Deaf/Hard of hearing Adults: Involvement
The experience of Deaf/hard of hearing adults is critical to our Hands & Voices Family Leadership in Language and Learning (FL3) Program. FL3 is founded on the principle that individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing (d/hh) are critical to the development of all services and systems for children who are d/hh. This philosophy is infused in all programming, trainings, materials and system structures.
Hands & Voices values our Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Infusion Policy, asking staff members who are d/hh to ensure that this philosophy is part of the development of all programming.
An Interview: The importance of families connecting with Deaf/Hard of Hearing Adults with Janet DesGeorges and Karen Putz
Some key parts of the policy include:
- Families have many opportunities to create context for their own child’s life by connecting to D/hh Mentors and adult role models
- Adults who are d/hh serve as members of boards, advisory committees and quality improvement projects
- Adults who are d/hh are represented in print materials, articles and videos
- Adults who are d/hh serve as expert presenters on webinars, conferences, and workshops
- Adults who are d/hh develop policy guidance documents
- Access services (Sign language interpreting, cue transliteration, CART services) are valued to include all perspectives.
- Communication Ground Rules are followed for equal access
