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A Hands & Voices Webinar Series
Brave Conversations: Turning Conflict into Connection
Date: April 23rd, 2026
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm Mountain Time
(Adjust your time zone accordingly.)
Description
Leaders who support families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children often find themselves balancing mission-driven passion with complex interpersonal dynamics. Whether navigating difficult conversations with board members or staff, addressing tensions with partner organizations, or managing challenges within volunteer-driven environments, these moments can feel high-stakes—and deeply personal.
This webinar is designed for professionals and parent leaders working across agencies, educational systems, and nonprofits who want to approach these situations with greater clarity, confidence, and intention. Participants will explore practical strategies for leading courageous conversations, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, and responding to conflict in ways that preserve relationships while staying grounded in organizational values and family-centered practices.
Grounded in the unique context of DHH family support, this session emphasizes relationship-centered leadership and actionable tools participants can immediately apply in their work. Attendees will leave with renewed confidence and a practical framework for turning challenging conversations into opportunities for growth, alignment, and stronger collaboration.
Primary Audience
Family leaders, family-based support organizations, Deaf-based organizations. EHDI program staff, EHDI systems stakeholders, and Pediatric Healthcare Professionals are also welcome.
Presenters
Rick Hauan, H&V HQ Emeritus Director
Executive Director /CEO 5280 Recovery High School
Mr. Hauan has been involved in Deaf Education since the early 1990s. During his 30-plus year career, he built a statewide system of support for deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Washington state in his role as Executive Director/CEO for the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth. Rick is committed to developing and growing local, state, and regional partnerships across in the United States designed to support children and families in educational settings. He has facilitated and co-facilitated several national groups including a group of professionals known as the Common Ground Project. Rick received his bachelor’s degree from Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, master’s degree from Western Oregon University, and School Leadership and Administration Certificate from Western Washington University. He currently serves as Director Emeritus on the Board of Directors for Hands & Voices Headquarters. He is committed to working in partnership across a wide sector of the national community organizations to break down barriers for underserved communities and help children learn, grow, and thrive.
