Family Resource Group- November '24

We are thankful for you and for your family. There is much to be thankful for this year. This edition of the newsletter features new resources, tips and upcoming events.

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

Create a holiday season where every child feels seen, supported, and included. Small steps make a big difference in fostering joy and connection.

The holidays are a time of joy and connection, but for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) children, they can also bring challenges like feeling left out in group settings. With a few simple strategies, you can create an inclusive and supportive holiday season where your child feels valued and connected.

1. Prepare Together: Plan the holiday schedule in advance with your child. Use visuals or a calendar to make them feel involved and excited.

2. Combat “Dinner Table Syndrome”: Prevent your child from feeling left out at gatherings by seating them near someone who can relay conversations, using visual cues to slow discussions, and encouraging breaks to check-in.

3. Create an Accessible Space: Set up a well-lit, quiet area where your child can participate comfortably in family activities or unwind as needed.

4. Communicate Inclusively: Brief family members on tips for better communication, like making eye contact, speaking at a natural pace, or signing if they’re able.

5. Balance Events and Downtime: Give your child time to recharge between holiday activities to help them enjoy gatherings fully when they’re ready.

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Small adjustments go a long way toward creating a season of joy and belonging for your child.

Baldwin High School hosted a silent dinner, where guests leave their voices at the door and used American Sign Language as their main form of communication. KDKA-TV's Alexandra Todd reported in this news video.

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.

From the Hearing Center: As a parent of a D/deaf or HOH child you likely have an ACCESS or EBT card. With this card you can visit over 1300 museums, zoos, and other sites across the US for free or a very reduced rate. There are about 80 participating locations right here in Pennsylvania. This includes the Pittsburgh zoo, Children’s museum of pittsburgh and the Carnegie science center. So before you take the family to any of these fun locations check and see how you can save!
All Families Welcome: Museums for All Program Expands Accessibility | Macaroni KID Pittsburgh - City

This series of tip sheets introduce key components of the individualized education program (IEP).

They include brief summaries of federal regulations, tips for implementation, and resources. Check with your state for additional requirements.

From PROGRESS Center: IEP Tip Sheet Series

• F2MAX Foundational Courses: Please join us Wednesdays at Noon or Thursdays at 7:00 PM for the FAMILIES TO THE MAX Foundational Courses. Topics include presuming competence: fostering high expectations, access to the general education curriculum across all settings, maximizing communication and learning for your child, collaborating with school teams in ways that make a difference, and leading change. You can choose to attend one or more of these sessions.

• 2024 Virtual Village Series: It takes a village! As parents of children with disabilities, often times we are left feeling alone. Well, not anymore! F2MAX is your village. Join us for an hour of networking and sharing.

• Insights Needed to Enhance PA Early Transition & Family Engagement: We need your help! You have a wealth of knowledge and experiences that can truly make a difference. By taking a few moments to complete a brief survey, you can help us refine the transition process for children who receive Preschool Early Intervention services, making it as seamless and effective as possible.

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.

#MakingADifferenceInPA

Early Bird Registration is Now Open