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!
Would you like to see an event in your region? We are always looking for parent advocates in every corner of Virginia to help plan and host events. As a volunteer organization, we can only do so much, but can do so much more with your help! Please reach out if you would like us to travel to you next - we would love to connect with you!
SPRING 2024 CALENDAR
Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond!
Take me out to the ball game! Take me out to the crowd!
Please join Virginia Hands & Voices at the ballpark on Sunday, May 19 at 1:35pm for some good old fashioned spring fun.
Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond is a local Richmond event in its third year. The goal of this free event is to highlight the importance of an inclusive community by bringing people together with and without disabilities in a highly public and iconic RVA way -- cheering on the Flying Squirrels!
This event is hosted by Friendship Circle of Virginia. To ensure a supportive, inclusive environment for all, Friendship Circle of Richmond is providing many accommodation options such as increased accessible seating, Sensory Zones, ASL interpreters, Audio Description Services, Closed Captioning, Dietary Accommodations, additional quiet space and more. To learn more about the event and the available accommodations, visit the event website.
To reserve your FREE TICKETS through Virginia Hands & Voices, and for instructions on where to meet our group, please register by May 17 https://VAHV_At_The_Diamond.eventbrite.com
Board members and their families from Virginia Hands & Voices will be in attendance.
Last year, we had many families join us from all regions of Virginia and we look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces this spring at the Diamond!
This event is free, but registration is required. Please sign up and request necessary accommodations by visiting https://VAHV_Board_Games.eventbrite.com
This event is open to members and non-members and we always love seeing new and familiar faces. We look forward to seeing you on June 2nd!
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!