well as access to a recording for later viewing, available for 90 days.

Audience: This series is appropriate for families, providers, Special Educators, D/HH/D+ adults, and any other related stakeholders.

*Please note, figures and numerical data in this series will be specific to Vermont, but all participants are welcome, regardless of location; all other information within the series is universal.

Webinar Description: The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) has published a set of educational guidelines for students who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, which provides information on legal requirements, best practices, and implementation. The guidelines end with a self-assessment checklist that can be used by programs to identify strengths and areas in need of improvement, as well as a template to help plan specific steps toward improvement.

Co-editor Dr. Cheryl D. Johnson will give an overview of critical issues in Deaf education and an overview of the NASDSE Guidelines, followed by a deeper dive into the individual chapters with opportunity for discussion. These one-hour seminars will be presented virtually in real time and recorded for later viewing. If you attend live, you will have the ability to ask questions of our esteemed presenter.

To learn more about the NASDSE Educational Guidelines, you can view or download them for free at https://deafedguidelines.org/about-the-guidelines/

Presenter: Cheryl D. Johnson, Ed.D., Co-editor, NASDSE 2018 DHH Guidelines

Via her consulting practice, the ADE-vantage, Cheryl has 15+ years of facilitating state and national level projects in deaf education in multiple states. She is also an adjunct assistant professor in the deaf education graduate program in the College of Education at the University of Arizona. Previously Cheryl was a consultant with the Colorado Department of Education providing leadership and technical assistance for deaf and hard of hearing education services statewide.

Accommodations: Sessions will be presented in spoken English, ASL interpreted, and captioned.

Register here

Questions? Email us at vermontnasdse @ vthv.org [email protected]

No CEU’s are offered, but a Certificate of Attendance will be available for live attendance or recorded viewing, after completing a survey for each session. This will be distributed after completion of the series.

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May
20
9:30 AM09:30

Adventure Day: Let’s ROCK!

Adventure Day is a fun-filled day for students in 4th-12th grade who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind to get together and have a blast at Lotus Lake Discovery Center in Williamstown, VT! The theme this year is “Let’s ROCK!” Think rock animals, rock music, rock painting, fort building, friends, smores, and so much more! After such a challenging past two years, making time for in-person team building and social emotional enrichment for children is vital!

Adventure Day will be on Friday May 20th, 9:30-3:00. If a student has a 1:1 support person at the school, that adult is expected to accompany them, or someone else can fill that role if support is needed. Interpreters will be available; the students will include kids who sign and kids who don’t, and students with a range of abilities. Transportation will also be provided from designated “bus stops” around Vermont, which will be determined based on registrations.

Students must register by May 4th at this link:

https://forms.wix.com/2264c82d-d060-4c65-9185-bea80aa2b0c2:58a88375-4523-4e7b-94b9-00c9898f4a9e

This event is FREE for participants, hosted by the DHHDB Educational Services Program, and sponsored by various other agencies. Please email Tracy Hinck <[email protected] data-preserve-html-node="true"> if you have any ​questions.

The DHHDB Educational Services Program operating under UVMMC VT EHDI Program provides services for children (age birth to 22) who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind throughout the state of Vermont. Learn more on the http://dhhdbesp.net website regarding services, staff, and making referrals.

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Accessible Family Hike
May
15
1:00 PM13:00

Accessible Family Hike

Vermont Hands & Voices is hosting a pair of accessible hikes for families of D/deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind kids to meet other families and people in the DHHDB community, and make connections in the beauty of the woods in spring! If you can possibly make either one of the hikes work for your family, please consider making it a priority: it's common for kids in Vermont who have a hearing loss to feel like they're the only one, and it can make a huge difference to meet other children and adults who share some of their experiences, or who sign, or have CIs, or wear hearing aids. Plus it'll be fun!

Both trails can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, so we're hoping to make this event truly accessible to all families, and we welcome DHHDB adults and other members of the community. Leashed dogs welcome, too!

Interpreters will be available; RSVP to [email protected] or 802-399-5092 to let us know you're coming, and what your communication needs are, and we'll be in touch with directions and information about where to meet!

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Accessible Family Hike
May
14
1:00 PM13:00

Accessible Family Hike

Vermont Hands & Voices is hosting a pair of accessible hikes in 2 weeks for families of D/deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind kids to meet other families and people in the DHHDB community, and make connections in the beauty of the woods in spring! If you can possibly make either one of the hikes work for your family, please consider making it a priority: it's common for kids in Vermont who have a hearing loss to feel like they're the only one, and it can make a huge difference to meet other children and adults who share some of their experiences, or who sign, or have CIs, or wear hearing aids. Plus it'll be fun!

Both trails can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, so we're hoping to make this event truly accessible to all families, and we welcome DHHDB adults and other members of the community. Leashed dogs welcome, too!

Interpreters will be available; RSVP to [email protected] or 802-399-5092 to let us know you're coming, and what your communication needs are, and we'll be in touch with directions and information about where to meet!

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Mar
27
1:00 PM13:00

Sugaring Tour and Tasting

Montpelier, VT: Morse Farm — It’s sugaring time with Vermont Hands & Voices!

Vermont Hands & Voices families are invited to gather together for free Sugar on Snow Tours! We will be outside and are excited to see our friends and families again after a long hiatus!

See the sugar woods (some walking/hiking involved—dress for the mess!) Take a tour and learn about how sap is collected and boiled to become maple syrup. Taste some maple syrup or Sugar on Snow!

Leslie will be in front of the sugarhouse, holding a red umbrella. If the sap is running, the sugarhouse will be open for tours and Sugar on Snow. Either way, we can walk the maple trail through the sugarbush and visit with the goats.

RSVP to Leslie Johnson [email protected] or 802-399-5092 so we can look out for you! As with all VT Hands & Voices events, we will provide whatever communication access your kids (or you) need, so let us know your needs when you RSVP, so we can be ready! You can also let Leslie know if you need any other assistance in order to attend this event—WE WANT YOU to join us!

Vermont Hands & Voices will pay the costs for your family.

Contact Leslie: (802) 399-5092 (voice/text).

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Mar
26
1:00 PM13:00

Sugaring Tour and Tasting

Huntington, VT: Vermont Audubon — It’s sugaring time with Vermont Hands & Voices!

Vermont Hands & Voices families are invited to gather together for free Sugar on Snow Tours! We will be outside and are excited to see our friends and families again after a long hiatus!

See the sugar woods (some walking/hiking involved—dress for the mess!) Take a tour and learn about how sap is collected and boiled to become maple syrup. Taste some maple syrup or Sugar on Snow!

Park in the parking lot and take the path to the sugarhouse. Leslie will be at the picnic table nearby, holding a red umbrella. We will have a hike, tour and sugar on snow tasting.

RSVP to Leslie Johnson [email protected] or 802-399-5092 so we can look out for you! As with all VT Hands & Voices events, we will provide whatever communication access your kids (or you) need, so let us know your needs when you RSVP, so we can be ready! You can also let Leslie know if you need any other assistance in order to attend this event—WE WANT YOU to join us!

Vermont Hands & Voices will pay the costs for your family.

Contact Leslie: (802) 399-5092 (voice/text).

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Jan
30
4:00 PM16:00

Teens/Kids Zoom Chat

Vermont Hands & Voices is holding another Zoom chat for D/HH teens and older kids (9ish and up), and we’d love to have your kid/kids join us!

A lot of deaf and hard of hearing kids in Vermont have little or no contact with other DHH kids, and that can feel isolating. Though they have friends in their school and neighborhood, this is a chance to connect with other kids who share some of the same experiences that come with having a hearing loss.

This is a small, friendly group, and we’ll have some time to chat, and do some activities/games that work over Zoom. Kids can attend on their own, or with an older sibling or adult, whatever is most comfortable for them. We will have interpreters available, so they should be able to join in, however they communicate!

Email us at [email protected] for the Zoom link, and tell us your child's name, age, and communication needs and preferences so we can be as welcoming as possible!

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Apr
10
4:00 PM16:00

D/HH teen/tween Zoom chat

Are you a D/deaf or hard of hearing high school, middle school, or elementary student? Would you like to meet and connect with other kids in Vermont with hearing loss?

Come meet other kids and teens across Vermont who are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing — this is a small, friendly group, and we’d love to meet you! We’ll be talking about whatever is on your mind, as you look toward the spring. You can attend on your own, or with an older sibling or adult, whatever is most comfortable for you. We will have interpreters available, so please join us, however you communicate!

Hosted by Vermont Hands & Voices, to connect D/HH kids across Vermont. To get the Zoom link, send us a message at [email protected] or on Facebook at vthandsandvoices, and let us know your name, age, and communication preferences.

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Feb
21
4:00 PM16:00

D/HH teen Zoom chat

Come meet other teens across Vermont who are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing; this is a small, friendly group, and we’d love to meet you! This month, we’d like you to share something that you’re enjoying right now — show your artwork or something you collect, some photos of something you do, or just tell us about it! We will have interpreters and captioning, so please join us, however you communicate!

Hosted by Vermont Hands & Voices, to connect D/HH kids across Vermont; parents are welcome to attend as well. To get the Zoom link, just email [email protected] or send a Facebook Message to https://www.facebook.com/vthandsandvoices/

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Jan
10
3:00 PM15:00

Reduce Stress and Build Resiliency

Porter Knight.jpg

— a free interactive virtual workshop for parents and professionals —

Presenter: Porter Knight, Productivity Vermont

What would it feel like to feel productive and focused throughout the day? Is it even possible to nurture an outlook of calm with technology pervasively at our fingertips in a culture that glamorizes “busy”? In order to effectively support others, we need first to be able to care for ourselves. Living and working healthfully in today’s world is possible, but it requires resolve and attention. In this session you’ll learn simple strategies you can put in place immediately to reduce stress and increase resiliency so you feel better each day and can effectively care for yourself and others.

Preregistration required by January 4.

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Dec
6
3:00 PM15:00

D/HH teen Zoom chat

  • Are you (or do you know) a D/deaf or hard of hearing middle school or high school student?
  • Would you like to meet and connect with other kids in Vermont with hearing loss?
  • Do you have an hour to spare on a Sunday afternoon?

Join us to connect virtually with other teens across Vermont who are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing! You can also chat with some some D/HH young adults who went to high school in Vermont. If you know another teen with hearing loss, invite them to join in! This gathering is being organized by Vermont Hands & Voices, in an effort to help D/HH kids across Vermont find each other and share some of their experiences. Parents are welcome to attend as well. To get the Zoom link, just email [email protected] or send a Facebook Message to https://www.facebook.com/vthandsandvoices/.

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Aug
30
7:00 PM19:00

It’s a new school year! Now what?

VTHV family zoom august.jpg

Vermont Hands & Voices will be hosting family Zoom chats on the last Sunday of each month this summer, from 7–8 pm.

On August 30, we will discuss/brainstorm/support each other about your child’s return to school/services this fall. Bring your concerns and ideas and share them with other Vermont families who have kids who are D/deaf or hard of hearing. Come for as much of the time as you are able!

Please let us know if you have any access needs (captioning/interpreter) so we can have those in place for you! Email us at [email protected] with your request or any other questions.

The Zoom link will be sent to everyone on the VTH&V email list, so if you haven't joined that yet, you can sign up on our membership page.

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Jul
26
7:00 PM19:00

Planning ahead to meet your child’s needs for school this fall

VTHV family zoom july.jpg

Vermont Hands & Voices will be hosting family Zoom chats on the last Sunday of each month this summer, from 7–8 pm.

On July 26, we will discuss/brainstorm/support each other about issues you are thinking about relating to returning to school this fall. Bring your concerns and ideas and share them with other Vermont families who have kids who are D/deaf or hard of hearing. Come for as much of the time as you are able!

Please let us know if you have any access needs (captioning/interpreter) so we can have those in place for you! Email us at [email protected] with your request or any other questions.

The Zoom link will be sent to everyone on the VTH&V email list, so if you haven't joined that yet, you can sign up on our membership page.

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Jun
28
7:00 PM19:00

It’s summer! Now what?

VTHV family zoom.jpg

Vermont Hands & Voices will be hosting family Zoom chats on the last Sunday of each month this summer, from 7–8 pm.

The theme of the first session, on June 28, is “It’s summer! Now what?”. Come and share your ideas for summer activities, help each other with the challenges of how to parent through the Summer of Social Distancing, talk about whatever’s on YOUR mind! You can join us alone or with your kids, and connect with other Vermont families who have kids who are D/deaf or hard of hearing. Come for as much of the time as you are able!

Please let us know if you have any access needs (captioning/interpreter) so we can have those in place for you! Email us at [email protected] with your request or any other questions.

The Zoom link will be sent to everyone on the VTH&V email list, so if you haven't joined that yet, you can sign up on our membership page.

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Dec
14
1:00 PM13:00

Holiday party

What to expect

Catered buffet style lunch (with drinks and dessert!), silent auction, ugly sweater contest, VTAD legislative updates and officer elections, and Signing Santa from 1:00 – 3:00 to visit with kids, read a story and hand out a gift (to each child registered by Dec 1st).

To sign up for a child’s gift, please fill out form at Vermont Association of the Deaf by December 1st.

Please see the flier for more information!

Cost

  • $8 before Dec 1st
  • $10 at the door
  • $5 children 13-17
  • children 12 and under free

Note

Vermont Hands & Voices can pay the admission cost of any of our member families who need a little financial support to help make this fun event affordable — just email [email protected] with the family information by Dec 1st and we’ll put you on the list they’ll have at the door for people who have already paid. Kids 12 and under are free, so just let us know how many teens and adults you’ll have coming. (If you’re not a member, you can join today by signing up at https://vthv.org/membership.)

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Oct
20
1:00 PM13:00

Pumpkin picking & decorating

Williston, VT: Parker Family Pumpkin Patch — Come have fun with other families of children who are D/deaf or hard of hearing while enjoying a classic Vermont fall activity!

Vermont Hands & Voices will pay for a pumpkin for each child in your family.

Contact Leslie: (802) 399-5092 (voice/text). RSVPs not required, but appreciated!

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Oct
19
1:00 PM13:00

Pumpkin picking & decorating

pumpkin flier 2019.jpg

Cabot, VT: Burtt’s Orchard — Come have fun with other families of children who are D/deaf or hard of hearing while enjoying a classic Vermont fall activity!

Vermont Hands & Voices will pay for a pumpkin for each child in your family.

Contact Karen: (802) 793-5617 (voice/text). RSVPs not required, but appreciated!

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Aug
24
10:00 AM10:00

FREE play group morning — Ludlow, Vermont

coinciding with the BCBS VT Hike, Bike, and Paddle

Meet at picnic table with “H&V” sign

Come join Vermont Hands & Voices for a FREE play group morning! With 3 different locations around the state, you’ve got choices of play! Come meet a board member of VTH&V, and get to know other families who have children who are D/deaf/hard of hearing. It doesn’t matter how you communicate or how you play; come for laughs, camaraderie, and end of summer fun!

playground, beach, swimming

Questions? Directions? Contact: Becky (802) 505-1987 (cellular voice/text)

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Aug
24
10:00 AM10:00

FREE play group morning — Marshfield, Vermont

Come join Vermont Hands & Voices for a FREE play group morning! With 3 different locations around the state, you’ve got choices of play! Come meet a board member of VTH&V, and get to know other families who have children who are D/deaf/hard of hearing. It doesn’t matter how you communicate or how you play; come for laughs, camaraderie, and end of summer fun!

playground setting

Questions? Directions? Contact: Karen (802) 793-5617 (cellular voice/text)

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Aug
24
10:00 AM10:00

FREE play group morning — Richmond, Vermont

Come join Vermont Hands & Voices for a FREE play group morning! With 3 different locations around the state, you’ve got choices of play! Come meet a board member of VTH&V, and get to know other families who have children who are D/deaf/hard of hearing. It doesn’t matter how you communicate or how you play; come for laughs, camaraderie, and end of summer fun!

playground setting

Questions? Directions? Contact: Leslie (802) 399-5092 (cellular voice/text)

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Jun
8
11:00 AM11:00

Vermont RID summer BBQ for the Vermont Deaf community

Free BBQ plus potluck!
Admission to the park is free; just tell them you’re there for the BBQ.

This is a fun family event with swimming, games, and food, and a great opportunity for you and your kids to get to know some folks in the Vermont Deaf community. The primary language at the BBQ is ASL, but everyone is welcome, whatever your language preference or skill. The Vermont Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (VTRID) hosts this annual picnic, and they will help facilitate communication as needed. Vermont Hands and Voices will be there to help families connect!

RSVPs aren’t necessary, but if you know you’ll be coming, you can let them know at:

https://www.evite.com/event/03EB34AY7G5PDUQPSEPJQN4CNXM6QA/rsvp

VTRID provides grilling foods, and welcomes potluck side dishes, desserts, etc. You can sign up at:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4fa9ac2ca5f58-potluck

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May
18
2:00 PM14:00

VT Hands & Voices meet and greet family social

Please join us for a family social to meet our board members and other families with DHHDB kids! Let us know about your hopes for our organization and how we can best serve our DHHDB community while playing and socializing with each other. We will have shade, healthy snacks, games for the kids, and ASL interpreters to help everyone communicate with each other! Bring your own camp/beach chairs and picnic blankets, and any outdoor games you enjoy to share with other folks for this gathering on the VCFA green. If it’s raining, we’ll meet inside Nine East Network, just across the street. A wheelchair accessible bathroom and kitchen area will be available. RSVP appreciated: [email protected]

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Apr
13
10:00 AM10:00

Music morning with Inger!

Note location change!

Join Music Therapist Inger and friends for a musical morning geared for kids who have a hearing loss!

This is an opportunity for kids with hearing loss to participate in and enjoy music! Inger has years of experience bringing the joy of playing and singing music to kids. Feel free to bring family and friends to this event. We are gearing the activities for those who are toddlers and elementary school age. However, part of the joy of gathering together is giving kids the opportunity to meet others who are like them. If you have an older child who would enjoy this activity, you are welcome to attend!

  • A sign language interpreter will be at this event
  • Refreshments to follow
  • RSVP to our events coordinator, Leslie Johnson
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Mar
23
10:00 AM10:00

POSTPONED: Music morning with Inger!

Due to the impending nor’easter, we have decided to postpone this Saturdays Music Morning with Inger, so that nobody has to decide whether to drive on potentially risky roads. We will instead hold the event on April 13th, when hopefully we will be enjoying beautiful, spring-like weather! The place, time, and all other information remain the same. If you can attend the new date, please let us know at [email protected] so we know how many people to expect!

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Jan
27
7:30 PM19:30

Hands & Voices Literacy Forum

Parents, caregivers and service providers: join us online!

Grab some cocoa, your laptop or phone, and your favorite children’s book!

We will all share information about our favorite books, and/or authors, and our best tips for reading with children who are D/deaf/hard of hearing. We'll work together to come up with literacy building skills and encouraging an enjoyment of reading!

The format of this will be different from our past events because it is online through Zoom video conferencing! It works best to connect from your computer, but you can also do the video connection from a tablet or smartphone, at: https://zoom.us/j/524951873 Or you can call from a cell or landline phone (though you’ll miss any visuals, of course): call (646) 876-9923 and give the ID: 524951873 We will have an interpreter and captioner present, if requested. Please make your request by January 22nd to [email protected].

Share a book that you or your child loves! Get and give advice, tips and tricks for literacy! Connect with other parents, caregivers and service providers!

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Dec
1
11:30 AM11:30

Deaf Vermont Soup Festival and Holiday Party!

Adults: $10; kids 10 and under are free!

This annual event, cosponsored by Deaf Vermonters’ Advocacy Services and Vermont Association of the Deaf, is a great way to meet other families and Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults in the community. There will be representatives from VT H&V there to help you connect with others, and interpreters will be available.

The Festival includes a wide variety of soups, a silent auction, games for kids, and a signing Santa! If you want Santa to bring gifts for your children, or if you’re interested in making a soup or donating to the silent auction, please email [email protected] by November 27th.

All proceeds benefit DVAS for their great work in advocacy and education!

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Nov
11
3:00 PM15:00

Kids Cook!

No cost to participants!

Join VT H&V to make savory and sweet hot pockets! We will make meat, vegetable, and fruit pockets to eat or bring home. Priority has been given to people who replied to the earlier email, but we still have room for another family or two — please email Leslie Johnson at [email protected] if you’d like to join us, and let her know your communication needs.

We hope to have another Kids Cook event in Chittenden County in December. Let Leslie know if you hope to participate!

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Oct
6
2:00 PM14:00

Apple-picking social At Burtt’s Orchard in Cabot, Vermont

WE WANT YOU to come meet and greet other families who have children with hearing loss!

WE WANT YOU to get to know one another in our supportive community!

We will have FAMILIES who support Deaf and hard of hearing children, a Hands & Voices representative to help coordinate the event, and an interpreter to facilitate communication. Hands & Voices will thank you for joining us by gifting you a bag of apples.

The Vermont chapter of Hands and Voices is working to build up a base of support here in the green mountains, so we can provide networking opportunities for families with DHH children, fun activities for the children, educational opportunities for parents, and a collaborative, supportive community for everyone.

Please RSVP to Leslie Johnson at [email protected] or (802) 399-5092 — we’d like to know numbers of families to expect. Let her know if you need help in order to attend this event; WE WANT YOU to attend.

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Sep
29
1:00 PM13:00

Apple-picking social at Wellwood Orchard in Weathersfield (Springfield), Vermont

WE WANT YOU to come meet and greet other families who have children with hearing loss!

WE WANT YOU to get to know one another in our supportive community!

We will have FAMILIES who support Deaf and hard of hearing children, a Hands & Voices representative to help coordinate the event, and an interpreter to facilitate communication. Hands & Voices will thank you for joining us by gifting you a bag of apples.

The Vermont chapter of Hands and Voices is working to build up a base of support here in the green mountains, so we can provide networking opportunities for families with DHH children, fun activities for the children, educational opportunities for parents, and a collaborative, supportive community for everyone.

Please RSVP to Leslie Johnson at [email protected] or (802) 399-5092 — we’d like to know numbers of families to expect. Let her know if you need help in order to attend this event; WE WANT YOU to attend.

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Sep
28
2:00 PM14:00

Apple-picking social at Shelburne Orchards in Shelburne, Vermont

WE WANT YOU to come meet and greet other families who have children with hearing loss!

WE WANT YOU to get to know one another in our supportive community!

We will have FAMILIES who support Deaf and hard of hearing children, a Hands & Voices representative to help coordinate the event, and an interpreter to facilitate communication. Hands & Voices will thank you for joining us by gifting you a bag of apples.

The Vermont chapter of Hands and Voices is working to build up a base of support here in the green mountains, so we can provide networking opportunities for families with DHH children, fun activities for the children, educational opportunities for parents, and a collaborative, supportive community for everyone.

Please RSVP to Leslie Johnson at [email protected] or (802) 399-5092 — we’d like to know numbers of families to expect. Let her know if you need help in order to attend this event; WE WANT YOU to attend.

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