Consejo Puedes traducir automáticamente tus correos electrónicos en Gmail abriendo el correo y buscando la barra de traducción que aparece debajo del asunto. Luego, haz clic en los tres puntos y selecciona “Traducir siempre [idioma]”. 
A partir de ese momento, Gmail traducirá automáticamente los correos electrónicos a tu idioma predeterminado.

Dear California Hands & Voices Community,

This month, we’re focusing on connection and care — because families flourish when they feel supported, informed, and truly seen. At California Hands & Voices, our community is rooted in shared experiences, trusted relationships, and the belief that no family should ever have to walk this journey alone. We invite you to join as an annual member or renew your membership.


As we move into February, we’re reflecting with gratitude on January’s Region 9/10 Hands & Voices training in Las Vegas. Thanks to donor support, several of our volunteers (Board and ASTra) were able to come together in person — strengthening skills, building relationships, and returning better equipped to support families across California. Thank you for your generous donations that make our work possible. Contact a CA H&V Team Member. See Photos from the training. 


Stories connect us. They remind us we’re not alone and often bring hope right when it’s needed most. If you’re interested in sharing your story on our website, we’d love to hear from you. link

Together, we continue building a stronger community across California.

💙 With gratitude,

Cora Shahid

Executive Director, California Hands & Voices

Join us for the 2026 Annual Educational Advocacy Support & Training (ASTra) Workshop on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Redwood City (Northern California). This full-day training is designed for parents, professionals, and community members who support Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Participants will gain practical tools and knowledge on special education, IEPs and 504s, assessments, procedural safeguards, Deaf Plus considerations, and more.

Registration includes: training, lunch, networking opportunities, and a certificate of completion.

👉 Register here: https://cahandsandvoices.org/2026-astra-training/


Interested in sponsoring the ASTra Training?

Please contact our 2026 Training Sponsor Liaison, Joycelyn, at jawakunilee@cahandsandvoices.org.

El Comité de Consejeros de H&V para el Apoyo a las Familias Latinas


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
Facebook

In Case You Missed It

📣 AG Bell Teen LOFT Program Application link

🗓️ CSDF ASL Classes Announcment link 
⭐ Parent Tip Sheets link
👉 5 Reasons to Say YES to Assessments link

Be Part of the Discussion
💬Request for ENT recommendations link
💬ASL Stories and Songs in Livermore link
💬Statewide Introductions link

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.

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

Give securely on our Donate tab. Checks are also gladly accepted.

Interested in grant writing or fundraising? Contact us to get involved.

kcain@cahandsandvoices.org 
cshahid@cahandsandvoices.org 

💙 Your generosity makes a lasting impact. Thank you.

February Highlights

What is a Special Education Local Plan Area? (SELPA) Find yours here

Office of Clients' Rights Advocacy (OCRA) link

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Protection & Advocacy link

Regional Centers – Lifelong services and supports link

California Children's Services - health care and services for qualifying children 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

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

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

🎉 Play My Way Adaptive Recreation Center – Family Fun Day

⚠️ Registration limited to 20 children

📅 Sunday, March 1, 2026

🕒 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

📍 Play My Way Adaptive Recreation Center

7540 Metropolitan Dr. #103, San Diego, CA 92108

California Hands & Voices families — including CARES CPRC participants — are invited to a joyful morning of movement, connection, and play. Families with children who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafPlus, DeafBlind, and children with other disabilities are welcome.

💙 FREE for current CA H&V annual members

(Up to 3 children per family • Membership active before 1/15/26)

💛 Non-members: $10 per child

A Play My Way session is $30 — Our CARES CPRC Program will cover the rest!

👉 Register here:

https://cahandsandvoices.org/play-my-way-registration/

🙏 Members: Please register only children who will attend so spots aren’t left unused.

❓ Questions: Jen Jordan — jjordan@cahandsandvoices.org

Hands & Voices Foros totalmente en ESPAÑOL para Padres

Presentado por el Comité Latino de Manos y Voces

Hands & Voices Forums entirely in SPANISH for Parents

Register here/Regístrate aquí


Presentamos dos próximos eventos patrocinados por el Comité de Manos y Voces Latinas.

Debe registrarse para recibir su invitación.

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

ASTra Training

Advocacy, Support, and Training (ASTra) Program, Hosted by CA Hands & Voices

Register

Accessibility

• Provided in English and Spanish
• ASL Interpreters Provided

This one-day event brings together parents, professionals, DHH students, and community members who support Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafPlus students, with the shared goal of empowering every student to reach their fullest potential.

Date & Time

Saturday, March 28, 2026

8:15 AM – 5:30 PM

Location

Weingarten Children’s Center

Redwood City, CA 94062

 Registration Includes

• Educational Advocacy Training
• Certificate of Completion
• Lunch

Cost

Parents

• Member: $50*
• Non-Member: $75*

Professionals

• Member: $100
• Non-Member: $125

* Second parent may attend for an additional $10

Thank You Sponsors

• Weingarten Children’s Center
• National Charity League Jr. Newport Beach Chapter

Interested in sponsoring? Contact: jawakunilee@cahandsandvoices.org

Topics Covered

• Introduction to Special Education and the ABC’s of FAPE and LRE
• Special Considerations for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• A Question of Eligibility including Birth to Three & Transition to Preschool
• Procedural Safeguards
• Assessment and Evaluation
• IEPs & 504
• Meeting Planning / Tools and Strategies
• Deaf / DeafBlind / Deaf Disabled

Questions?

Kat Lowrance 
KLowrance@cahandsandvoices.org 


Cora Shahid

CShahid@CaHandsandVoices.org

Entrenamiento ASTra

Programa de Defensa, Apoyo y Capacitación (ASTra) California Manos y Voces

Registro

Accesibilidad

• Capacitación impartida en Español e Inglés.
• Se proporcionan intérpretes de lenguaje de señas americano (ASL).

Este evento de un día está diseñado para padres, profesionales, estudiantes Sordo/HH/Sordo-Ciegos/Sordera con Discapacidades Adicionales y miembros de la comunidad que apoyan a estos estudiantes, con el objetivo de empoderarlos para alcanzar su máximo potencial.

Fecha y Hora

Sábado, 28 de marzo de 2026

8:15 am – 5:30 pm

Lugar

Weingarten Children’s Center

Redwood City, CA 94062

Incluye:

• Capacitación en defensa educativa
• Certificado de finalización
• Almuerzo

Costo

Padre:

• Miembro: $50*
• No Miembro: $75*

Profesional:

• Miembro: $100
• No Miembro: $125

* 2do padre puede asistir por $10 adicionales

Gracias a los Patrocinadores

• Weingarten Children’s Center
• National Charity League Jr. Newport Beach Chapter
  

Temas cubiertos

• Ambiente Menos Restrictivo
• Consejos para Padres
• Educación Pública en USA
• Elegibilidad
• Evaluación Independiente Educativa
• Garantías Procesales
• Inicios de Auto abogacía
• Mediación, Quejas y Proceso Debido
• Metas Educativas
• Notificación Previa por Escrito
• Participación Activa
• Transiciones
• Preguntas Frecuentes

¿Preguntas?

Contacto:

Leslie Manjarrez

Lmanjarrez@cahandsandvoices.org

📸 Mother’s Day Mini Photo Fundraiser

Benefiting California Hands & Voices Southern California Family Camp

👉 Reserve your session: Book Today

California Hands & Voices Board Member and San Diego family photographer Jen Jordan is hosting a special fundraiser to support Southern California Family Camp.

As a mom to a hard-of-hearing child, Jen understands firsthand how vital connection, resources, and community are for families. She is generously dedicating this day to giving back and supporting other families on a similar journey.

🌸 Join us for Mother’s Day Mini Photo Sessions!

📅 Saturday, April 18

📍 Los Peñasquitos Ranch House, San Diego, CA

✨ Session Details

• 5-minute mini photo sessions

• Includes 3 professionally edited digital images

• $100 session fee donated directly to California Hands & Voices

• Additional images available for purchase

⚠️ Space is limited — advance registration required.


🌐 View Jen’s photography work:link

❓ Questions? Jen Jordan — jjordan@cahandsandvoices.org

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 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