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!
FALL 2023 CALENDAR
Parents and Professionals Night Out!
Let's catch up over some good food and drinks, shall we?
Join Virginia Hands & Voices for a Parents and Professionals Night Out in Richmond on Friday, December 1 from 6:30-9:00 pm at The Answer Brewpub. If you are a parent of a deaf or hard-of-hearing child, a professional who supports deaf and hard-of-hearing children, or a DHH adult...you are welcome!
As 2023 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on all we've accomplished both in our families and as an organization. Secure a babysitter, and come out to celebrate with us! Complimentary appetizers will be provided and food and beverages from the brewery's full menu will be available for individual purchase.
We hope you can join us! You'll have the opportunity to meet members of our board as well as mingle with other parents, professionals and DHH adults in the Richmond area.
This event is free, but registration is required. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. For more details and to RSVP click here.
We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces on Friday, December 1st!
Let's say "Later Gator" to 2023 and "Croc On" to 2024!
We would love for you to join us for our virtual "Later Gator" 5K this New Years from Friday, December 29th - Monday, January 1st. Run, walk, bike, hike, roll...whatever your mode, join us from the comfort of your neighborhood to make 2024 our year! All race registrants will receive a super soft race t-shirt in the size of your choice!
To sign up for the virtual race and request your t-shirt, click here. Make sure to select the Virginia chapter during the registration process!
Don't wait! Registration is $35 now through November 30th. Registration increases to $40 starting December 1st. Proceeds from your registration will go directly to the Virginia chapter of Hands & Voices. Your name will also be added to our virtual team! Hands & Voices is an international organization with 43 chapters that provide support to families of children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. We operate without bias around communication methodologies, and believe that families can make the best choices for their child if they have access to quality information and support.
Your registration proceeds or donation amount will help us provide family events for families across the state in 2024!
To make a donation only, please visit our Virginia Hands & Voices fundraiser page.
Feel free to share our fundraiser page with friends, family and colleagues who may be interested in supporting our chapter - no matter where they live! Donations made through this fundraising page will go toward planning 2024 family events in Virginia.
As always, thank you for supporting your local H&V chapter!
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 October and May from 7:00 - 8:00 pm 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 September 29, 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.
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!