Programs for Support
Every family has a unique journey, and that requires individual supports tailored to fit your family's needs. Below you will find unique opportunities to help guide you, some that are local here in Colorado (be sure you see CO), and some that are opportunities offered by Hands & Voices Head Quateters (be sure you see HQ). We are here to set you up for a successful outcome!
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at info@co-hv.org
or talk with your Parent Guide.
The Hands & Voices Parent Guide is a parent of a deaf or hard-of-hearing child who has been trained to provide support and advocacy for other families. Our guides have real life experience in raising a deaf/hh child, and are knowledgeable about the issues encompassing this journey. These guides are available to respond to the individual needs of each family and can utilize a whole network of H&V chapters across the country and outside its borders as needed.
Navigating the school system related to a child’s learning needs can be a huge learning curve. That’s where our ASTra Program comes in to help. ASTra stands for the Advocacy Support and Training Program, created by Hands & Voices HQ as a formal and systematic way to educate parents and professionals who want to assist other families with these kinds of questions.
We want to bring families experiencing CMV together for mutual education and support related to this complicated condition, while advocating for greater public education, prevention, and routine cCMV screening at birth. Families have the right to know the full picture and have access to the best medical care and supports.
Maybe you knew about your child’s hearing difference long before learning about Autism Spectrum Disorder, or possibly the other way around. Your journey and your child’s journey has likely been complicated by the lack of support for this dual challenge. We want to make connecting with reliable information and with a community of people easier for parents through this website. Your suggestions are always welcome. As parents, we don’t know to ask about what we don’t yet know, right? Yet, within a community of learners, there can be so much wisdom.
Maybe you knew about your child’s hearing difference long before learning about Autism Spectrum Disorder, or possibly the other way around. Your journey and your child’s journey has likely been complicated by the lack of support for this dual challenge. We want to make connecting with reliable information and with a community of people easier for parents through this website. Your suggestions are always welcome. As parents, we don’t know to ask about what we don’t yet know, right? Yet, within a community of learners, there can be so much wisdom.
Hands & Voices recognizes the importance of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) individuals with diverse languages, modes of communication, ages, education, and life experiences, as equal partners in serving families with D/HH children. Hands & Voices values meaningful engagement of D/HH Leaders at all levels of the organization and recognizes the importance of D/HH Leader-to-family support.
The H&V HQ Advisory Council for Latino Family Support provides opportunities for self-determination and leadership in supporting the Latino community. The H&V Advisory Council for Latino Family Support is an important group of experts who bring a wide range of participants committed to sharing ideas and strategies to support efforts to serve Latino families.
Deaf/hh Plus is meant to be a positive term, not in any way negative or insensitive to the child who has medical issues along with hearing loss. In fact, I see it as an “A+” or “B+,” meaning the child carries additional positive qualities. But it is a gift that needs to be carefully unwrapped. And it may not appear to be a gift when you first receive it. Time helps you appreciate, understand and unfold the possibilities. And the “Plus” most often means the child and family has added responsibilities and requires additional expertise.” – Candace Lindow-Davies, Hands & Voices HQ, written when affiliated with MN Hands & Voices.
The HQ Military Project was created to provide awareness, collaboration, and support. Through this we can aide in the timely support for active duty and the retired armed forces community. Active duty and retired families understand what it means to serve our country. Hands & Voices HQ has a professional based service, and a family based service to support our Military families, wherever they may be.
Because we know what it means to be the family of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. You may be overwhelmed, feel alone, worry about your child’s communication and what you need to do next.
AND as parents, we know how important it is to just celebrate your child! To see all the many gifts your child brings, to take time to enjoy each other, and to share your joy with others that understand. THAT is what we mean by Fostering Joy!
We don’t like to think about it, but our kids who are deaf or hard of hearing are at a higher risk for bullying,
abuse, and neglect. Like any children, they are at risk. As children who might not always be able to
communicate easily and fluently, or understand the nuances of conversation with neighbors, caregivers, or
strangers, they are at an even higher risk of being victims of someone, somewhere, at some level.
Partner with supporting agencies (who often need to learn more about D/HH), and teach ourselves how
best to Observe, Understand, and Respond to our children.
