Family Resource Group- January '25

We hope had a wonderful break and are ready to jump into a new and exciting year.

As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me at any time. We also invite the teachers, therapists and school staff who work with your child to register to receive a copy of the newsletter as well. There is a question on the registration page for professionals so that we can contact them. Please pass this on to everyone that supports your child.

Erin Campion

Family Resource Group (FRG) Editor

ecampion@pattan.net

The EHDI conference brings together many people who work with children who are deaf/hard of hearing: FAMILIES, teachers, doctors, audiologists, state leaders, advocates, and maybe even YOU! This year the national conference is in PA: Pittsburgh, from March 9-11, 2025. Registration is now open and there is a special rate for family members. Check out the conference website to see what is being offered this year. It may be a great way to make some connections, learn something new, and help you help your child.

It's never too early to start thinking about what your child will do after high school. The Transition Tidbit Monthly Newsletter, always included in the links at the top of this newsletter, has great ideas for helping prepare your child for the future. Sometimes, we need to start NOW so that they are ready for THEN. The ideas, below, are from this month's newsletter. Check it out. You can even subscribe to get it to your personal email each month.

1. Communicate the continuum of post secondary education and training opportunities to student's and their families:

• 2- or 4-year college
• Post-secondary vocational training program
• High school completion document or certificate
• Short-term education or employment training program
• Community or technical college
• Apprenticeship program
• On-the-job training
• Licensing program
• Adult continuing education courses
• Adult training facility
• Adult center program
• Adult in-home program
• Other training program

2. Start with student's vision.

3. Gather data using transition assessments .

4. Develop IEP goals designed to help students develop skills needed to achieve their goals.

5. Develop a plan that includes services, activities, and relevant coursework.

6. Provide opportunities for self-determination.

Registration Now Open

Charting the LifeCourse Introductory Training

Two dates available (same content in both sessions):

Introduction to Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) is designed to present learners with an overview of the CtLC person-centered framework. It will provide a general awareness of the guiding principles and tools presented by a Certified CtLC Presenter. This training is designed for anyone who is interested in learning about the CtLC Framework and will be led by Lisa Meyer and David Forbes.

After the CtLC training, participants will be able to:

Define the core belief of the CtLC Framework.

Identify how CtLC principals and tools can enhance decision making, problem solving and self-advocacy in individuals.

Describe ways CtLC is applied.

Are you looking for transition events across PA?

Don't forget to check the events calendar to stay up to date on all of the great events happening in PA and nationally related to

Spring 2025 Opportunity for Secondary Students

Step into a world of connection, culture, and community by learning American Sign Language (ASL)! This spring, secondary students have the chance to unlock a new way of communicating, embrace diversity, and foster inclusivity.

ASL is more than just a language—it’s a bridge to new friendships, a deeper understanding of others, and an invaluable life skill. Through engaging, hands-on classes, you’ll build confidence, sharpen your skills, and gain insights that will last a lifetime.

Don’t wait—start your ASL journey today!
Visit the APR Repository – High School Toolkit page to learn more.

It seems early to be thinking about summer but now is the time to explore the option of summer camps. We are not able to recommend any of the camps listed below. We are simply providing the information to you. Please research on your own and read the specific camp details carefully. Some do come at a cost, some require an open case with OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation), some are at alternate locations, but all could be fun and bring a benefit to your child!

We are excited to share with you information about the 2025 Summer Academy for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH SA) will be back for the summer of 2025. We are looking forward to proving students with an amazing experience this summer.

Location: Penn State University Park Campus

Time: Monday, June 23, 2025, to Monday, June 30, 2025 (7 Days).

Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

Link to Apply: 2025 DHH Student Application

Brief Description of the Program: The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Deaf and Hard of Hearing Summer Academy is designed to offer high school age students who are deaf or hard of hearing an opportunity to develop their knowledge, experiences, and awareness as it relates to their future academic and employment goals. Students will participate in a 7-day program on a college campus, where they will receive assessments, information, and educational experiences in various curriculum areas.

For assistance or further information, please contact me at:

Email: rgoddard@pa.gov

Phone: (724) 936-5076

Videophone: (717) 831-0336

Text: (724) 614-6154

The RIT/NTID Outreach Consortium is committed to empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students through comprehensive workshops and programs. Our mission is to create an inclusive, interactive, and engaging learning environment that allows every student to grow academically, discover new interests, participate in unique extracurricular activities, and meet other deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

*The submissions for the Digital Arts, Film and Animation Competition and the SpiRIT Writing Competition are due March 14, 2025.

*The registration for our RIT/NTID Summer Programs is officially open! This summer, deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students have an opportunity to discover their passions, gain valuable skills, and connect with peers from across the country in our unique, hands-on programs.

High School Programs:

• Explore Your Future: Students discover career possibilities and experience college life at RIT/NTID.
• Health Care Careers Exploration Program: Participants dive into the world of healthcare with interactive learning experiences.
• Advanced Tech Careers: Teens explore cutting-edge technology and cyber careers through hands-on activities.
• Financial Wizards: Attendees learn essential stock market skills and how to build a strong financial foundation.

Middle School Program:

• TechTigers: A fun and exciting program where students explore STEM concepts and technology through interactive activities and build a computer to take home.

These programs are perfect for students looking to discover new fields, challenge themselves, and build lasting friendships. Register Today!

Explore Your Future (EYF) is a six-day career exploration program at Rochester Institute of Technology for college-bound deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 as of fall 2025. This program focuses on personal growth and career awareness for students as they begin to think about college. Apply Now!

Join us for EYF Explore Your Future!
This year’s program dates are:

Session I: July 12-17, 2025
Session II: July 19-24, 2025

You are able to subscribe to the LSL Leading Edge Newsletter from AGBell to keep up to date about what they offer and provide for students who are deaf/hard of hearing. Their winter edition is out and it also has links to past issues as well.

Middle school students who are deaf or hard of hearing are invited to join the next LEAP session on January 25, 2024. This engaging program is designed to foster leadership skills, build confidence, and connect with peers in a supportive environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun! Information and Application

AG Bell’s LOFT 2025 program is now accepting applications! This unique program is designed specifically for high school students who are deaf or hard of hearing and use listening and spoken language. Join us in Washington, D.C., from July 29 to August 2, 2025, for an unforgettable adventure that builds confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Scholarships are available to help cover program fees and even travel expenses, based on financial need. Scholarship and Application Deadline: March 3, 2025

Does your childhave a passion for the arts or sciences? The Arts & Sciences Award provides financial aid to students in grades 1-12, enabling them to participate in after-school, weekend, or summer programs that enrich language and develop skills in these areas. Deadline to apply is February 14, 2025.

Are you feeling bummed out that Fall festivities are coming to a close? Is the snow making you crave the joys that come with summer? Have no fear! Camp HERO’s Spooky Summer will be here before you know it! Get ready for a week filled with adventure, tricks, treats, and memories to last a lifetime.

Camp HERO's Spooky Summer will be held Monday, July 28 - Friday, August 1, 2025 - more information with be available soon on Camp HERO's website!

Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf will be holding a Summer Adventure Camp from July 20-25, 2025 at its Pittsburgh campus - more information with be coming soon!

Our Summer Camps let middle and high school students experience stimulating learning and activities in an ASL/English environment minutes from the U.S. Capitol.

• Discover College and Careers (DC²) discover our college programs and explore potential careers
• DC² in STEM explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) majors and careers
• Financial Wizards Unlock the secrets of the stock market and become a financial wizard with Financial Wizards Bootcamp 2.0, hosted by CSD Learns – where magic meets money mastery!
• GenCyber This free program, available for qualified applicants, explores the world of information technology and cybersecurity. Explore topics such as cryptography, hacking, and security and bring home awesome tech kits!
• Got Skills? Design YOUR OWN camp! Choose from a variety of activities tailored to your passions, whether it’s sports, arts, or exploring the nation’s capital. Empower yourself to create a personalized experience and make memories that last a lifetime!
• Immerse Into ASL New signers are welcomed to Gallaudet to immerse themselves in an American Sign Language environment. Learn from Deaf instructors, engage in ASL conversations with new friends, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
• Campo Listo: ¡Medramos! An empowering opportunity for Deaf Latine students to explore their heritage, embrace their identity, and build skills for a successful future.
• Bison Filmmakers First-ever Film camp at Gallaudet! This immersive experience builds filmmaking skills using Apple’s cutting-edge technology. Unleash your creativity and shape the future of storytelling!

Presented by staff of TechOWL, a program of the Institute on Disabilities, a series of webinars about how assistive technology can change lives by increasing access to employment, social interaction, and everyday life. Topics include:

• What assistive technology is available
• How assistive technology can help with daily living
• Where to find assistive technology

Past Recorded Webinars

Webinar recordings with captions, ASL, and transcript are available below.

• Assistive Technology Essentials recorded July 2024
• Built-in Accessibility of Everyday Tools recorded August 2024
• A Day in the Life – Work, Home, and Community recorded September 2024
• Funding and How to Get It recorded October 2024
• AAC Apps: Deep Dive and Demo recorded November 2024

Dates/Times:
VP Winter Series 2025:
January 13, 2025 – 4-6 pm
January 14, 2025 – 4-6:30 pm
January 15, 2025- 4-6 pm
January 16, 2025- 4-6:30 pm

See the Sound: Visual Phonics is a multi-sensory strategy consisting of hand gestures and written symbols aligned with the phonemes in our spoken language. It is used in conjunction with research validated literacy programs. It aids the teaching of reading, language, and writing skills for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as students with learning disabilities, speech, and language difficulties.

You may register online by clicking on the name of the event listed on January 13, 2025 on the Training Events Calendar

Join Pennsylvania’s educators for the Bureau of Special Education’s signature event.

This annual statewide conference offers an opportunity to learn and engage with nationally recognized presenters, as well as colleagues from across the state, highlighting effective instructional strategies and interventions designed to make an educational difference for all students.

Introducing a new, exciting professional development and networking opportunity for schools, families, youth, and community partners. This comprehensive event highlights best practices, research, and practical application of strategies for autism, sensory and other low incidence disabilities, and secondary transition.

• This conference will bring together Pennsylvania’s educators, community partners, families, and youth to explore the latest insights, strategies, and tools that bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application.
• Sessions will have a specific focus on autism, sensory disabilities, secondary transition, and students with complex instructional needs.
• Participants will gain tangible strategies to enhance teaching practices, drive student success, and adapt to the evolving demands of today’s classrooms.

Location: The Penn Stater Conference Center State College, PA

Save the dates, July 28 -31, 2025 and look for more information to come on the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How: Empowering Pennsylvania Educators and Partners.