Hands & Voices

 

Welcome to Pennsylvania Hands & Voices

 

"What works for your child is what makes the choice right."

Welcome to Pennsylvania Hands & VoicesHeadquartersResourcesEvents & AnnouncementsMembershipContact Information

 

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.

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

 

Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side of Pennsylvania (GBYS) is dedicated todirectly supporting families and their infants and toddlers who are identified with any degree of hearing loss by offering them the opportunity to talk to or meet face-to-face with a Parent Guide. If your baby has been diagnosed with any degree of hearing loss, you can take part in this program.

   
Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side Program

Save the Date for Hands & Voices of Pennsylvania's Summer Picnic at Idlewild & Soakzone!!!

Saturday, July 14th, 2012

Contact Joey Lynn Resciniti for ticket information and to make your reservation!

Hands & Voices Picnic at Idlewild Park
 

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