Iowa Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

Sept. 23 - 27 is Deaf Awareness Week! The University of Iowa has several events planned- details at the link:
https://asl.uiowa.edu/deaf-week-2024

Sept. 23 - 27 is Deaf Awareness Week. Iowa School for the Deaf encourages you to join the observation by turning on a blue light Monday, Sept. 23 as part of the international Shine a Blue Light on Sign Languages campaign! The University of Iowa has several events planned- details at the link:
https://asl.uiowa.edu/deaf-week-2024 Image: Deaf Week September 2024. Three hands fingerspelling the letters ASL.

Iowa Hands & Voices is hosting an open house to celebrate their 20th anniversary! 🎉 They are inviting past, current, and new families to commemorate this special occasion with them. 🎉 The event will take place on September 14th from 1PM-3PM at Valley Community Center WDSM. 🎉

No need to register, come and stay as long as you like, reconnect with old friends, and meet some new ones! There will be Giveaways, prizes, crafts, cookies, access to an indoor play area, gymnasium, activities for the kids, video slide show spanning all those years and resources to share for families on this journey of raising a child who is deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind. We hope to see you there!

📣🎃Iowa EHDI and Iowa Hands & Voices are inviting you to a family fun day at the Pumpkin Patch! This year we will have 2 locations to choose from! Join us for a day of fun and socializing with other families that have children who are deaf or hard of hearing! 📣🎃

This is open to families of deaf/hard of hearing children of all ages!

Central Iowa Location
Where: Iowa Orchard - 9875 Meredith Drive, Urbandale, IA
When: Saturday, October 19th 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Eastern Iowa Location
Where: Bart's Farm Pumpkins - 7307 Alburnett Rd, Marion, IA
When: Saturday, October 19th 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Register Here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=TXssjVoIF0aFNjinbRmw2jvZgV7XUDROtfykKsTxl9lUM01URUJEMlJCR1A2SVhLMlZPQUZWSjExNC4u

Iowa School for the Deaf is holding a free Family Resources Workshop. See the details below and register!

"Benefits of Having Deaf Mentors"

When: Thursday, September 12th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm via Zoom

In this workshop, they will cover why Deaf Mentors are key to the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children and their families, what they do, when they are needed, and how exactly they support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children and their families in all age groups.

Then at the end of the workshop, the Family Support Mentoring Coordinator, will share information about the new program - Family Support Mentoring that will be launched for all families with deaf children especially in the age range of 0-8 years old in the state of Iowa this fall.

The workshop is open to all families with a deaf child in the state of Iowa and all professionals who work with deaf children in the state of Iowa. ASL interpreters will be provided. If needed a different translator, please mention that in the registration ASAP.

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdY4udKJq3p9VtIqO6JJ2bzpJgoRmox6XR_kpzo51vfxsxTXQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Join this free webinar tomorrow on Advocacy Strategies for DHH plus children with IEPs!

There's a brand new lineup in the popular Advocacy Support & Training (ASTra) Webinar Series.
First in the new series is Special Education Advocacy Strategies for DHH Plus (DHH +) Students with IEPs

August 27, 2024
10:00am-11:00am (Mnt)

Register here: https://handsandvoices.org/astra/webinars/

During this one-hour session, we will review general IEP meeting tips and procedural safeguards, what laws and regulations apply to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in public schools, and advocacy strategies to address the challenges often encountered by Deaf+ families during IEP meetings to better meet their children’s unique educational and communication needs.

Presented by Kristin Stratton, J.M.
Kristen has dedicated the past two decades of her professional and personal life to advocacy work. First in her role as a consumer advocate for maternal healthcare and then as a special education advocate. As a public speaker, she most frequently presents on topics such as special education, communication rights of DeafDisabled children, parenting children with disabilities, advocating for compliance and civil rights in the public school system, and informed consent rights of children with disabilities in healthcare. She presents these topics through the lens of an adult with a disability, having grown up with a bilateral severe hearing loss, as well as a professional advocate with an educational background in law and compliance. Kristen's first language is spoken English and her second language is American Sign Language. Kristen served as a law clerk for Disability Rights California and as an educational advocate with Morton Advocacy Group. She is an advocacy consultant for many nonprofit and educational organizations including NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She holds a Juris Master of American Legal Studies from Liberty University School of Law. She completed the Special Education Law and Advocacy Certificate program at the University of San Diego School of Law. She is also a graduate of the Partners in Policymaking Program with ARCA.
Read more about Kristen and register for the upcoming webinar here: https://handsandvoices.org/astra/webinars/.

Sharing some great Back-To-School Tips from Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss' newsletter!

Did you checkout today's Google Landing page? RIT/NTID alum Youmee Lee was behind the animation with ASL that was featured on Google’s search page today!

Celebrating Dorothy Miles Doodle - Google Doodles Learn more about the creation of Celebrating Dorothy Miles Doodle and discover the story behind the unique artwork.

Don't forget to sign up for the family meet up at Smash Park THIS SATURDAY!!

📣We are bringing back the family meet up @ Smash Park in West Des Moines!

AUGUST 10TH 2PM-4PM

This was such a successful event in the past and we are excited to bring families together to mingle, play, and graze some appetizers!

❤ Please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJVc90zzsEs53plFoxWvS6SO7PeCbMvUm8GBzVYKE7drFH-w/viewform

ASL class registration from Iowa School for the Deaf is open and closes soon on August 4th! Classes are FREE for family members of a child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Iowa! Register today!

Register here:

American Sign Language Classes | Iowa School for the Deaf Beginning Fall 2023, an in-person ASL class option is offered primarily for families with deaf or hard-of-hearing children who live close enough to attend.

Iowa Hands & Voices is hosting a meetup for families at Smash Park in West Des Moines on August 10th from 2-4 pm! Register today to join the fun!
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJVc90zzsEs53plFoxWvS6SO7PeCbMvUm8GBzVYKE7drFH-w/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawEUnIZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTNWx4uMXYa_67eEH7z3X4okadFswIDv5uQhDNHUwJj1gzUAR2qbwycJ7A_aem_9K58y5K9D4npRVwNPr39jQ

📣We are bringing back the family meet up @ Smash Park in West Des Moines!

AUGUST 10TH 2PM-4PM

This was such a successful event in the past and we are excited to bring families together to mingle, play, and graze some appetizers!

❤ Please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJVc90zzsEs53plFoxWvS6SO7PeCbMvUm8GBzVYKE7drFH-w/viewform

Deaf Day at Adventureland is August 3rd! Attached is a flier with a QR code that you can use to get discounted tickets for this event.

Life Interpretation will be providing interpreters for the Magic Shows scheduled at 12:00, 1:30, 3:30 and 5:00!

Off to a Great Start! 🚀⛵️✈️🚂🎈📖🚗

Explore resources and activities to support the early intervention journey for families of children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing through this virtual, interactive website.

https://handsandvoices.org/great-start/index.html

Father's Day is coming up soon! Hearing First has a video celebrating all the different roles dads play in their child's life. In the video, dads of children with hearing loss talk about their experiences on the Listening and Spoken Language Journey. Check it out at the link below!

Dads Dream Big for Their Kids with Hearing Loss This one’s for the dads! We’re celebrating all the different roles that dads play in their child’s life — protector, teacher, best friend, superhero, and nu...

Hey Professional Interpreters!! St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines (www.Saintfrancischurch.org) is in need of securing a replacement interpreter for a Deaf parishioner. This is a paid position for Sunday 9:30am services and also on Weds evening. For more information, please contact Emily Schmid at: [email protected] or 515-223-4577. Thank you for considering!

Send a message to learn more

Check this out! You won't want to miss this game for the Iowa Cubs!

Check out these awesome ASL jerseys!

The Iowa Cubs will wear them to celebrate IBCD and the Deaf Community on Deaf Culture Night at Principal Park on June 27!

Huge thanks go out to I-Cubs players (L to R) Caleb Knight, Owen Caissie, and Darius Hill for being awesome models.

The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefiting IBCD.

To both (a) campers’ parents and (b) members of the Deaf community, text Dylan at 515-771-4407 for discounted tickets info. There are separate links for both groups.

Let’s celebrate together on June 27!

Some helpful info on Supplemental Security Income (SSI)!

Here is a list of events/camps for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
children that will occur this summer! Thanks to Iowa School for the Deaf for putting them together and sharing!

Family Camp for Families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Dates: May 31-June 2, 2024
Location: Platte River State Park in Nebraska
Ages: All
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11_V-aNjdYMtR31Xdc30eSOHqgv-htIzv/view
Note: This camp is limited to the first 7 families who register. Guardians are responsible for the supervision of their children at all times.

ISD Camp: Explorers – HobbyTown
Dates: June 16-21, 2024
Location: Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, IA
Ages: 4th-12th grades
Link: https://iowaschoolforthedeaf.org/summer-camp/
Note: The theme of the camp is Hobbytown and the campers will explore leisure activities.

Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf
Dates: June 24-28, 2024 (half-day camp)
Location: Johnston Little League in Johnston, IA
Ages: 7-14
Link: https://iowadeafbaseball.com
Note: The campers including their families will get to go to the Iowa Cubs baseball game on June 27th.

Camp UBU
Dates: June 23-28, 2024
Location: Camp Lake Poinsett, South Dakota
Ages: 2nd-8th grades
Link: https://www.campubu.com
Note: Camp UBU is for DHH campers from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.

ISD Camp: Weekenders – Chef It!
Dates: July 11-14, 2024
Location: Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, IA
Ages: 4th-12th grades
Link: https://iowaschoolforthedeaf.org/summer-camp/
Note: The theme of the camp is Chef It! The campers will try new recipes, and explore different cuisines.

American Society for Deaf Children conference
Dates: July 10-13, 2024
Location: Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, NE
Ages: All
Link: https://deafchildren.org/asdc-2024-annual-family-conference/
Note: There will be some fun family activities, as well as sessions tailored for parents while their children are in the children’s programs.

Sign Camp
Date: July 27, 2024 10:00am to 8:00pm
Location: Fremont Family YMCA, Hazel R. Keene Camp Lodge, 3402 W. Military Ave, Fremont, NE
Ages: K-12th grade*
Link: http://www.tinyurl.com/signcamp24
Note: A fun filled day full of activities / *Must be fluent in ASL

Iowa Association of the Deaf picnic!

Visual description: A flyer with white background. On the upper left corner, sun around the IAD logo and on the bottom right corner a icon of watermelon. The text is center of flyer and reads:

“IOWA
ASSOCIATION OF DEAF
WELCOME YOU TO

63TH
ANNUAL PICNIC
June 8 2024

@ RIVERVIEW PARK (COMMUNITY ROOM)

KIDS UNDER 5: FREE

5-13 YEARS OLD: $5

14-17 YEARS OLD: $10

ADULTS: $20

TIME:
10AM TO 10PM

WE WILL HAVE GAMES & WE WILL BE SELLING DRINKS

PLEASE BRING SIDES!

WE WILL PROVIDE
LUNCH MEAT AND DINNER!

402 WOODLAND AVE,
MARSHALLTOWN, IA 50158

RSVP SUSAN AT
+515-218-9055
[email protected]”

Please see below information about participating in research studies!

"Hello all! My name is Nonalee Gardner and I am working in the Pediatric Audiology & Language (PAL) research lab under the direction of Dr. Beth Walker. I am emailing you for your assistance in recruiting subjects for three separate studies that are going on as part of our federally funded research grants. Our current studies include the following:

FASTRAK (Finding Appropriate Solutions to Treat Reduced Audibility in Kids): This study is for kids ages 4-12 year, 11 months with a mild to moderate permanent bilateral hearing loss. Pure tone average thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, & 4000 Hz are >15 dB HL and ≤ 50 dB HL in their better ear.

FASTRAK-PE Tubes. This study is for kids ages 3-12 years, 11months old with or without hearing loss and with at least 1 functioning PE tube.

FASTRAK-Unilateral hearing loss: This study is for kids aged 5-12 years old, 11 months old who have a permanent hearing loss in one ear. For the ear with a hearing loss, children may or may not have a hearing aid to participate in the study, but we aren’t taking children who use cochlear implants at this time.

For all the studies, we pay mileage (if they live outside of the Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty area) and provide a parking pass for the hospital parking ramps. In addition, compensation for the child is $20/hour. We are excluding kids with additional disabilities (cognitive, developmental delays, vision that can’t be corrected). Also spoken English must be their first language. I am including flyers for all three studies."

What is an eclipse? Checkout this ASL Storytelling from Rocky Mountain School for the Deaf!

"Eclipse" : ASL Storytelling "Eclipse" by Andy RashSigned & Edited by Jeni Jackerson, ASL Specialist Rocky Mountain Deaf School www.RMDS.co All copyrighted material is held by the origin...

Registration is open for Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf! If you have a child who is deaf/hh ages 7-14, checkout this camp!

HAPPY OPENING DAY!!! The 2024 IBCD Registration is now here!

There are two ways to register; online or PDF forms!

• Online – https://form.jotform.com/240534170110136

• PDFs –http://iowadeafbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024_IBCD_Registration.pdf

If you have any questions or need assistance, please let me know right away. I will personally reach out each registrant to ensure all is well.

Here’s how you can submit the registration forms:

• Online forms
• Mail to 9764 Lincoln Ave, Clive, IA 50325
• Scan and email to [email protected]
• Hand them to Dylan Heuer in person. Text 515-771-4407 to set up an appointment.

Once your paperwork is complete, please notify us to confirm your registration. Your prompt communication helps maintain our first-come, first-serve basis.

As always, we're here to help. Reach out anytime!

All the best,
Dylan Heuer
Camp Director

CONTACT INFO
• (515) 771-4407 text
• [email protected]

Check this out! The Des Moines Art Center has started their Deaf community art gatherings on Fridays, and they are FREE to attend and taught by Deaf community members.

Hey!!
The Des Moines Art Center has started their Deaf community Art Workshop again, taught by 3 deaf community members. Everyone is welcome! Deaf, CODA, those interested in learning about the deaf community too!

So cool!

Scholastic Spotlight: Johnston show choir uses ASL for hands in harmony Show choir comes with sights and sounds, but those in the deaf community cannot experience the full effect. Johnston’s Innovation Show Choir incorporated American Sign Language into their sho…

Checkout this FREE family resources workshop series!

The next family resources workshop will focus on how to model ASL to deaf and hard-of-hearing children and language (ASL) play idea. These workshops will be on March 21 and 28 via Zoom from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Non-ISD families and educators are welcome at our free workshops. Register here: https://bit.ly/3ECBRtb Image: ISD logo. Learn strategies and resources for your child or student! Free via Zoom. Notebook, pens, push pins, highlighter and phone on a desk.

If you have a child that is deaf/hh ages 7-14, checkout the Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf! Info is below.

Good morning! Here is the official 2024 IBCD Flyer. Please feel free and hit share to spread the word.

PDF printable version available here – https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/soxm1w67ynrc5hd3h4hm7/2024-Flyer-B.pdf?rlkey=932yir3dgzqdr67g58lzhwna3&dl=1

Below is the text from the flyer:
---
Johnston Little League • June 24 - 28, 2024 • 8:15 am - 12:30 pm

Join us for IBCD, a week-long, half-day camp designed for Deaf or hard of hearing children aged 7-14. Best of all, it's FREE! Limited to 32 campers, first-come, first-served basis. Campers will benefit from professional coaching led by licensed coaches, including a former Cubs minor leaguer and an Iowa Baseball Hall of Famer, alongside a dedicated team of experienced volunteers. ASL interpreters will be available throughout the camp.

Exciting highlights of the week include attending an Iowa Cubs game on Thursday night, June 27th, where campers will have the opportunity to sign the national anthem before the game and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch! On Friday, we'll return to Principal Park for a private stadium tour and enjoy a pick-up game on the field!

Dates: June 24-28, 2024
Time: 8:15 am-12:30 pm
Place: Johnston Little League, 7501 NW 54th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131
Register: March 29-April 26
Cost: FREE TO ATTEND

Contact: Dylan Heuer, Camp Director
Text: (515) 771-4407 (text)
Videophone: (515) 236-2989 (videophone)

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.iowadeafbaseball.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iowadeafbaseballcamp

Please contact us or visit our sites for more info!

Are you the parent of a child with CMV?
National CMV Foundation is hosting Care to Talk, which is a recurring, online support group for families with a cCMV diagnosis, hosted by volunteers.
The first meeting will take place on Thursday, March 21st at 8pm EST.
Care to Talk will be hosted quarterly, on the third Thursday of the month at 8pm EST.
Pre-registration is required for this event. You can register here:
https://ow.ly/fLKw50QCOLh

Big News! To meet the growing need for family support after a cCMV diagnosis, we are re-launching our Care to Talk Program!

Interested in connecting with other cCMV families for support? Care to Talk is a recurring, online support group for families with a cCMV diagnosis, hosted by volunteers. No matter what your CMV journey looks like, you are welcome to join us as we discuss life before, during, and beyond congenital CMV! Care to Talk does not replace professional mental health counseling.

Our first meeting will take place on Thursday, March 21st at 8pm EST. Two amazing CMV moms, Samantha Nikirk and Lisa Eickel, will be hosting our first session!

Can't join our first session? Mark your calendars for future dates! Care to Talk will be hosted quarterly, on the third Thursday of the month at 8pm EST.

Pre-registration is required for this event. You can register here:
https://ow.ly/fLKw50QCOLh

For questions about the Care to Talk program, send an email to: [email protected].

*This camp is not hosted by EHDI, sharing info below*

Sign Camp is at Fremont Family YMCA July 27, 10-8 for kindergarten through 12th grades. $20 includes lunch and T-shirt. Should be fluent in ASL

This camp is not hosted by ISD. Sign Camp is being offered at Fremont Family YMCA July 27, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Kindergarten to 12th grade. $20 includes lunch and t-shirt. Should be fluent in ASL. For more details: www.tinyurl.com/signcamp24 Nebraska Association of the Deaf (NEAD)

We had the BEST time hanging out with families in Des Moines and Cedar Falls for our Valentine's Day event this last weekend with Iowa Hands & Voices!
We hope you can join us next time! ❤️