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Dear California Hands & Voices Community,

As we step into a new year, we welcome new opportunities to learn, serve, and stand alongside families across California. Whether you are a parent of a newly identified child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing, a parent of a tween or young adult, a professional who supports families, or an invested community member, we are truly grateful to have you with us.

If you have questions or need support, reach out to a board member in your region or request FREE educational advocacy support from our ASTra team. We walk alongside families on every path—meeting you where you are with respect, care, and compassion. Together, we are creating spaces where every Deaf and Hard of Hearing child and family feels supported, valued, and celebrated. For additional details, please reach out to cshahid@cahandsandvoices.org or kcain@cahandsandvoices.org.

💙 With gratitude,

Cora Shahid

Executive Director, California Hands & Voices

Update from Our Board of Directors

In 2025, California Hands & Voices proudly hosted 49 events across the state. We hope you were able to join us—or found support through our online community, where families connect, share resources, and support one another statewide.

Our Board is strategically positioned throughout California to support families locally. Board contact information is available at on our website.. We invite you to deepen your connection to CA H&V by renewing your membership, volunteering, sharing your story on our website, inviting us to present an orgnization overview or referring a family for support.

Update from the ASTra Program


Families of children who are DHH often navigate complex systems such as education, healthcare, and early intervention. The ASTra Advocacy Program through California Hands & Voices supports families by building confidence, knowledge, and strong advocacy skills.


The CA H&V ASTra Program has been busy supporting families of children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled. We meet monthly to discuss complex cases and learn together. If you would like to connect with an ASTra Advocate, please visit our website here and request an Advocate. ASTra services are FREE - included with the annual CA Hands & Voices membership of $25 per year.

O.U.R. Children's Safety Project - link to register

A Teacher's Role in Keeping Kids Safe

Tuesday, Jan 13th, 2026, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Fostering Joy -link to register
Join us for a special conversation designed to support military families.
 Tuesday, January 20, 2026

 1:00–2:00 PM MT

Latino Council Forum - registro

17 de febrero: Preparandonos Para Lo Inesperado

19 de mayo: Pequenos Cambios, Grandes Logros
en ESPAÑOL, 6:00=7:00PM MT, sitio web

In Case You Missed It

📣 H&V Latino Council Webinars annoucned link

🗓️ Region 7 had a successful Holiday Party link 
⭐ Chelsea Hull was honored for her service link

Be Part of the Discussion
💬Region 9 celebrated 12 meet-ups link
💬IEP and High Frequency Hearing Loss link
💬Med-El implants and Phonak DMs link

January Highlights

PTIs/CPRCs – There are nearly 100 PTIs and CPRCs across the U.S. and its territories, providing direct support and services to children and youth with disabilities, their families, and the professionals and organizations that serve them. Find the Parent Center Closest to you here

Wrightslaw – Parents, advocates, teachers, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for reliable, up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities. link

CADRE – Dispute resolution resources. Resources for families link

ASTra —was created to:

Empower parents, promote student self-advocacy, strengthen collaboration between families and schools

Request Free Support

CA H&V 
Family Camps

A joyful place to connect, learn, and grow each Labor Day and Memorial Day weekend. 
learn more

CARES CPRC

Federally funded to serve families of children with disabilities in SD and Imperial Counties.

Training and Support

O.U.R. Children's Safety Project

Dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of children who are DHH including signs of abuse and neglect. website

FL3 offers support in areas such as family-to-family connections, language, literacy and social development, and practical Parent Tip Sheets. website

Off to a Great Start

Resources like parent tip sheets, developmental milestone checklists, and tools for creating a plan tailored to your child’s needs. website

Virtual Waiting Room

This resource provides guidance for families after a hearing screening referral, a parent guide on audiology and telehealth, tips. website

Invite your friends, family members, and colleagues to become members—or refer a family who could benefit from Family Engagement Events, Parent-to-Parent Support, or Educational Advocacy. Together, we can expand our reach and support even more families across California—regardless of language, communication tools, or educational approaches.

Your donation—whether one-time, monthly, or yearly—helps us continue this vital work.

Give securely with PayPal or Zelle when you visit the Donate tab. Checks are also gladly accepted.

💙 Your generosity makes a lasting impact. Thank you.

 Family Fun Day!

Hosted by California Hands & Voices

 Universally Accessible Playground

 ASL Interpreter Provided

San Miguel Park, Newport Beach

 January 25th, 2026 | 2–4 PM

Registration Required for Free Giveaways

Gently Used Book Exchange 
Bring a Book, Take a Book

Join us for an afternoon of connection and fun for families with children who are 
Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafPlus, and DeafBlind.

 Activities:
Hot Coco
Grass Volleyball
Free Book Giveaways
 Gently Used Book Exchange
 Storytime (w/ASL Intepreter)

DHH Girl Scout Troop - Information Booth

 Lawn & Field Games

 Connect with Local Families

 Questions? Email: cshahid@cahandsandvoices.org

Thank You NCL Jr Newport Chapter for Your Partnership

Follow the Facebook Event for Updates here

Join us for SKATE NIGHT! 

Bring the whole family for a fun evening of skating, community, and connection!
Space is limited to 100 people

February 17th

5:30 pm

Roller King

889 Riverside Ave, Roseville, CA 95678

RSVP is required to reserve your spot!

https://cahandsandvoices.org/valentines-skate-party-in.../

This event has been made possible by the generous support of the Placer Community Foundation. Please note: Space is limited to 100 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. Nota: El cupo es limitado a 100 participantes. Una vez que alcancemos el límite de cupo, se notificará a las personas inscritas y se las incluirá en una lista de espera. Si hay un cupo disponible, nos pondremos en contacto con usted directamente. Gracias por su interés. ¡Esperamos verlos allí!

Thank you for your interest—we look forward to seeing you there!

Facebook Event for Updates https://www.facebook.com/events/825564706742535

Kids’ Valentine’s Cookie Party!

Join us for a morning of sweet treats & fun!

Saturday, February 7th | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: New Haven Community Park

3260 Rutherford Dr., Ontario, CA 91761

Please bring your favorite cookies or sweet treat to share

Open to all families with children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafPlus. Please feel free to share this event so other families can join us too! Let’s come together to build community and create a sense of belonging for all.

Hosted by: Ashley Jones, California Hands & Voices Board Member

Questions? Contact: AJones@CaHandsandVoices.org

Facebook Event for Updates https://www.facebook.com/events/25987767077474797

Southern California Hands & Voices Family Camp

For families with children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafPlus

Registration is Now Open online here

Established in 2000, California Hands & Voices Family Camp is a welcoming retreat where families connect, recharge, and build lasting memories with others on a similar journey. Through youth programming, parent workshops, and classic camp traditions, families experience laughter, belonging, and community in a safe, inclusive space.

Date: Memorial Weekend May 23–25, 2026


Location: Whispering Winds in Julian, CA


Two Camp Options Saturday Day Camp and Weekend Camp

Children’s Groups: Ages 1–17, Infants welcome with parent

Parent must register and attend with their child. This is not a sleep away youth camp

Payment Plans Available. Please contact us prior to registration.

Families may arrange a monthly payment plan from the time of registration through May 1, 2026. To set up a payment plan, please contact: cshahid@cahandsandvoices.org


Select “Going” on the Facebook event to stay up to date on all announcements.

DHH Youth, Siblings 16+ & Students/Professionals interested in volunteering? 

Apply here and contact Amanda@cahandsandvoices.org with questions. 
Interviews and notices are announced after April 15th 2026



Interested in helping support our Family Camp? 
We are in search of in-kind donations, workplace giving, and restaurant fundraisers etc. Donation request letters are available from any planning committee member. Donations support volunteer registration fees, T-shirts, accessibility, and special activities that make the weekend meaningful for families. To donate or learn more, contact: cshahid@cahandsandvoices.org

Learn More About CA H&V FamilyCamps here

Hands & Voices Headquaters

Facebook 

Website

CARES CPRC 

Facebook 

Website

California Hands & Voices

Facebook 

Instagram 

Website 

Linkedin

NOTE: From time to time California Hands & Voices receives information about events and other items of interest from other sponsoring organizations that we pass on through social media, email, our website or flyers to our members and/or database that we feel might be of interest to our constituency. These events may not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of California Hands & Voices or Hands & Voices HQ, and we rely on our membership to deem what is of value to their own interests.