Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

*UPDATE: Our phone services have been restored*

Our phone lines are currently down and we are unable to receive calls. To contact us, please email a staff person directly or [email protected].

Thank you for your patience as we work on this issue.*

We wish all the best to Annie Urasky as she moves into her new role at the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. It has been a pleasure working with Ms. Urasky for the past 9 years and we are excited for her in her new position working for the State of Michigan. Good luck, Annie!

The MDCR Division on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing has posted a video of this announcement in sign language below. Included in the video transcript is a link to apply as the new Director for the Division on Deaf DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, DODDBHH.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/michigan/jobs/4648121/state-administrtive-manager-15

Announcement from DODDBHH Director Annie Urasky Transcript: This is DODDBHH Director Annie Urasky and I wanted to share news. Starting September 30, 2024, I will be moving to a new role within MDCR as the ...

Exciting news that local Deaf interpreter, Abbey Moreland will be interpreting at this event on Friday, September 6, 2024, live at The Intersection and streaming online!

For more information, see the flier here with live stream information included!

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services has been serving West Michigan and beyond for three decades. As we work to partner with and advocate for the people we serve, we also want to make sure we are always listening and working to get better.

We have a short survey we are hoping you could respond to. It is a tool we are using to help us improve.

All information shared will be kept 100% confidential, and you can respond in a number of ways, including a video response in ASL. For the best experience, we recommend using a computer when responding to the survey.

Visit our website to participate - https://deafhhs.org/community-survey/?mc_cid=124261ec52&mc_eid=UNIQID

*Our agency is closed today, Monday, September 2, 2024, for Labor Day*

We are also temporarily relocated in the Special Olympics of Michigan Building due to construction. During this time, our offices will be closed to the public on Fridays, with staff working from home. You can contact us by phone at 616-732-7358.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

[image description]
White background with black block lettering that says, "We will be Closed on Labor Day." Under the bold lettering there is an illustration of the red, white, and blue American flag. In small print at the bottom of the banner reads, www.freeprintable-signs.com

Did you know September is National Deaf Awareness Month? Check out this article by HearingLikeMe from 2020 for tips on being more inclusive in your interactions!

Deaf Awareness Month: 10 Things to Know About Being Deaf | Hearing Like Me You never know when you might run into someone who is Deaf so we wanted to share 10 things to be aware of for Deaf Awareness Month.

*Our agency will be closed on Monday, September 2nd for Labor Day*

We are also temporarily relocated in the Special Olympics of Michigan Building due to construction. During this time, our offices will be closed to the public on Fridays, with staff working from home. You can contact us by phone at 616-732-7358.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

[image description]
White background with black block lettering that says, "We will be Closed on Labor Day." Under the bold lettering there is an illustration of the red, white, and blue American flag. In small print at the bottom of the banner reads, www.freeprintable-signs.com

Hey! West Michigan Deaf and interpreting community, check out this opportunity for a FREE workshop hosted by DEAF CAN and Cindy Wood Professional Development! Click the link to YouTube in the original post and here for information access in American Sign Language.

https://youtu.be/47i5L1SGYrs

There is still time to RSVP for this fabulous-FREE for all Michigan Deaf and Interpreter communities, Trauma Informed event. We will be at Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Sept 7th and 8th. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. Please join us. Deadline to RSVP is Friday, August 30th, 2024 @ cwoodpd.com

https://youtu.be/47i5L1SGYrs

September is Deaf Awareness month! We want to celebrate it with you. Join us for an evening to celebrate and recognize Deaf community, culture, and the importance of accessibility. Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

There will be resource tables, games, and food. Socialize and celebrate with our community.

Please pre-register for the event. A $5 donation per attendee is recommended. Registration can be done by clicking the link to our website here: https://deafhhs.org/event/deaf-awareness-2024/

ASL interpreters will be provided for visiting resource tables. If you need additional accommodations, such as DeafBlind interpreters, specific seating arrangements, or other accessibility needs, please contact Erica Chapin by emailing [email protected]

An Amazing 2024 Kids Kamp!
The 2024 edition of Kids Kamp was one of the biggest yet with 35 attendees enjoying a wide variety of experiences both on site and off.

“Kids Kamp is important because it gives our Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing kids a chance to create fun summer memories where they have language access,” ...... "It is important that kids can come to Kids Kamp and know that there will be leaders and other students who they can communicate with.”

For the full story including the entire photo album, please visit our website at https://deafhhs.org/an-amazing-2024-kids-kamp/

**TICKETS ARE GONE**

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services has free tickets available through the Binder Park Zoo's Ticket to Adventure program! These tickets are for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing families to enjoy free admission to Binder Park Zoo and additional tickets for access to the new ropes course!

Tickets are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact [email protected] for more information on how to request tickets.

Zoo tickets are valid for entry during regular zoo hours and must be used by the end of the 2024 season. Tickets cannot be used for special events. Find information about Binder Park Zoo on their website at BinderParkZoo.org

Kelly Flores made impactful contributions to the Deaf, DeafBlind and interpreting communities in Michigan. Our condolences go to those who knew her personally. MIRID, thank you for sharing this beautifully written piece.

The Michigan Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf is saddened to learn about the passing of former MIRID president Kelly Flores. A dedicated educator, skilled interpreter, and community supporter, her decades long career has shaped many in our profession. We asked Joanne Forbes, a fellow faculty member at OCC, to share her legacy.

Kelly dedicated 20 years to OCC, beginning her journey as an adjunct instructor in 2004 and becoming a full-time faculty member in 2007. She assumed the role of program coordinator in January 2008. Under her leadership, OCC’s sign language interpreting program achieved accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE). Additionally, Kelly developed and championed a DeafBlind course, reflecting her deep commitment to accessibility and her desire to provide a space where Support Service Providers (SSPs) could be trained.

Kelly was a passionate educator who loved her students and was an extraordinary friend and advocate for both the Deaf and DeafBlind communities. Her connection with sign language began as an adult when a deaf friend prompted her to learn sign language.

In 2020, Kelly co-authored "Principles of Interpreting" with Brenda E. Cartwright, available on Amazon. This essential text explores key areas defining interpreting in the 21st century, covering the history, work, and evolution of interpreting. The book reflects Kelly and Brenda’s personal experiences and current research, offering invaluable insights into the interpreting field.

Kelly earned her MS in Postsecondary Education and Adult Education from Capella University. She initially taught at Lansing Community College before joining Oakland Community College. At OCC, Kelly focused on developing sociocultural-based curricula to promote lifelong personal and professional growth through critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and intercultural competence. She also served on the board of Michigan Registry of Interpreters (MRID) for few years before serving on the national board of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) for eight years.

Kelly’s legacy as a passionate educator and steadfast advocate for the Deaf and DeafBlind communities will continue to inspire those who knew her.

What memories do you have of Kelly? Comment below ❤️

Back-to-school shoe giveaway this week at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids through In The Image! See the article here by FOX 17 for more information.

The shoe giveaway will continue until Saturday. View the schedule below:

Tuesday, July 30: 1 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 1: 1 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 2: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 3: 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m

https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/back-to-school-shoe-giveaway-underway-at-devos-place?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0MRaXcLobhSbucwsWLLqxt_ZopzBcLDyzcmL79VPYaCtA_uLA09jw9jRM_aem_aUs2zqwfNCwARu4mQu60JA

Back-to-school shoe giveaway underway at DeVos Place Many families are facing the burden of back-to-school shopping. To help, a local nonprofit is giving away new shoes to students to make sure they start school on the right foot.

The Michigan Department of Education - Low Incidence Outreach lists available Job Postings working in the educational profession. If you are someone who is interested in working with K-12 students who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing, please visit the link here for more information and qualifications.

Job Postings | MDE-LIO This page features job postings in Michigan that are relevant to the K-12 Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) field. Please note that job postings are shared from other organizations and are posted for informational purposes only. Their inclusion on mdelio.org should not be interpreted as a recommendation...

We are excited to celebrate Deaf Awareness Month with you again this year!

Join us on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 4 PM - 7 PM for our Deaf Awareness Celebration. The event will be held in our office building located at 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548.

Come out to celebrate and recognize Deaf community, culture, and the importance of accessibility! More information is coming soon.

Today is the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We would like to express appreciation to those who worked hard fighting for these civil rights at the federal level!

To learn more about the timeline for the signing of the ADA law by President George H.W. Bush, click on the link here:

https://www.nps.gov/articles/disabilityhistoryrightsmovement.htm?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1OB0NMgxvFyF3kfxSi-XSTItJFKLyrGXDdHPQxx9CuSq8gF2SsnQW1IoY_aem_eiEVCmuvylhH1KzyDz30Dw

[image description] Graphic provided by ADA National Network has a white background with the words ADA 34 in large, bold, red and blue lettering. Next to it, encircled in small red stars, reads 1990 - 2024. In smaller blue and red print directly under the “ADA 34,” reads Americans with Disabilities Act
Celebrate the ADA! July 26, 2024

The ASDC - American Society for Deaf Children is offering this online workshop, Preparing Your D/HH Child For Self Advocacy At School, Monday, July 29, 2024. See the original post here for more information and to register.

July Workshop:
PREPARING YOUR D/ HH CHILD FOR SELF ADVOCACY AT SCHOOL
An ASDC Life Skills Workshop with Carter Hears

This workshop will provide developmental guidance to support D/HH children in building strong self-concept and self-advocacy skills within families to prepare them for advocacy in the school setting.

Monday, July 29, 2024 @ 8:00 pm Eastern Time

FREE for ASDC members* | $25 for Non-Members

*ASDC members, use your discount code. Email [email protected] if you don't have your code.

👉 Register early! Go to: https://deafchildren.org/knowledge-center/asl-resources/online-asl-classes/

Do you want to receive a discount? Visit www.DeafChildren.org/join to learn more!

[ID: Learn ASL with ASDC. ASDC logo. Photo of eight young children wearing their backpacks. PREPARING YOUR D/ HH CHILD FOR SELF ADVOCACY AT SCHOOL. An ASDC Life Skills Workshop with Carter Hears MONDAY, 7.29.24 | 8:00 pm ET Online via Zoom. Graphic bar.]

We hope to see you for our next Friends of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (FODHHS) workshop on August 1 from 10 am to noon (with a social afterward from noon to 2 pm).

Criag Hall from MDK Funeral Homes will be joining us to talk about planning ahead.

Join us at the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, at 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548! Park and enter on the WEST side of the building and come in the athletic entrance.

FODHHS Workshops and Socials are for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing and signers. Everyone is welcome!

Bring snacks and games to share at the social.

ASL interpreters will be provided. Questions or other accommodation requests, including DeafBlind interpreters, please contact us at [email protected]. Please make requests at least two weeks before the event so we can prepare accommodations.

We had so much fun last week at Kids Kamp with different crafts, activities, and playtime each day! We want to say thank you to everyone who made the week possible.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to working with our kids all week long! We could not have a successful Kids Kamp without you.

Thank you to all of our special guests who led fun and educational activities with our kids throughout the week, we appreciate you!

Claire Robert’s from Michigan School for the Deaf, MSD
Blandford Nature Center - Blandford on the Road
Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, in Rockford.
Dianne Kinnee from MSD
Dom Bearwood from Bearwood Reclaimed

Last week we were able to host our annual Kids Kamp event for kids 3-12 thanks largely to the generosity of our sponsors and volunteers! Thank you again to everyone who contributed in some way to make our week special and a wonderful success!

Quota GR
Sorenson

Wow! Kids Kamp was so much fun this year! Friday we had a special guest, Dom, from Bearwood Reclaimed who came to teach us how to build a birdhouse! Thank you so much and we hope to see all your smiling faces at our next Youth Program or family event!

Registration for the 1st quarter of 2024 opened on December 15 at classroominterpreting.org and time slots are filling fast! The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment, EIPA, is a tool to analyze interpreter’s skills for the K-12 classroom setting.

We are now offering the performance AND WRITTEN EIPA in Grand Rapids, MI! Have you checked the available testing dates using a mobile device? If so, you may have more success by using a laptop or desktop rather than a mobile device.

**This test is provided by Boys Town National Research Hospital at Classroominterpreting.org Our facility is a site for testing only, with no connection to their grading system. Proctors are not paid by BoysTown to offer this service.**