Tip: Translate Emails in Gmail Automatically

  1. Open the email.
  2. Look for the translation bar under the subject line.
  3. Click the three dots.
  4. Choose “Always translate [language]”.

Gmail will automatically translate emails into your default language.

Consejo: Traduce automáticamente tus correos electrónicos en Gmail

1. Abre el correo.

2. Busca la barra de traducción debajo del asunto.

3. Haz clic en los tres puntos.

4. Selecciona "Traducir siempre [idioma]".

Luego, Gmail traducirá automáticamente los correos electrónicos a su idioma predeterminado.

Anywhere in California—we are here for you

CA H&V Newsletter

 

California Hands & Voices

Non-Judgmental Parent to Parent Support that Honors Each Family’s Unique Journey

 
 

CA H&V & H&V Connections 
DHH-Specific Resources


8 Reasons to say YES to Early Intervention for your child who is D/HH link


Special Education Advocacy Strategies for Deaf+ (DeafPlus) Students with IEPs link


Hands & Voices Military Project website

PCS checklist: Checklist to organize your child’s transition to a new medical and educational home.

CARES CPRC Connections 
Special Education Resources



Toys and Play Items to Make at Home
Learn how to make play fun and easy. website


Who’s on the IEP Team? PHP Webiste

Parents are a very important part of this team and know their child the best. 


Moving to Adult Health Care: A 6-Part Toolkit Series for Health Care Transition Website


DREDF: Sample Letters & Forms
website
School records, 504 Plan, Assessments, IEE etc.

💛 Don’t see a resource that fits your family’s needs? Connect with a board member or request educational advocacy support on our website—we’re always happy to help!

Upcoming California Hands & Voices Events


Dec 21st - Torrance

Holiday Party

RSVP Required to Attend


Jan 25th - Newport Beach
Family Fun Day

RSVP Required to Attend


Feb 17th - Roseville
Family Skate Night at Roller King

RSVP Required to Attend


Scroll down for flyers

Upcoming CARES CPRC Training 



IEP Training & Build a IEP Binder Training (In English) Register

December 6@10:00 am - 11:00 am


TODOS pertenecen: inclusión (En español) Registro
December 10@10:00 am - 11:00 am

Upcoming Hands & Voices Webinars

O.U.R. Children's Safety Project: A Teacher's Role in Keeping Kids Safe

Date/Time:
Tuesday, Jan 13th, 2026, 5:00pm

link to register


Hands & Voices Latino Council Forum 

registro 
17 de febrero:
Preparandonos Para Lo Inesperado

19 de mayo: Pequenos Cambios, Grandes Logros

6:00 PM MT, Ajuste su horario de acuerdo con la zona geográfica donde usted vive
Foros totalmente en ESPAÑOL para Padres presentado por el Comité Latino de Manos y Voces

Director’s Corner:


As the year comes to a close, we pause to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together—and to look ahead with hope and purpose.


This year, our Board and ASTra team brought 47 events to families across California, including two Family Camps and our Annual ASTra Training—each designed to empower parents and improve outcomes for children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.


We are deeply grateful for you. Every milestone we reach is made possible through the unwavering support of families, partners, professionals who connect families to our programs, donors, in-kind contributors, and volunteers. Your belief in our mission allows us to continue walking beside families as they navigate their journey.


Although #GivingTuesday is behind us, your support is always welcome — and truly needed. We know there are many meaningful nonprofit organizations doing important work, and we are honored to be among those you consider.


Your end-of-year contribution — no matter the size — helps ensure every Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafPlus child in California can thrive, and every family feels connected, valued, and supported on their journey.

🔗 cahandsandvoices.org/make-donation


💙 With gratitude,

Cora Shahid

Executive Director

California Hands & Voices

Advocacy, Support, and Training (ASTra)



—was created to:

  • Empower parents
  • Promote student self-advocacy
  • Strengthen collaboration between families and schools


Request ASTra Support - Free


Meet the ASTra Team


ASTra is included in your CA H&V membership

CARES CPRC

Our only funded program serves San Diego and Imperial Counties, providing support and training to families of infants, youth and young adults with disabilities, from birth through age 26


Request CARES Support


Virtual Training Schedule


Find a Parent Center near you


CARES CPRC Training


All training is provided in both Spanish and English. Access in other languages is available with 72+ hours’ notice. 
For requests, email:
cshahid@carescprc.org

📢 Be Part of the Discussion


💬 IEP Goals for Middle School Students


💬Tinnitus & Hearing Aids/CI


💬 Deaf-friendly holiday events


💬H&V Military Project - Meet a HVMP Board Member


In Case You Missed It —
⭐
Honoring Alice Wong

This Month’s Toolbox Highlight
Family Empowerment Centers
Empowering families of children and young adults with disabilities throughout the state of California.

Visit Website Here

Get Involved —


There are so many meaningful ways to support and stay connected with California Hands & Voices:


💙 Become a Member

💙 Request Advocacy Support

💙 Refer a Family for Support

💙 Share Your Story - Website

💙 Workplace Giving

💙Submit an Article

💙 Volunteer Locally


Every action—big or small—helps strengthen our community across California

Growing With You 

With the right funding, we can do even more for families. We’re actively seeking passionate volunteers to help with fundraising, grant writing, or connecting us with philanthropic groups who support our mission. We'd love to connect!

Board President

Stay Connected 


California Hands & Voices

Facebook 

Instagram 

Website 

Linkedin


CARES CPRC 

Facebook 

Website


Hands & Voices Headquaters

Facebook 

Website


Deaf & Hard of Hearing Families – HOLIDAY PARTY! 

Join us in Torrance for a fun and festive afternoon filled with activities for all ages!

 

Reservation required: https://tinyurl.com/yspu9j8e


 Date: Sunday, December 21

 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

 Location: Scholb Brewery

2964 Columbia St, Torrance, CA 90503

 

Activities Include:

Crafts & Games

ASL Storytime with Mrs. Claus

Treat from Santa

Family-to-Family Connections

Bounce House

Game Room

Food available for purchase

Signing Santa & Mrs. Claus




 All ages welcome!  Email: jswift@cahandsandvoices.org if you have questions.


 Family Fun Day!

Hosted by California Hands & Voices

 Universally Accessible Playground

 ASL Interpreter Provided

 

Gently Used Book Exchange – Bring a Book, Take a Book


San Miguel Park, Newport Beach

 January 25th, 2026 | 2–4 PM

 

Free Event --- Registration Required for Free Giveaways


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


 Activities:

 Storytime & Fun Stations

 Lawn & Field Games

 New & Gently Used Books

 Connect with Local Families

 Plus… More Surprises!


 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!

 

February 17th

 5:30 pm

 Roller King

889 Riverside Ave, Roseville, CA 95678

 

RSVP Here to Attend

RSVP is required to reserve your spot

Space is limited to 100 participants


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!


📊 Monthly Poll

We love hearing from our families and community!

Each month we’ll ask one quick question to learn more about your experiences and ideas.

📊 What type of content would you like to see more of from California Hands & Voices?

🌟 Invite a Family or a Friend—Expand the Reach of California Hands & Voices


Invite your friends, family, 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.


💙 We are here for you, every step of the way!

ASTra is a program within Hands & Voices that offers guidance and resources related to special education law, IEP development, and other educational support.


Request 1:1 Support in CA

website


O.U.R. Children's Safety Project


Dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing 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

H&V Projects & Programs

H&V HQ has a multitude of methods and platforms to provide support to families through our programs, projects, and communities.
 




website


Off to a Great Start


Resources like “8 Reasons to Say YES to Early Intervention,” “5 Reasons to Say YES to Assessments,” parent tip sheets, developmental milestone checklists, and guidance 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

💙 Support California Hands & Voices


Together, we create meaningful connections, resources, and joy for families raising children who are 
Deaf or Hard of Hearing across California.


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


Give securely with PayPal

or visit the Donate tab on our website here for Zelle or check options.

Your generosity makes a lasting impact. Thank you 💙

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.