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Dear California Hands & Voices Community,
As we reach the midpoint of the year, July is a wonderful time to pause and reflect on your family's journey. To celebrate the milestones both big and small. Perhaps your child learned a new sign, said a new word, made a new friend, attended their first camp, or gained confidence in a new skill. Maybe your family found a new routine, navigated a challenging appointment, or simply discovered more moments of joy together. No matter where you are on your journey, every step forward is worth celebrating.
CA H&V Summer events are happening in Encinitas, two in Sacramento, and if you've been thinking about attending Northern California Family Camp, registration is still open—but only for a few more weeks! Scroll down for more info on all events.
Do you know about upcoming community events? You may submit here to help spread the word.
This past month, a parent shared how our advocacy support gave her the confidence to walk into her child's first IEP meeting feeling prepared and empowered. We were also honored to be interviewed by the San Diego Foundation to highlight how their support has helped make Southern California Family Camp possible and the lasting impact it has on families.
Stories like these remind us that no family should ever feel alone. That's why we're always looking to share the experiences of families and Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults on our website. As a thank you for sharing your story, you'll receive a complimentary one-year California Hands & Voices membership. Your story may be exactly what another family needs to hear at just the right time. Click here to submit
💙 With gratitude,
California Hands & Voices
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2026 Webinar Series: Four Webinars Down, More to Come!
Thank you to everyone who has joined us for our 2026 Parent Webinar Series! California Hands & Voices is honored to partner with Nevada Hands & Voices to bring these opportunities to families. We are grateful to the Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf for sponsoring our ASL interpreters. Spanish interpretation provided by CA H&V, and Zoom captions are enabled for all webinars.
Here's a quick refresher of the topics we've explored so far:
RIT/NTID
- Overview of RIT/NTID programs and student support services.
- Admissions, financial aid, and preparing for college.
- Resources and contacts for families interested in learning more.
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Questions? Rick.Postl@rit.edu
California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)
- How to connect with DOR around age 16 for Student Services
- Career exploration, transition planning, and employment pathways.
- Postsecondary education, vocational training, and how to access local DOR services.
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Questions? Kimberly.Nguyen@dor.ca.gov
Preparing Your Child for Transition to Adulthood
- The importance of starting transition planning early.
- Building self-advocacy and independence skills.
- Transition IEPs, IDEA vs. ADA, college planning, employment readiness, and community involvement.
DHH Adult College Student Panel
- Firsthand perspectives from three Deaf and Hard of Hearing college students.
- College preparation, accommodations, campus resources, and student life.
- Honest conversations about the joys and challenges of college.
- Practical advice for students and their families.
Coming Up Next: 0–5 Transitions
Join us for our next Parent Webinar on July 13th at 6pm, 0–5 Transitions. Presented by Kat Lowrance, a parent and parent advocate with more than 40 years of experience, and Ashley Jones, a parent of two Deaf and Hard of Hearing children with a background in early childhood education. Families will learn how to understand the transition process, use the "All About Me" tool to highlight their child's unique strengths and needs, and make informed, confident decisions. more info and to register
Thank you to our presenters for generously sharing their expertise and lived experiences, and thank you to all the families who have participated. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming monthly webinars July - November!
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🌟Help More Families Find the Support They Need
Every day, families across California learn that their child is Deaf or Hard of Hearing and begin searching for information and support. Many don't yet know that California Hands & Voices is here to help and you can change that.
One simple referral can connect a family to parent-to-parent support, educational advocacy, family events, trusted resources, and a welcoming community that understands their journey.
You can help by:
Together, we can ensure that more families feel welcomed, connected, informed, and empowered
because no family should have to navigate this journey alone.
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Summer is a wonderful time to explore the educational options and resources available for children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Whether you're preparing for the upcoming school year, exploring future placement options, or simply wanting to learn more, now is the perfect time to discover what's available.
School and program websites can help you find educational opportunities, family events, outreach programs, and valuable resources. Many also offer newsletters and mailing lists, making it easy to stay informed about events, services, and opportunities throughout the year.
Explore these California resources:
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California School for the Deaf, Riverside – Learn about academic programs, student life, outreach services, and community events.
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California School for the Deaf, Fremont – Explore educational programs, extracurricular activities, and family resources.
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OPTION Schools – Discover schools throughout California that support listening and spoken language development.
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Center for Early Intervention on Deafness (CEID) – Early intervention, preschool, education, and family support services.
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No Limits for Deaf Children – Educational programs, theater arts, tutoring, and family resources.
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LEAD-K Family Services Program Directory – Find early intervention programs and services designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families.
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California School Directory – Search California public schools, private schools, school districts, and county offices of education.
Every child is unique. Taking time to explore the many programs, schools, and resources available can help you make informed decisions that reflect your child's unique strengths, communication needs, and learning style. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel in advocating for your child's needs.
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🌱 Off to a Great Start: Resources for Families with Young Children
The early years are filled with growth, discovery, and countless opportunities to build a strong foundation. Hands & Voices Off to a Great Start is a free online resource designed to support families and professionals as they navigate early intervention for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking for practical tools to support your child's development, you'll find resources to help you every step of the way, including:
- 8 Reasons to Say YES to Early Intervention
- 5 Reasons to Say YES to Assessments
- Parent Tip Sheets with fun, everyday learning activities
- Developmental Milestone Checklists
- Making a Plan for Your Child
- Early Intervention Recommendations
- Family Support Activities Guide, featuring topics such as child and family well-being, knowledge, empowerment, flourishing, and Fostering Joy
Visit the Hands & Voices Off to a Great Start webpage to explore these free resources. Simply hover over each image on the screen to discover helpful information, tip sheets, activities, and resources designed to support your family's journey.
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🌟 Learning from Deaf & Hard of Hearing Adults
One of the greatest opportunities we can give our children and our family is the chance to meet and learn from Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults. Their lived experiences offer valuable perspective, encouragement, and hope while helping families better understand the social, emotional, educational, and lifelong journey of raising a child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
👋 Meet Emily Burke Get to know Emily Burke, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Infusion Coordinator at Hands & Voices Headquarters and leader of the DHH Advisory Council.
🎥 FL3 Interviews with Deaf & Hard of Hearing Adults Hear directly from Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults as they share their experiences, perspectives, and advice for families. These conversations are a wonderful reminder that there is no single path to a successful and fulfilling life.
📚 DHH Resources a curated collection of articles, research, websites, and family resources that highlight the value of connecting with Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults throughout your family's journey.
➡️ Click these links to explore these resources and continue learning together FL3 and Hands & Voices
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CA H&V Events: Now for the Full Details… | | |
Join Us for a DHH Park Playdate on July 12 in Roseville, CA
You’re invited to a fun and welcoming summer gathering for families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children in the Sacramento area. This is a great opportunity to meet other families, let the kids play, and enjoy a supportive community space designed just for you.
Western-themed funin an accessible park setting!
Maidu Regional Park
1550 Maidu Dr, Roseville, CA
Date: Sunday, July 12th
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Snacks and coffee will be provided
Bring anything you’d like to add to the fun—sports balls, chairs or a blanket, bubbles, and more. Feel free to invite a friend to meet you there! We hope to see you soon!
Questions? Contact CA H&V Board Member, Kira Tran
ktran@cahandsandvoices.org
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California Hands & Voices and Nevada Hands & Voices are teaming up to present the 2026 Parent Series on the second Mondays in 2026 from 6:00–7:00 PM
Register here
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../register/kg7BDk8wRgiSubnn7cCI0g
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California Hands & Voices invites you to a fun-filled DHH Family Beach Day!
Invite a friend to meet you there
Date: Sunday, July 19
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Moonlight State Beach Playground in Encinitas, CA
Come connect with other families, enjoy the sunshine, and build community in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
What to bring:
Picnic/lunch
Beach toys
Shade / Towel
Anything else to make it a fun day!
RSVP / Questions
Brianna Meshke McLay – bmeshkemclay@cahandsandvoices.org
Jen Jordan – jjordan@cahandsandvoices.org
We hope to see you there for a day of connection, laughter, and fun in the sun!
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This series is proudly hosted by NV Hands & Voices and California Hands & Voices, and generously sponsored by Rochester Institute of Technology – RIT/NTID
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM PST
Access: Spanish and ASL interpreters provided
Zoom auto captions enabled
Register for free at: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../register/kg7BDk8wRgiSubnn7cCI0g
When registering you can select 1 or all of the sessions you want to attend.
Upcoming Sessions:
August 10: Ready, Set, IEP Prep: Tips for Before, During, and After Meetings
September 14: Comparing 504 Plans and IEPs: Understanding the Differences
October 13: Behavior Strategies for Home & School
November 9: Parent Panel: Real Stories from Families
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Aug 29th 5:30-7:30
This event has been made possible by the generous support of the Placer Community Foundation.
Please note: Space is limited to 120 participants. Once we reach capacity, additional registrations will be notified and placed on a waitlist. If a spot becomes available, we will contact you directly
Este evento ha sido posible gracias al generoso apoyo de la Fundación Comunitaria de Placer.
Antelope Aquatic Center
7990 Palmerson Dr.
Antelope, CA 95843
Swim Night Includes Free:
Admission
Pizza & Ice Cream
Register Today for the End of Summer Party
https://cahandsandvoices.org/end-of-summer-swim-in.../
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Believe in the Magic: A Decade of Belonging
Join us as we celebrate the 10th Annual Northern California Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Camp—a full decade of connection, community, and unforgettable memories!
For ten years, families have come together to share experiences, build lifelong friendships, and support one another on their journeys. This year is extra special as we honor a decade of belonging—and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.
What to Expect:
A welcoming, inclusive community for families
Fun and engaging camp activities for all ages
Meaningful connections with other families and advocates
A magical weekend filled with laughter, support, and celebration
Date: Labor Day Weekend
September 4–6, 2026
Location: Camp Ross Relles
Registration Ends on Aug 13th or when we are full!
https://cahandsandvoices.org/northern-california/
Whether this is your first year or your tenth, you are part of this story. Come celebrate with us and believe in the magic that makes this community so special.
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