This June, GCDHH hosted an event for AASD and the larger community to meet and ask questions to the 3 finalists for AASD Superintendent.

The event, organized by Lara Whitfield-Garfinkel had 100 members of the local community as well as AASD staff, local Deaf organizations, and Department of Education representatives who came to interact, meet the candidates, and discuss the future of the school.

We want to thank everyone who attended this event for their participation and investment in the AASD community.

We would also like to congratulate the new superintendent of AASD: Jason “Jack” Johnson.

Camp Juliena 2022 was a big success! Thank you to all of the parents, campers, staff, and community members who made it all possible. This year we had 24 campers who enjoyed a week of fun, games, and activities with other Deaf and Hard of Hearing kids. We made tie dye projects, painted, played games, watched movies, and had a campfire with smores. The campers also got to swim in the pool at camp, slide down the waterslide, and play games all week. We had a blast this summer and can't wait to see more friendly faces next summer in 2023.

If you are interested in sending your child to Camp Juliena 2023 or are interested in volunteering - please send us an email at campjuliena@gcdhh.org.

A camper jumps into the swimming pool.

Thank you to everyone that came out for the ASL Day at Atlanta United on August 6th. What an exciting game! Atlanta United won 2 - 1 against the Seattle Sounders in the 94th minute. We had an amazing time seeing old and new faces and supporting our local soccer team.

GCDHH supplies no-cost personal amplifiers to qualified applicants through the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP). If you need some extra sound while you are out and about, we’ve got you covered!

The XLCgo is an amplifier designed to pair with your cell phone. It is a wireless amplifier that can be taken around with you to hear phone calls from your cell phone using an extra loud amplifier that goes up to 50 decibels, tone control, and large easy to see buttons. This device can be taken with you out of the house to hear calls from your cellphone using a more powerful speaker, and includes a belt clip, lanyard, and car air vent holder so that you can always have it in a convenient location.

This amplifier is ideal for someone who uses their cell phone often and wants to be able to amplify their calls while they are on the go.

The Quattro Pro is a Bluetooth amplifier that you wear around your neck. It can be used with your smartphone to amplify phone calls or audio, and also includes a detachable microphone that can be placed near an audio source in the room so that you can hear more clearly. The quattro pro comes with wired earbuds that can be plugged into the amplifier so that your phone calls remain private.

This amplifier is ideal for someone who needs amplification for both their phone and from audio in the room they are in such as a meeting.

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If you are interested in these or any of our other equipment available to you at no cost through our TEDP program, please do not hesitate to visit our website or contact us Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm. Email: info@gcdhh.org Phone: 404-292-5512

We have had some amazing volunteers in the office the past few months and wanted to give them a shout out for their hard work.

Kami Lausier, Alissa Bethea, and Cora Harris from the Interpreter Training Program (ITP) at Georgia State University have been assisting us with various things around the office lately.

Kami and Cora are seniors in the ITP and started volunteering this February. They have been working on data entry for TEDP and creating reports for the office. Alissa, a junior in the program, started with us in August and has been contacting clients to take surveys in regards to their equipment.

Kami wanted to volunteer at GCDHH because she had heard many positive stories about the center from previous volunteers and staff in the ITP. She enjoys the positive environment in the work place and interacting with the staff.

Cora started her volunteer service at GCDHH because of the many programs that are offered to a diverse array of people, and she wanted to take the opportunity to serve and meet the community. Cora's favorite part of volunteering at the center is the comfortable atmosphere of the office and chatting with everyone here.

Alissa started her volunteer hours to get more practice using ASL and involve herself more in the Deaf community in Atlanta. She also wanted to learn more about the center and the services that we offer to the community. Alissa's favorite part about volunteering is getting to chat with the staff during lunch and learn new signs.

Thank you to Kami, Alissa, and Cora for your work. We appreciate all that you do for the center!

Silent Flingers is a group of seniors (50+) that meets every month for classes, field trips, workshops, & social gatherings. They meet the second Tuesday of every month from 10AM - 3PM at the GCDHH office. For more information, check out their Facebook page.

This summer, GCDHH in collaboration with GVRA hosted STEM Hands - a week-long camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing high schoolers interested in pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

The camp, led by Scott Cohen involved field trips, hand-on activities, and a presentation at the end the week. The campers stayed in dorms at the Georgia State University Downtown Atlanta campus to experience college life and get to know each other.

Campers visited many places in the city including the Georgia Aquarium and the Delta Flight Museum to learn about the STEM related work that goes on behind the scenes. They also did projects that highlighted different features of STEM, including modeling and 3D printing their own figures on 3D printers at the University.

At the end of the week, the campers each took turns presenting to their friends, family, and STEM Hands staff on what they learned over the week and how it will impact their career goals in the future. One camper, Jaina, shared her experience during her presentation. She said that before going to STEM Hands she was not encouraged to decide what to do in the future, but after camp she feels motivated and ready to work on her goals regarding climate change. She now knows that she wants to become a climatologist to protect the environment.

Jaina's favorite part of the camp was the 3D printing, learning about science, and meeting new friends while staying in the dorm and playing games with the other campers. She also enjoyed going to the aquarium and seeing how the staff feeds the fish and takes care of them. She recommends STEM Hands to any Deaf or Hard of Hearing high school student who is interested in STEM.

The group also had one camper who did not sign - but still had an amazing time and was able to make friends and communicate with the other campers. One mom saw the dynamic of the campers and noted:

"My son attended a camp earlier this summer. There was a girl who didn't know ASL, and when I went for the last day presentation, it looked like she was right in the mix with the other teens. The whole group bonded so well, it was great to see."

Thank you to everyone who made STEM Hands a success. We are excited to have the camp again in 2023 bigger and better!

Did you know that GCDHH partners with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) to provide Drivers Education test prep sessions?

During sessions, students can focus on learning:

-         Road Rules

-         Road Signs

-         English Translation of test materials

With these sessions, students will be set up for success. We have a high percentage rate of students that pass the test post-class.

If you are interested in acquiring these services, please contact:

Ericka Lipscomb-Capel: elipscomp@gcdhh.org

Interested in employment? GCDHH and GVRA has got you covered. The phases in the employment process include Intake, job development and placement, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy. Additionally, a job coach is provided for comprehension and communication access. If you are looking for employment support – reach out to us!

Ericka Lipscomb-Capel elipscomb@gcdhh.org

Virtual ASL classes this fall are now available for registration! We have also added additional classes such as an in-person ASL I class, youth, and family classes. The deadline to register is September 3, 2022. Below is the schedule for upcoming classes:

The textbook is highly recommended for all ASL units- A Basic Course in American Sign Language (Second Edition). This can be ordered via Amazon. 

If you have questions, please email Lara Whitfield at: Lwhitfield@gcdhh.org

GCDHH offers customized ASL classes for businesses and workplaces. With a flat rate (prices are negotiable), your company can pick the hours and multiple dates for ASL classes. You and your co-workers will take sessions and practice together on learning a new language. If interested, you can bring this available course to the attention of your management and contact us at Lwhitfield@gcdhh.org.

 requests@gcdhh.org