New Resource for Families Debuts at 2019 Hands & Voices Conference

The National Deaf Center is presenting, exhibiting, and debuting a new resource for families at the 2019 Hands & Voices Leadership Conference on September 20-22, the only conference of its kind devoted exclusively to training family members with children who are deaf to be agents of change. 

The new resource, Family Support for Deaf Teens: Encouraging Independence and Self-Determination, explains the current research that shows deaf teenagers with stronger family support are more successful after high school. It features eight practical tips for families on how to strengthen the support they provide their deaf teens, including developing independence, having high expectations, nurturing self-regulation, and teaching responsibility. 

In addition to being available for free download, the National Deaf Center will have copies of this new resource at its booth at the Hands & Voices Leadership Conference, along with other helpful resources and guides for families seeking evidence-based insights into how to support deaf youth in the successful transition from high school to adult life.

Attendees of the conference will also have the opportunity to learn more about the National Deaf Center at a presentation on September 21 by Technical Assistance Specialist Lauren “Lore” Kinast, who has extensive experience coordinating accommodations for deaf students. Her presentation will provide a brief overview of the National Deaf Center’s work at the national, state, and local levels to foster #DeafSuccess during high school and beyond, as well as highlight the education and employment outcomes that are the foundation for the wide variety of free resources, online classes, and community outreach efforts available to families and others.