Family Resource Group February '26

The weather has been truly "winter" this year. Hope you are able to stay safe and warm. Enjoy this edition that looks forward to some spring and summer activities.

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

Family Resource Group Registration for Families or Professionals

Link to registration form to continue receiving the Family Resource Group newsletter

Date and Time: Friday, March 6, 2026, 9:00 am - 12:15 pm

Join EITA (Early Intervention and Technical Assistance) for an insightful session exploring how the auditory brain shapes language, literacy, and cognitive development in children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind. This webinar will highlight recent research on the brain’s connection to hearing, hearing loss, auditory neural deprivation, and the role of hearing technologies—providing practical ways to explain these concepts to families pursuing listening and spoken language outcomes for their child with a hearing difference. We’ll bridge research to real-world strategies for advancing spoken language, literacy, and even music skills, while uncovering the critical link between sleep and cognitive growth. Finally, discover cutting-edge 2026 strategies and technologies that professionals and families can use to enhance listening, language, literacy, and cognition in infants and children. Presenter: Carol Flexer, Ph.D., LSLS Cert. AVT, CCC-A Audiologist

Additional Upcoming Trainings: To view a list of all EITA learning events, go to the Highlighted Trainings page on the EITA Portal.

Registration for Auditory Brain Presentation

WPSD SUMMER CAMP

Western Pa School for the Deaf (Pittsburgh, PA )June 22-27, 2026 Outdoor Activities, Fun Trips, Overnight Camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students ages 7-17. Free bus service for families that live in Eastern PA (drop off in Camp Hill, Pa 6/22 and return to Camp Hill 6/27) $200 Questions contact Jen Craig at jcraig@wpsd.org

CAMP HERO

Camp HERO welcomes children and teenagers ages 8–17 who are deaf or hard of hearing. Campers enjoy a week filled with swimming, crafts, rock climbing, bonfires, and much more. Camp Dates are: Monday July 27th, 2026 - Friday July 31st, 2026

Summer Academy for DHH

The Summer Academy is run by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) for high school students who are d/hh, preparing them for college and careers. The camp runs June 22-29 at Penn State University. Applications are now being accepted. Contact Kiley Foley at kifoley@pa.gov or (814)-949-7960 OR Russ Goddard at rgoddard@pa.gov or (717) 831-0336

EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE (EYF)

At EYF, you won’t just learn about careers – you’ll experience them! Dive into hands-on workshops across a variety of exciting fields where you can explore your passions and try new things in a five-day summer program introducing students to college life and exploring exciting career paths. Deaf and hard-of-hearing students entering grades 10,11, and 12 in Fall 2026 are invited either July 11-15, 2026 or July 18-22, 2026 to the RIT/NTID Campus in Rochester, N.Y. OVR may be able to help with some of the registration fee. Apply by May 30, 2026

CAMP TIGER

Camp Tiger Summer 2026 Registration is not open yet.

One-week sessions are offered July 6th-31st, 2026.

Currently, 2025 program offerings are posted on this site to give you a feel for what we offer for dynamic STEAM hands-on learning!

If you would like to be placed on the Camp Tiger contact list to learn about camp offerings and notified when registration open, or have any difficulties with registration, please contact camptiger@rit.edu as we are happy to assist you.

Youth Programs and Camps at NTID

Spring is right around the corner, and summer will be here before you know it!
NTID Youth Programs have plenty of opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students to learn, compete, explore careers, and connect with new friends.

Check out their website to see opportunities in Math, Science, Transition, Tech, Film, and more!

LOFT

AG Bell’s LOFT 2026 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 28 to August 1, 2026, for an unforgettable adventure that builds confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships.

AG Bell offers financial assistance to make LOFT accessible to as many teens as possible. Scholarships may help cover program fees and even travel expenses, based on financial need. Scholarship Application Deadline: March 2, 2026

LEAP

Have you ever wanted to get to know others your age who also are deaf or hard of hearing? The Learning Experience and Adventure Program (LEAP) offers this opportunity virtually for middle schoolers to connect with other students who are deaf or hard of hearing!

Activities and games are run by adults who are deaf or hard of hearing and use LSL to communicate. All sessions are 12:30-3:00 pm EST

-Saturday, February 28, 2026
-Sunday, April 19, 2026
-Saturday, May 30, 2026
-Saturday, June 27, 2026
-Sunday, October 11, 2026
-Saturday, December 5, 2026

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Undergraduates, graduate students and recent college grads seeking hands-on work experience can apply for an internship at AG Bell’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Interns will contribute to our work as an international non-profit, and learn about marketing, communications, development, nonprofit management, philanthropy, goal-setting, public speaking and more! The internship application is posted in February and offers are extended in April each year. Application Form

The Gallaudet University Youth Programs office empowers deaf and hard of hearing students through programs and competitions designed to ignite academic excellence, foster learning opportunities, and cultivate vibrant social interaction among deaf and hard of hearing youth. Applications are open.

Discover specialized summer camps for deaf and hard of hearing kids, their siblings, and children of deaf adults in your area! Clerc Center has created a map that highlights offerings across the country.

In addition, they hosted a panel session about "Beyond Classroom Walls." This live event focused on the importance of family learning vacations for sign language acquisition; experiences with after-school programs, addressing ADA compliance and empowerment in advocating for accessibility; and the transformative impact of deaf camps in fostering social skills and life experiences.

Website for Beyond Classroom Walls Material

If your child has both a vision and hearing loss, your family (parents/guardians, siblings and child with deafblindness) may be eligible to attend a weekend learning conference (at little or no cost).

Come experience sharing, caring, and learning together with staff from the Pennsylvania DeafBlind Project, PaTTAN, and other families living with deafblindness.

Please be watching for more details in the new year of 2026!