You Are Always Invited
* Pre-registration is required for all events
SAVE THE DATE!!
We are excited to announce that we have some fun and educational events lined up for the coming months! Look for more information to come for each event and we hope that you can join us for one, or all, of these events!
SPRING 2023 CALENDAR
Pastries, Playgrounds & Performances (Oh my!)
Greetings friends and members of Virginia Hands & Voices!
We are pleased to announce two events in one - Pastries at the playground, and then an ASL interpreted play at a nearby theater. Join us for just one, or stay for both!
Performance Information (*FREE* tickets for members)
Virginia Hands & Voices and Arts on the Horizon invite Northern Virginia area families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children, professionals in the field, and DHH adults to see an ASL interpreted performance of the children's play Arco Iris. This unique production will take place on Saturday, June 17 at 11:30 am at Theater on the Run in Arlington.
As a way to show our appreciation for your continued support, we are offering all current 2023 Virginia Hands & Voices members FREE tickets to this special performance. Look for your promo code in a members-only email. Not a member yet? Become a member today by clicking here and we will email you the promo code for this event.
Pastries & Playgrounds Information
Some of our board members will be meeting up before the show for "Pastries & Playgrounds" at the Jennie Dean Park playground - walking distance from the theater. Plan to join us from 10:00 am - 11:00 am for a sweet treat and some playground fun to burn off a little energy before heading over to the performance. You do not need to be a current member to join us - we love meeting new families!
For more information and to register for one or both of these events please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/va-hands-voices-pastries-playgrounds-and-performances-arlington-tickets-638303481897
Hope to see you in Arlington!
Student-Led Pal Program
We are pleased to announce a new collaborative effort between the Technical Assistance Center for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TAC-DHH), the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB) Outreach Programs and yours truly, Virginia Hands & Voices!
You are invited to join us for a newly created virtual Student-Led Pal Program and we are seeking deaf and hard of hearing students who may be interested. This virtual group will meet monthly between February and May for one hour via Zoom. The purpose of this program is to allow deaf and hard of hearing children in Virginia to connect with each other virtually and provide mentor/mentee opportunities, all while having fun!
Elementary-aged students will be matched with Middle and High school students to lead structured activities during the sessions. All modes of communication are welcome! Adult supervision will be provided during the virtual event. Activities will vary monthly, and supplies for each activity will be mailed to the address provided on the student's interest form. For more information, please review the flyer below or register HERE. Completed forms will be accepted until January 20, 2023.
If you have questions, please contact Robin Bliven at robin.bliven@vsdb.k12.va.us or Tracey Yurechko at yurechkot@vcu.edu. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have.
Save the Date for these upcoming summer events!
Come see Virginia Hands & Voices at the Opening Doors - Unlocking Potential 2023, an in-person professional development event focusing on Evolution in Education on June 22 - June 23, 2023 in Richmond, Virginia. This in-person event will continue its strong focus on effective strategies to positively impact academic outcomes for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing from birth - 21.
More information coming soon!
Events & Activities
While Virginia Hands & Voices hosts some of our own events, we often take advantage of, and meet at, programs offered by other organizations that will benefit our members. We do our best to keep this page up to date, but we encourage you to visit our Facebook page for the most current information.
Social Opportunities
We seek to connect children with other children and families with other families. Often, through fun, family-centered activities we make strong friendships and realize we are not alone on the journey.
Learning Opportunities
Have you thought, "I'm confused, but I'm too afraid to ask," during an IFSP, IEP or 504 plan meeting. Do you ever wish you could just talk to someone who's a few steps ahead of you on this journey or a professional in the field of childhood hearing loss? Virginia Hands & Voices seeks to provide opportunities to learn and explore with others like you.
When will Hands & Voices be in your area?
If we have not been in your area and you'd like to help us plan an event, please contact us at vahandsandvoices@gmail.com. The events we plan are often based on finding a volunteer in the area who can help us. We'd love to hear from you!
Stayed tuned for more!
Have an Idea for an Event?
If you have an idea for an event, or know of one we might want to promote to our members, please email us at vahandsandvoices@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!