Welcome to Pennsylvania Hands & Voices

What works for your child is what makes the choice right

Non-biased support for families of children who are deaf and hard of hearing

Our Mission:

Hands & Voices is dedicated to supporting families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodology. We’re a parent-driven, non-profit organization providing families with the resources, networks and information they need to improve communication access and educational outcomes for their children. Our outreach activities, parent/professional collaboration, and advocacy efforts are focused on enabling Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children to reach their highest potential.

What People say about Hands & Voices:

“Hands & Voices supported my personal decision about my son and how he would learn to communicate with the world as a deaf person.  Hands & Voices did not judge, but supported my choice.”
Shirley Swope, parent and advocate, Colorado

“Hands  &  Voices  is  what  our  state  has  been  waiting  for.  I had several requests for specific information which sent me scrambling for some appropriate resources and information. Hands & Voices was where I found it.”
Lorna Irwin, parent and consultant, Idaho

“For too long we have debated what communication mode is issues best, rather than work to provide the variety of options necessary to meet the diverse needs of deaf/hh children. The broad vision of Hands & Voices comes at exactly the right time.”
Lawrence Siegel, Esq., National Deaf Education Project

Hands & Voices Areas of Focus Include: Parent - to - Parent Support Guide by your Side Program Deaf Ed Reform - Educational Excellence “Medical Home” Initiative Full & effective Communication Access Hearing Aid Coverage by Insurance Companies Universal Newborn Hearing Systems Parent/Professional Collaboration Deaf/HH Adult Mentoring Parent Education and Support Natural Environments, Least Restrictive Environment Communication Choice Making Meaningful Parent Involvement Educational Advocacy and Training

Hands & Voices Resources Include: The Resource Guide for Parents Quarterly publication, “The Communicator”  Web site resources Lending Library IEP Facilitation/Advocacy Support Public Speakers Bureau State Chapters Affiliate Support “We are Hands & Voices” video Statewide workshops Legislative advocacy Regional Parent Coordinators Spanish Speaking parent coordinator Unilateral Hearing Loss parent Coordinator Teacher/professional pre-service and in-service training Deaf /HH Adult Role Models