Washington Hands & Voices

So cool!
My wife Kay and I are thrilled to announce our collaboration with , and to announce our new video game, “Harmonium” which is currently in development. We are honored to work along side so many talented individuals.
Here is the trailer that debuted at “The Game Awards” last night December 7th, 2023. www.theoddgentlemen.com

Wow!

The actress is from Seattle!! Check out the link for more information!

My wife Kay and I are thrilled to announce our collaboration with , and to announce our new video game, “Harmonium” which is currently in development. We are honored to work along side so many talented individuals.
Here is the trailer that debuted at “The Game Awards” last night December 7th, 2023. www.theoddgentlemen.com

Sharing resources from different VRS provider…

Spread holiday joy with Sorenson! 🌟 Join our festive events perfect for all ages. Invite friends and family for an unforgettable season. 🎄✨ Check out more details at the link for Deaf Santa's videophone hours, 'Holiday Story Time' with Justin Perez and 'Holiday Signs' for ASL fun. Mark your calendars and celebrate with us!
Learn more
https://sorenson.link/HE-FB

Scholarship alert!

REMINDER: Applications are open for the Hamilton Scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year! To be considered, students must submit their application form, letter of recommendation, and essay question response by January 31, 2024.

Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Download the Hamilton Relay Scholarship Guidelines and Application and apply today! https://hamiltonrelay.com/high-school-scholarships.html?fbclid=IwAR1uAVQPxveOhEOQDjTQe919WRTuiTCJMshnK1gt9bK4CDma4X3mhRM8MbQ

For additional information or any questions, feel free to contact Hamilton Relay at 800-618-4781 or [email protected].

Sharing….

If you have a video relay account and can’t see signing Santa in person or your kiddo need to talk to him one more time…..call Santa!

The holidays are here, and Signing Santa is back! Signing Santa will take calls live from his workshop at the North Pole. You can call in from any videophone to 877-507-2682 from 5pm – 9pm CST. Please note all Signing Santa calls are point to point and not VRS calls.

Visit here to learn more: https://www.zvrs.com/signing-santa/

Sherri Turpin

Image Description:
The image background shows Santa Claus in a full white beard, red hat and red jacket, waving and looking at the camera. At the top left, in red cursive font, are the words “Signing Santa”. Below it, in white text, lists the dates as follows: Friday, Dec. 8TH, Wednesday, Dec. 13th, Friday, Dec. 15th, Wednesday, Dec. 20th. Across the bottom is a red banner with white text that says “5pm - 9pm CST”. Below it is, over a green background, to the left is the number “877-507-2682" with the text “All Signing Santa calls are point to point and not VRS calls.” At the bottom right is the ZP Better Together logo.

Dear Snow Sport Enthusiasts,

Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS) is excited to announce that CamPAH! is back for its 11th year! We're gearing up for an exhilarating event tailored for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth aged 10-19 who are eager to master skiing or snowboarding—or simply elevate their skills to new heights! Attached is a flyer with more information, please share far and widely!!

CamPAH! isn't just another snow sports program; it's an immersive experience where participants are paired with seasoned coaches who are not just skilled on the mountain but also share a Deaf-centric approach. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider between the age of 10-19, whether you communicate in sign language, spoken language, or both, CamPAH welcomes everyone with a commitment to celebrating mountain life, fostering growth and camaraderie.

CamPAH: February 17-18, 2024

Mark your calendars! CamPAH is on February 17-18, 2024, at Hoodoo Ski Area in Central Oregon. This event comes at no cost to participants. OAS provides the following:

OAS shuttle between Sisters and Hoodoo
Lift tickets
Equipment rentals (if needed)
Group lessons guided by trained CamPAH coaches
Note: While we won't be providing snacks, lunch, or drinks, Hoodoo Ski Lodge's cafeteria offers a variety of food options for purchase
Registration Opens: Dec, 11 2023

But hurry! Registration for CamPAH opens on December 11. The deadline for securing your spot is January 25th, 2024. Don't miss out—slots may fill up faster than you can carve down the slopes! When registration opens, you'll be able to register online at our CamPAH website page HERE.

Questions?

For further details, questions or to ensure you're on the CamPAH email list, reach out to us at [email protected] or via videophone at (503) 922-6255.

Are you ready to shred the gnar and create unforgettable memories? Join us at CamPAH!—where the snow is calling, and the adventure awaits!

Sincerely,

Cara Frank
she/her/hers

Development Director
Oregon Adaptive Sports

Oregon Adaptive Sports
Call/Videophone: (503) 922-6255

Seattle

Diving Santa with ASL at the aquarium!

Dec 16th! Check link for more info!

Diving Santa - Seattle Aquarium Meet Diving Santa at the Seattle Aquarium! The holly jolly diver will read a holiday story to our guests while underwater.

Whether you love or disliked Barbie...or haven't seen Barbie- here is your chance! It's coming to HBO Max with ASL option!

December 15th!!!!

'Barbie' sets streaming premiere at Max with a unique twist The year's biggest film arrives on Max in time for the holidays.

More programs for DHH high schoolers!

Are you ready for another exciting announcement? The Next Big Idea: High School registration is open! In NBI: HS, students form teams and compete to develop the next big business idea that will change the world! The top 8 teams will be invited to RIT/NTID to present their business idea and win a big cash prize!

Do you have what it takes to come up with the Next Big Idea? Learn more and register today at rit.edu/ntid/nextbigideahs!



[Image Description: Tan background with orange rectangles and bars. Logo of Next Big Idea is an outline of a light bulb with the filament shaped as a tiger. Aforementioned text can be seen in black and white text colors. RIT/NTID logo along with ZP Better Together logo can be seen at the bottom.]

For DHH high schoolers!!

NTID Youth Programs is excited to announce the launch of a new competition in spring 2024 – the RIT/NTID Tiger Gaming League! Offering a unique platform, the Tiger Gaming League provides an opportunity for deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students to engage in competitive gaming, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Registration for all of the virtual Tiger Gaming League competitions is now open! Included in the registration form is a survey for students to choose their top options for games to play, and the final list of games will be announced after December 20, 2023.

Are you ready to jump into the battlefield and prove yourself as an elite gamer? Learn more and visit our website today at rit.edu/ntid/tgl!


Image description: The image is a screenshot of a graphical user interface for the RIT/NTID Tiger Gaming League website. It contains information about the virtual competition taking place on January 30-31, 2024, and encourages participants to register and compete in esports games. The interface also includes a QR code and the website address for registration.

Did you see DK Metcalf signing?!

DK Metcalf's sign language after TD wasn't trash talking, just 'standing on business' DK Metcalf was just expressing a slang term when he used sign language.

In this month's staff spotlight, meet Chehalis School District's ASL interpreters Rhesa Durgin and She'Anna Wilson and Language Coach and Deaf Services Consultant Maggie DePuye-Phillips and learn about how they serve students who are deaf and hard of hearing in our district.

Tomorrow, Nov 29 7-8 PM we are meeting to discuss Siblings and Extended Family.

• Are you seeking ideas for siblings and/or extended family to engage with your DHH child?

• Do you have helpful tips of bringing extended family and/or sibling in to learn to sign with your child?

• Or?

Join us via Zoom https://zoom.us/join

Meeting ID: 939 8330 9951

Passcode: whatsup

Washington State Hands & Voices is grateful for the opportunity to support families of children who are DHH in our state. It is because of Hands & Voices headquarters we have this opportunity.
For this Giving Tuesday, please consider giving to Hands & Voices headquarters.

"Hands & Voices means as a parent you are not alone in navigating the complex world of DHH. Hands & Voices is the family you didn’t even realize you needed but now can’t imagine life wi"Hands & Voices means as a parent you are not alone in navigating the complex world of DHH. Hands & Voices is the family you didn’t even realize you needed but now can’t imagine life wi ."
– Christina, mom to Sofia, Estefania, Rosa
TODAY by giving at https://handsandvoices.org/giving/

NTID’s DeafTEC receives $1.6 million grant renewal Funding will enable DeafTEC program to continue providing resources to improve deaf and hard-of-hearing students’ success in STEM.

Today we honor Native American Heritage Day - Nov 24, 2023
Here are some resources to share with your family:

- ASL Native American History for Kids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIOieslA8kc

-OSPI offers recorded Native American stories with transcription provided.
https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/time-immemorial-tribal-sovereignty-washington-state/tribal-sovereignty-curriculum-resources

Wherever you find yourself today, we Give Thanks to you. For the joy, love, determination, and hard work you provide to your family and this community.

Thursday, Dec 14, 2023 @ 10:00 am PT

The Stepping Stones to Valuing Yourself as a Parent Leader.
Link to register: https://handsandvoices.org/fl3/register/

Join the Hands & Voices Family Leadership in Language and Learning (FL3) Center for the next presentation in our Leadership Webinar series. The Stepping Stones to Valuing Yourself as a Parent Leader.
Over the years Parent Leaders have greatly impacted system change through their contributions locally, statewide, and nationally. Building confidence in parents of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing can often lead to meaningful parent involvement and strong parent leaders. Through lived experience of advocating for their child, parents informally build leadership skills. Working in partnership with other valuable stakeholders, parent leadership is a strengths-based approach to family support founded on the belief that parents are most knowledgeable about the family experience. With confidence, knowledge and desire all parents have the potential to become strong parent leaders. Please join us at this FL3 webinar where experienced national Parent Leaders, Christine Griffin, WA State Hands & Voices and Cora Shahid, CA Hands & Voices will share insights on ways of recognizing traits in future parent leaders, and offer the stepping stones for parents to realize their value as a leader.

Objectives
Objective 1: List identifiable traits of future leaders
Objective 2: Define capacity building techniques and strategies
Objective 3: Explain the benefit that parent voice has on system change

Primary Audience
Family leaders, family-based support organizations, Deaf-based organizations. EHDI program staff, EHDI systems stakeholders, and Pediatric Healthcare Professionals are also welcome.

Vancouver

Community event by Vancouver Association of the Deaf!

See flyer and contact [email protected]

Seattle, WA-Sharing from Nordstrom

ASL and DHH friendly Santa in downtown Seattle Nordstrom's Santa Lane!

Let the elves know you are there with your DHH child to see the ASL Santa!

Shared from the Washington State Fathers Network!

What a fun activity for a parent and kid night out! First come, first serve....

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Thursday, October 5 - Purple Project Thursday, October 5: Purple Project for University of Washington Huskies Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Join us for a free, online class on the SSI application process, led by a certified benefits planner! This class is intended for parents and service providers of young adults with disabilities in Washington State. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtcuChqz4iEtFMGdKN12naw6INzIa2F1Fr

[image description] Flyer advertising upcoming Navigating SSI Applications class

Scholarship alert!!

Applications are now open for the Hamilton Scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year! To be considered, students must submit their application form, letter of recommendation, and essay question response by January 31, 2024.

Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Download the Hamilton Relay Scholarship Guidelines and Application and apply today! https://hamiltonrelay.com/high-school-scholarships.html?fbclid=IwAR1uAVQPxveOhEOQDjTQe919WRTuiTCJMshnK1gt9bK4CDma4X3mhRM8MbQ

For additional information or any questions, feel free to contact Hamilton Relay at 800-618-4781 or [email protected].

Happy Diwali!

Many thanks to @isignart for sharing. This is in #indiansignlanguage #whyisign #askmewhyisign Repost from @isignart • Happy Diwali! May this festival of lights bring you joy and prosperity. May your home be filled with the warmth of love and happiness. May the diyas illuminate your path and guide you towards success. Wishing you a very Happy Diwali! #happydiwali #diwali #indiansignlanguage #signlangauge #illustration #illustrator #animation #2danimation

Today is National Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day!

Today is National Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day! November 9th, 2022 November 9th is National Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day, dedicated to spreading hope & knowledge concerning a rare congenital anomaly known as Microtia & Aural Atresi…

Who has a PS5? Have you played the new "Marvel's Spider-man 2 video game?

Check out The Daily Moth interviewing Natasha Ofiili about her character as Hailey Cooper!

In ASL with captions and transcripts provided. No voice-over noted...

Black Deaf actress’s 2nd appearance in newly released Spider-Man video game — The Daily Moth Renca: In November 2020, we, The Daily Moth, reported about a Black Deaf actress, Natasha Ofili, known for her role in “The Politician” and “Mather” has a character named Hailey Cooper in “Spider-Man: Miles Morales” video game on PlayStation 5 (PS5). “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” video g...

Any Marvel fans out there?

Wisconsin actress Alaqua Cox landed her breakthrough role as Maya Lopez, aka Echo, within the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the Disney+ series “Hawkeye” in 2021. The studio was looking for a young Native American actress who is deaf to play opposition to former-Avenger Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner. Without any acting experience, Cox auditioned and landed the role in the series. Cox is now set to star as the lead protagonist in the upcoming spin-off Disney+ series “Echo” — which debuted its inaugural trailer on Friday.

“Echo” is the first superhero series to ever center on a deaf and a Native American character. Cox was born and raised in the Menominee Indian Reservation in Keshena, Wisconsin, and is of Mohican descent. She was born deaf and attended the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan. Additionally, Cox is an amputee with a prosthetic leg, which is briefly shown in the trailer. Darnell Besaw, Cox’s real life cousin, is also from the Menominee Indian Reservation and appears in “Hawkeye” as well. She portrayed a younger version of Maya in flashback scenes and is set to reprise her role in the upcoming “Echo” series.

“Echo” premieres on January 10, 2024 with every episode available on its release date. The show is the first Marvel Studios production that will debut simultaneously on Disney+ and Hulu and is the first to be rated TV-MA.

Congratulations, Washington School for the Deaf co-ed cheerleaders!!!

WSD Cheerleading Team won the first category, Co-Ed Game Day Competition!

Washington State Fathers Network
It was great meeting the fathers at their annual conference!