2015 asdc conference program book

June 25 - 28, 2015 Indiana School for the Deaf

Indianapolis, Indiana

Belongs, Excels & Thrives

Each student

@

www.deafhoosiers.com2

Table of Contents

3

Pages 4 - 7....................................Letters of Welcome Page 8.........................................About ISD & ASDC Page 9........................................Schedule @ a Glance Page 10 - 11...........................................Many ThanksPage 12...................................................ASDC Board Page 13...........................Thursday, June 25 Schedule Page 14..................Map of ISD & Camp ASDC Info! Page 15................................Friday, June 26 Schedule Page 16-27....................................Friday’s Presenters Page 28......2015 ASDC’s Community Street Festival Page 29............................Saturday, June 27 Schedule 0 - 37..............................Saturday’s Presenters Page 38-39..................................About Our Exhibits Page 40 - 45.......................................Advertisements

Greetings, On the behalf of the American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC), the Board members and I would like to welcome you to the 24th ASDC Conference at the Indiana School for the Deaf, Indianapolis, Indiana. It was 48 years ago that ASDC had their first conference. Although I have attended this conference about ten times, this year holds a very special meaning for ASDC and me since it is the second year that we have held an annual conference instead of the traditional biennial conference. This is due to popular demand. ASDC is so fortunate to have schools lined up wanting the honor to host this well respected conference. The amount of time, energy, people power and money that goes into the ASDC conference every year is evidence of its significance to our community. There is no other conference that is set up to meet the needs of every member in the family. Rest assured this year’s conference has something for everyone in the family, including friends and professionals. The ASDC is proud to say that this conference is one of a kind! This conference could not happen without the support of the many schools that have hosted the conference in the past. To keep the costs of our family style conferences low, schools for the deaf have typically hosted the conferences. This year our thanks and appreciation goes to Indiana School for the Deaf for hosting us. You are in for a wonderful conference with fun filled activities, exciting and educational workshops, the chance to make new friends with fantastic families like your own and the chance to reconnect with old friends you met in years past. This conference is what networking is all about. We are truly blessed to be working closely with the staff and volunteers at Indiana School for the Deaf. The hours, commitment and motivation they have put into planning the conference is staggering. We thank them so much for their dedication and time given in planning this conference. This is a group of people in which the word “impossible” is not a part of their vocabulary – something you will see with your own eyes once the conference begins. Our thanks go out to you as well – the families who attend this conference every year. We thank you for knowing the incredible value that this conference provides to your family and for your willingness to commit your time and resources to make this a priority event to attend. I can’t tell you how many people over the years have told me that attending the ASDC conferences with their family was the highlight of their childhood. I hope you will agree! In closing, I would like to thank everyone for making this conference a reality. This includes the board members, the Indiana School for the Deaf community, members of the ASDC, families and professionals for being part of this not-to-be-forgotten event. Make the best of your stay here and enjoy endlessly. Warmest, Beth S. Benedict, President

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Indiana Association of the DeafA cooperating member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF – Est. 1880, Inc. 1967

www.iadhoosiers.org

Executive Officers

Charleen SculleyPresident

Michael ReisVice President

Janis TesterSecretary

Steven StultzTreasurer

Herbert Pickell, David Geeslin, Linda Greeno,

Ronelle Johnson, & Tony Park

Board of Directors

Indiana Association of the Deaf is recognized

501(c)3 tax-exempt organization

and the EIN is 23-7048050

E-Mail [email protected]

Mailing AddressP.O. Box 551024Indianapolis, IN

46205-5524

June 25, 2015

Dear Families, Welcome to Indianapolis! The American Society for Deaf Children’s conference is a privilege for all who attend to experience and see a wide variety of opportunities for Deaf children. Opportunities such as these are central to learning that Deaf children can become whomever they want to be.

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is an organization that promotes the rights of Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals. NAD began in 1880, right after the famed Milan conference in Italy. This organization and its state associations have continued to grow over the years.

Deaf people became concerned that Deaf individuals were not included in decision and policymaking processes affecting their lives. Today, IAD is a dynamic and growing organization with affiliates and direct members. The IAD serves as an advocate for more than 400,000 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Hoosiers.

The IAD’s mission is to ensure that a comprehensive, coordinated system of services is accessible to Hoosiers who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing enabling them to achieve their maximum potential through increased independence, productivity and integration.

If you happen to be from Indiana, we have great resources that can benefit your family and child(ren). Please do visit our website, www.iadhoosiers.org to learn more.

Again, along with the Board, I wish you a very pleasant stay. Enjoy and cherish everything you learn at this conference!

All the best,

Charleen Sculley, President

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The Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD) is a fully accredited school for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students in nursery school through high school. It provides services to approximately 342 students enrolled on campus and over 829 students through outreach services. About 60 percent of the students live on campus during the academic year. ISD offers a full range of social activities, including sports, clubs, and orga-nizations.

The Indiana School for the Deaf sponsors outreach services through-out Indiana for parents, families, and local school corporations. These services include consultation, education and training, assessment, audiology, American Sign Language programs, and a Parent-Infant program.

The Indiana School for the Deaf was founded in 1843 by William Willard, the first Deaf person in America to establish a state school for

Deaf people. It was at first a semi-private school that offered free instruction to any Deaf person in-state or out-of-state that sought an education. The following year, the Willard School formally became the Indiana School for the Deaf, the first state-sponsored school in America that offered free education to any Deaf student. From that beginning, ISD has developed into one of the leading Deaf Schools in the nation, rich in heritage yet always striving to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

ASDC was founded in 1967 as a parent- help-ing-parent organization, originally called The International Association of Parents of Deaf Children. The organization changed its name to American Society for Deaf Children in 1985. ASDC is the oldest national organization found-ed by and governed by parents of deaf children.

Today, ASDC is a national, independent non-profit organization whose purpose is providing support, encouragement, and information to families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing. ASDC depends solely on donations, memberships, and proceeds from conferences for operations. ASDC’s board is a “volunteer” board with members who pay their own travel and lodging expenses for all ASDC events.

ASDC recognizes the crucial role families play in the success of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We affirm that families are capable and willing to guide their children’s lives. Parents have the right and responsibility to participate in decisions regarding their children’s educational and social development.

ASDC supplies the information and support families request to ensure that their decisions and actions are based on up-to-date and accurate knowledge.

AMERICAN SOCIETY forDEAFCHILDREN

About Indiana School for the Deaf & American Society for Deaf Children

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SCHEDULE @ A GLANCE

2:00 P.M. Registration Opens

Exhibits Set Up

5:00 P.M.Opening Ceremony

Cook-Out

9:00 P.M. Rest

7:00 A.M. Breakfast @ Brown Cafeteria

8:00 A.M. Welcome & Highlights

9:00 A.M. Keynote: Analco Family

Exhibits Open

10:00 A.M. Panel: Your Grown Up

Deaf Child

11:00 A.M. Workshops #1 - #5

12:00 P.M. Lunch @ Brown Cafeteria

1:00 P.M. Shared Table Conversations

2:30 P.M. Workshops #6-#10

5:00 P.M. Community Street Festival

@ ISD

9:00 P.M. Rest

7:00 A.M. Breakfast @ Brown Cafeteria

8:00 A.M. Keynote: Stephen Family

9:00 A.M. ASDC General Meeting

Exhibits Open

10:00 A.M. Holcomb Lecture Series:

Betty Abrams

11:00 A.M. Workshops #11 - #15

12:00 P.M. Lunch @ Brown Cafeteria

1:00 P.M. Shared Table Conversations

2:45 P.M. Exhibit Passport Tour

Refreshments

4:00 P.M. Keynote: Tawny Holmes

5:00 P.M. Closing Ceremony &

Banquet

9:00 P.M. Rest

Sunday, June 28 7:00 A.M.

Breakfast on-the-go!

10:00 A.M.Final Check-Out

Important Locations

Workshops take place at these locations:

1. MSM Auditorium 2. Media Center 3. Baldridge East 4. Baldridge West5. Oriole Academy

6. Room 217

Shared Table Conversations take place at the Brown

Cafeteria.

Others will be directed by signage

on the campus.

Thursday, June 25

Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

Emergency Contact:

[email protected]

MANY THANKS

Coleman FamilyStephen Family

Susan EslerDebbie Gaston

Katie’s Hear to HelpBeth HamiltonDeb LiebrichJay’s Hands

White Sponsors

Blue Sponsor Green Sponsors

Pink Sponsors Purple Sponsors

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Orange Sponsors

MANY THANKS

Performers:Anna Hinders

Kenvonte BrownAshley Hess

Anevay PattersonJenica Tereyego

Staff:Debbie Fetzer

Vibrations Director

Cynthia FloydVibrations Assistant Director

Andy RorkVibrations Technical Director

Vibrations Visual Performance Troupe

Our VolunteersKim Yurek

Brenda ZachmannChristine WoodJodee Crace

Kim Bianco MajeriJennifer WilleySteven Stultz

Jennifer TrapaniSharon Wesley-Dunn

Debbie FetzerBarbara Gantt Deb Robarge

Heather Cronin-SmithJessica SchmidtMelissa Miller

Ann ReifelJay Cherry

Leithia WhitedJohn WhitedTyler CraceCody CraceColton Crace

Maureen WaltonTami HosslerChris Majeri

Jerrick PorthorskiCade Patterson

Sharon BakerKelli Phillips

Joo RichardsAnya PorthorskiTeri PauloneTony Brooks

Angela Farrand

Special thanks to Kim Kause and Deb Skjeveland for supporting Vibrations, Ray Fonseca for building the 3-tier risers for us, Robert Wilson for helping us with several videos, Tiffany Hoglind for creating the Willard School videos, Deb Liebrich for donating earplugs for hearing families, and Cathy Covey for allowing us use the audito-rium for rehearsals.

Our Interpreters

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Randy NicolaiDiane Hazel Jones

Lisa VoltzCarly Anderson

Molly BellnerCharlie MauerJen Place LewisLaura Stauffer

Lori QadirCorrinne Nuzzi

Amanda SimmonsCharlene Santiago

Jessica MinkSara Santiago

Lauren TrupianoAlexis Rhodenbaugh

Danielle PrepJay Krieger

Sharp Eyed Group, LLCCentral Indiana Interpreting Services

The ASDC Board

Beth Benedict, Ph.D. Avonne Brooker-Rutowski, Ed.S.

Timothy Frelich, M.A. Tami Hossler, M.A.

Jodee Crace, M.A. Stefanie Ellis-Gonzales, M.A.

Jeff Bravin, M.A. Rachel Coleman

Lisalee Egbert, Ph.D. Erin Kane, M.A. Susan C. Searls Gina Oliva

KaAnn Varner

Tony Ronco, P. Eng.

Jacqueline Laldee Gregory Mendenhall

Not Pictured:

Dawniela Patterson12

Thursday, June 25

2:00 P.M.Registration Opens

Exhibit Set Up

5:00 P.M. Opening Ceremony

& Cook-Out

9:00 P.M. Rest

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Please see the Camp ASDC table on Registration Day to register your child(ren) for child care.

At the registration, you will be given specific schedule for your child(ren) on both days.

Please send the purple conference t-shirt with your child(ren) each day.

We look forward to having your child(ren)!

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NORTH

42ND STREET

INDIANA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

CAMPUS MAPR

ALS

TO

N A

VE

NU

E

MO

NO

N T

RA

IL

BUILDINGS 1 J.A. Raney2 J.A. Raney Hall3 Willard - Main Entrance4 Willard Hall & Cafeteria5 Willard - Elementary School6 Alumni Hall (Administration, Middle and High School)7 Stanfill Career & Technical Education Building8 Residence Hall (Koob Hall, Fair Hall and Kratzberg

Recreation Center)9 Dixon House10 Brown Cafeteria

11 Storeroom12 Laundry13 Powerhouse14 Storage Shed15 Physical Plant17 Caskey Activity Building (Gymnasium & Natatorium)18 Scout Cabin19 Athletic Building & Fields20 Campus Police Post21 Simpson Hall (Not in Use)22 Eliza Willard Assessment Center

Walkway

Campus Street

Parking

LEGENDS

M.S.M. Auditorium 2nd floor at the Alumni Hall

Media Center Basement at the Alumni Hall

Baldridge East Stanfill Career & Technical Education Building

Baldridge West Stanfill Career & Technical Education Building

Oriole AcademyStanfill Career & Technical Education Building

Specific Locations! Camp ASDC Info!

Friday, June 267 A.M. - Breakfast @ Brown Cafeteria 8 A.M. - Welcome & Highlights @ M.S.M. Auditorium9 A.M. - Keynote: Analco Family @ M.S.M. Auditorium9 A.M. - Exhibits Open @ Alumni Hall on 2nd Floor10 A.M. - Panel: Lessons Learned from Deaf and Hard of Hearing Young Adults @ M.S.M. Auditorium 11 A.M. - Workshops 12 P.M. - Lunch @ Brown Cafeteria 1 P.M. - Shared Table Conversations 2:30 P.M. - Workshops 5 P.M. - Community Street Festival!9 P.M. - Rest

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Keynote Speakers: The Analco Family

Friday, June 26, 20159:00 A.M.

M.S.M. Auditorium

As hearing parents of Deaf children, Gary and Carol Analco will share information designed to empower parents to seek support so they won’t feel alone; for example, family dynamics within a variety of settings and experiences. Also, they will share guidance for ques-

tions that they may have regarding parenting choices and opportuni-ties targeted toward supporting the child’s resilience, identity, autono-my and learning, which equals to a quality of life.

Gary and Carol Analco are pub-lic school teachers. They have three

children and reside in Noblesville, Indiana. Their hearing daugh-ter (also known as a *SODA), Jacquelin, 25, is currently a teach-er in Jay County High School in Indiana. Casey and Colin are the Deaf twins and 23 years old. Casey is currently attending Gallaudet University and Colin is working at the Indiana School for the Deaf.

*SODA = Sibling of a Deaf Adult

Panel: Lessons Learned from Deaf and Hard of Hearing Young Adults

Friday, June 26, 201510:00 A.M.

M.S.M. Auditorium

A panel of young students and recent college graduates will reflect their insights and experiences about their career paths and how their education helped them achieve certain goals. Parents will leave with a vision of what it takes to have a successful and smooth transition to college.

Dr. Beth Sonnenstrahl Benedict is a professor at the Department of Art, Communication, and Theatre at Gallaudet University, and is also the coordinator of Gallaudet’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers, and Families: Collaboration and Leadership Interdisciplinary Gradu-ate Certificate program. Dr. Benedict holds a Ph.D degree in education from Gallaudet University and a Master’s degree in educational counsel-ing from New York University. Dr. Benedict is married and has two Deaf adult daughters.

To be faciliated by

Beth Benedict

About Beth...

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Judith A. Jonas is the founder and chair of Sister Brother Deaf Inc., a non-profit corporation disseminating information about deaf and hearing siblings. She is the co-author, with Marla C. Berkowitz, of Deaf and Hear-ing Siblings in Conversation, about the dynamics and relationships between deaf and hearing siblings. Semi-retired, Judy is a free-lance sign language interpreter, residing in Bethesda, MD. She is the youngest of three siblings and has several deaf relatives.

Judy Jonas

We are the authors of Deaf and Hearing Siblings in Conversation, the first book to consider both deaf and hearing perspectives on the dynamics of adult sibling relationships. Through open-ended interviews with 22 adult siblings, using ASL and spoken English, we accessed their intimate thoughts about their sibling bonds. A major feature of the book is its analysis of how isolation impacts the development of deaf-hearing sibling relationships and how it affects the traditional sibling roles as early socialization agents, including information to reveal attitudes toward American Sign Language and the various roles deaf and hearing siblings take on as monitors, facilita-tors, signing-siblings and sibling-interpreters, all of which impact lifelong bonds.

About Judy...

Silbing Conversations: There is More than Meets the Eye

Marla C. Berkowitz, is a board member of Sister Brother Deaf, Inc., a non-profit corporation disseminating information about deaf and hearing siblings. She is the co-author, with Judith A. Jonas, of Deaf and Hearing Siblings in Conversation, about the dynamics of adult relationships between deaf and hearing siblings. She is currently a faculty member of Ohio State University. Marla is the oldest of three siblings and three step-siblings in her hearing family.

Marla Berkowitz

We are the authors of Deaf and Hearing Siblings in Conversation, the first book to consider both deaf and hearing perspectives on the dynamics of adult sibling relationships. Through open-ended interviews with 22 adult siblings, using ASL and spoken English, we accessed their intimate thoughts about their sibling bonds. A major feature of the book is its analysis of how isolation impacts the development of deaf-hearing sibling relationships and how it affects the traditional sibling roles as early socialization agents, including information to reveal attitudes toward American Sign Language and the various roles deaf and hearing siblings take on as monitors, facilita-tors, signing-siblings and sibling-interpreters, all of which impact lifelong bonds.

About Marla...

Silbing Conversations: There is More than Meets the Eye

Friday, June 26, 2015Present: 11:00 A.M. M.S.M. Auditorium

Shared Table: 1:00 P.M. Brown Cafeteria

Friday, June 26, 2015Present: 11:00 A.M. M.S.M. Auditorium


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Tawny Holmes, Esq. is a staff attorney at the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and an Equal Justice Works Fellow sponsored by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP. Her fellowship focuses on providing trainings on educational rights and language access to parents, students, teachers and community members. Tawny received her law degree from the University of Baltimore Law school and during law school, she was a family educator at the Maryland School for the Deaf. Tawny grew up with a third-genera-tion Deaf family in south Florida and graduated from the Alabama School for the Deaf. She is also the proud godmother of 4 deaf children.

Many deaf and hard of hearing children receive IDEA or 504 services; however, they do not realize that another law protects them, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Guidelines for the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Justice have been recently released to remind all schools of their legal responsibilities to ensure effective communication for their deaf/hard of hearing students, deafblind, and blind/visually impaired stu-dents. I will walk through the new ADA guidelines and share specific tips and recommendations for parents and their children to utilize at schools, including the use of interpreters and how to monitor classroom access along with promoting self-advocacy in students.

About Tawny...

Your Child Deserves Effective Communication

Corinne K. Vinopol, Ph.D. is President of the Institute for Disabilities Re-search and Training, Inc. (IDRT). IDRT is dedicated to improving the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people, their families, and service providers through research and development, training, technical assistance, and ad-vocacy. Dr. Vinopol has been working in the field of deafness for over 40 years as a teacher, school administrator, college professor, training director, educational consultant, researcher, and due process hearing officer.

Over the past few years, the Institute for Disabilities Research and Training, Inc. (IDRT) has been developing a unique cloud-hosted suite of software tools under grants from the US Department of Education and the National Science Foundation. The website, myASLTech.com (http://www.idrt.com/asltech_home.php) fosters English and ASL literacy by enabling users to:

*Efficiently create and archive American Sign Language (ASL)-supported educational multimedia materials and quizzes*Support text with sign graphics and video in real time*Build and share creations with other myASL Tech Community members*Play games that reinforce ASL and English literacy

About Corinne...

myASLTech: Online Software that Makes Creating ASL Materials Fast and Fun

Tawny Holmes

Friday, June 26, 201511:00 A.M.

Media Center

Corinne Vinpol

Friday, June 26, 201511:00 A.M.

Baldridge East

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Pamela holds an Associate of Arts in Speech Communication, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, an Associate of Arts in Social Work, and is currently working towards her Master’s of Art in Education of the Deaf with a focus on parent education. Pamela’s passion is working with families. She gives demonstrations at public schools, teaches ASL, works as a Deaf Guide for Texas Hands & Voices, and has experience as a Social Media manager, blogger, motivational speaker, and sign music performer. Pamela and her husband, also deaf, have four hearing children.

Pam Farley

When a deaf or hard of hearing child grows up surrounded by hearing individuals, both at home and at school, learning to be confident in who they are goes a long way toward social success. When Deaf children leave home, new identity issues may surface. How can we as parents and profes-sionals support Deaf and hard of hearing children so that any subconscious identity issues are kept to a minimum? This presentation, through research and personal stories, will explore ways to ensure a child understands who they are as an unique Deaf and/or hard of hearing individual, and use that as an opportunity to become a successful and contributing adult.

About Pam...

I am Me: Identity Considerations for Parents ofDeaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Becky Lloyd is a hearing relative of some deaf family members. Becky’s Bachelor of Science degree (2008) is in ASL Studies with a minor in ASL in-terpreting. Also, she is a RID certified ASL interpreter. In 2008, Becky and her group established a non-profit (501c3), Signs for Hope (www.signs-forhope.org), an all volunteer charitable organization based in Asheville, NC that serves deaf children and their families and caregivers around the globe.

Becky Lloyd

Friday, June 26, 201511:00 A.M.

Oriole Academy

This presentation will take participants through the basic strategies of Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI), which focuses on training parents and caregivers to learn how to reach beyond the “fears” of a child. Once parents, educators and caregivers understand where the behaviors originate, in the underdeveloped traumatized brain, they then can help empower the child to give “voice” to their true needs. The language gap deaf children experience, often from birth, contributes to an underdevel-oped brain. Research proves, however, many brain deficits can most often be overcome with the right interactions and within an environment of trust and felt-safety.

About Becky...

Reaching the Heart of the Deaf Child

Friday, June 26, 2015Present: 11:00 A.M.

Baldridge WestShared Table: 1:00 P.M.

Brown Cafeteria

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Joshua Weinsten is currently employed as a School Psychologist at the In-diana School for the Deaf. He has had an intensive background in Applied Behavior Assessment (ABA) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Deaf population from 2005 to 2013. Joshua’s goal is to provide the Deaf child and the parent(s) with the necessary platform that will maximize the child’s fullest potential: enabling the child to develop the essential characteristics of a healthy Deaf citizen.

A Prezi presentation will be shown outlining strategies and resources available in the home, school, and community setting. In addition, the pre-senter may provide activities to elicit short responses based on facts and numbers along with comparative examples. Videos of ASD/Deaf children acquiring new skills may be shown.

About Josh...

Deaf and Autism

Josh Weinstein

Debbie Fetzer is a Middle School Science Teacher at the Indiana School for the Deaf. In addition, she is the Vibrations Performing Arts Troupe teacher. Debbie has directed numerous Deaf and hard of hearing play productions over the years. She has worked in the field of Deaf Education at Gallaudet University, Louisiana School for the Deaf, and now at the Indiana School for the Deaf for the past 30 years. Debbie and her husband Chris have two adult Deaf children.

Vibrations is a student-centered, visual performing arts touring troupe, performed by students at the Indiana School for the Deaf. Sign Language and Deaf Culture are the dominant aspects of theater performed via song-interpretation, dance, drum songs, ASL poetry, and ASL storytelling. Vi-brations consists of 8-10 Deaf students ranging from 6th grade through high school. Their amazing and impressive artistic talent will be performed at the 2015 ASDC Conference Opening Ceremony. Later during the Shared Table Conversations, members of Vibrations will share how being a part of Vibrations has impacted and transformed their lives. Vibrations is gearing up to continue its performances throughout the 2015-2016 school year.

About Debbie...

Vibrations: The Stories

Deb Fetzer

Friday, June 26, 20151:00 P.M.

Baldridge

Friday, June 26, 2015Present: 11:00 A.M.

Alumni Hall - Room 217Shared Table: 1:00 P.M.

Brown Cafeteria

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Cynthia is new to the Vibrations coaching team, but with as much en-thusiasm! Cynthia is a CODA and an interpreter, and hails from Western Canada. She now lives in Indianapolis. She has worked 35 + years in Deaf Education at the Alberta Deaf School, at Gallaudet University, Clerc Cen-ter and now at ISD. For the past 14 years, Cynthia has worked as an IEP Administrator. She is thrilled to welcome families to Indiana and ISD!

Cynthia Floyd


Baldridge

About Cynthia...

Andy Rork returns to the Vibrations team in his previous role as Techni-cal Director. Andy has Deaf parents, grew up right here in Indiana, and is currently working as a freelance and video relay interpreter.

Vibrations is a student-centered, visual performing arts touring troupe, performed by students at the Indiana School for the Deaf. Sign Language and Deaf Culture are the dominant aspects of theater performed via song-interpretation, dance, drum songs, ASL poetry, and ASL storytelling. Vibrations consists of 8-10 Deaf students ranging from 6th grade through high school. Their amazing and impressive artistic talent will be performed at the 2015 ASDC Conference Opening Ceremony. Later during the Shared Table Conversations, members of Vibrations will share how being a part of Vibrations has impacted and transformed their lives. Vibrations is gearing up to continue its performances throughout the 2015-2016 school year.

About Andy...


Andy Rork


Baldridge

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Vibrations is a student-centered, visual performing arts touring troupe, performed by students at the Indiana School for the Deaf. Sign Language and Deaf Culture are the dominant aspects of theater performed via song-interpretation, dance, drum songs, ASL poetry, and ASL storytelling. Vibrations consists of 8-10 Deaf students ranging from 6th grade through high school. Their amazing and impressive artistic talent will be performed at the 2015 ASDC Conference Opening Ceremony. Later during the Shared Table Conversations, members of Vibrations will share how being a part of Vibrations has impacted and transformed their lives. Vibrations is gearing up to continue its performances throughout the 2015-2016 school year.


Shondra Dickson Mitchell is the associate director of financial aid at Gallaudet University. She has been working in the financial aid profession since 2008 with a specialized focus on first-generation students, at-risk stu-dents, and vocational rehabilitation services. She received her B.S. in crimi-nal justice from Fort Valley State University and her M.A. in executive lead-ership from Liberty University. Shondra understands how financial aid can critically impact a student’s decision or success, therefore she is committed to ensuring the process is as simple and straightforward as possible.

Through a fun, hands-on activity, this workshop encourages parents to think about and prepare for their deaf child’s future. We encourage parents to be in the driver’s seat by discussing and reviewing the importancs of college with their children at an early age, and share tips parents should be thinking about as they begin helping their child prepare. Parents will have an opportunity to learn about the importance of their child’s grade point average, class rank, course sequence when applying for college, and scholarships.

About Shondra...

Be in the Driver’s Seat: Navigating Your Child’s Future

Shondra Dickson-Mitchell


M.S.M. Auditorium

Meg received her Bachelor’s in Deaf Education (K-12) and Elementary Education with a minor in Literature from Lenoir-Rhyne University and most recently, her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University. Meg started her career as a teacher in high school at the Loui-siana School for the Deaf and currently works at the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education (Indiana) as an Educational Consultant spe-cializing in Early Intervention. In Meg’s free time, she enjoys boating with her husband, two bonus kids, and a darling dog, Toby.

Meg Warnock


Brown Cafeteria

This shared table conversation will revolve around three basic principles:1. The importance of families learning American Sign Language and the techniques for interaction with each other via ASL2. The benefits of having a Deaf adult involved in the family’s life3. The validation of visual language

About Meg...

Deaf Adult Involvement in a Family’s Life

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Jennifer Willey is a Deaf mother of two Deaf boys, who attended the In-diana School for the Deaf and will be enrolled at California School for the Deaf, Riverside in the fall. Jennifer was born into a Deaf family in Canada and throughout her life, has encountered ‘life challenges’ that brought in perceptions of her family as ‘second-class citizens’, which has continued for three generations now. Jennifer is an owner of a small web, print and social media business. Her goal in her lifetime is to see all families embracing their children and their being Deaf, with love and respect to their language, culture, and community.

Jennifer Willey


Media Center

This presentation and interactive dialogue with the audience will high-light the journey as a parent with of a teenage son, including challenges and successes. We will discuss on how we support positive identity and development in all areas of living today, including an explanation of cultur-al perception. It all began with my son’s first “failed” hearing test. This pre-sentation will empower parents/caregivers to change their way of thinking of “My child is Deaf ” to “My child is Deaf, so what? S/he can be anything they can be. They will thrive and be who they are.”

About Jennifer...

Celebrating the Deaf Child

Tami Lee Santimyer is an Admissions Counselor at the Office of Admis-sions at Gallaudet University. Orginially from the Pittsburgh area, she re-ceived her bachelor’s degree in English from California State University at Northridge and her master’s degree in linguistics at Gallaudet University. Tami Lee taught English and drama at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf for four years before assuming her current position. An accomplished stage, television, and film actress, Tami has performed nationally and inter-nationally with Deaf West Theatre and Quest Visual Theatre.

Tami Lee Santimyer


M.S.M. Auditorium

Through a fun, hands-on activity, this workshop encourages parents to think about and prepare for their deaf child’s future. We encourage parents to be in the driver’s seat by discussing and reviewing the importancs of college with their children at an early age, and share tips parents should be thinking about as they begin helping their child prepare. Parents will have an opportunity to learn about the importance of their child’s grade point average, class rank, course sequence when applying for college, and scholarships.

About Tami Lee...

Be in the Driver’s Seat: Navigating Your Child’s Future

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Gregory Mendenhall is the high school and transition principal at the Ohio School for the Deaf (OSD). Additionally, Greg is a Deaf father of 2 children who are KODAs (Kids of Deaf Adults). Greg has a Bachelor’s degree in Eng-lish from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. and a Master’s degree in Deaf Education from the University of Minnesota. In addition, Greg serves on the board of the Deaf Services Center in Worthington, Ohio and on the board of the American Society for Deaf Children.

We will present a wholistic explanation of various viewpoints and a brief overview of the IEP process. This discussion will include how parents can know the important of the IEP process and their rights as parents.

About Greg...

The IEP and You

Brad Pritts is the Statewide Parent Mentor and Family Support Special-ist for the Center for Outreach Services at the Ohio School for the Deaf (OSD). Brad’s Masters degree is in Communication and Culture and is a reflection of his love for cross-cultural work, community development, and personal empowerment. Brad is the hearing father of a bright and happy Deaf daughter in elementary school at OSD. He is fluent in Spanish and spent over a decade serving immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala, be-fore involving himself in serving the Deaf community.

About Brad...

Greg Mendhall


Baldridge East

Brad Pritts


Baldridge East

We will present a wholistic explanation of various viewpoints and a brief overview of the IEP process. This discussion will include how parents can know the important of the IEP process and their rights as parents.

The IEP and You

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Laura Lekowicz-Ballard has a Masters Degree in Mental Health and is a Board Certified Counselor and a Level II Prevention Specialist. Laura has been the Program Director of STARS - Services for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing since 2001. STARS-DHH is a drug and alcohol preven-tion program for deaf youth. Throughout her 13½ years facilitating this program, Laura has grown a passion for teaching and empowering young deaf students, as well as helping parents understand and communicate effectively with their deaf children.


Baldridge West

Presentation will begin with “Alone in a Hearing World’ (a short movie written and created by STARS students and myself). This movie is based on personal experiences and demonstrates why deaf youth are potentially at higher risk of alcohol and drug dependence. Then, several discussion points and parent education will revolve around: Risk and protective fac-tors amongst deaf and hard of hearing individuals and what parents and professionals can do to empower them. Family bonding and communi-cation at home, utilizing examples. A parent and her eight year old deaf child’s story of the significance of learning sign language, understanding the child and how the STARS program changed their lives will be included.

Preventing Substance Abuse in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth - What Parents Need to Know

Debra Nussbaum is manager of projects on language development and communication support at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University. This includes coordination of their Co-chlear Implant Education Center (CIEC). She earned her Master’s Degree in Audiology from George Washington University and has worked at the Clerc Center since 1977; first as a pediatric audiologist. In addition, Debra has been chair of the DC Hears Intervention Committee since 2001.

Debra Nussbaum


Oriole Academy

One approach to facilitating a child’s language and communication is to address development of both American Sign Language and spoken Eng-lish when a child is very young. Central to this approach is developing an individualized profile of a child, and then using this profile to systemati-cally guide planning for the supports and strategies to match the child’s language and communication characteristics. This presentation will share with families an overview and rationale for using this approach. Also addressed will be resources and supports to facilitate family involvement in becoming active participants in guiding development of their child’s language in both visual and auditory modalities.

About Debra...

Facilitating ASL and Spoken English Development in Young Children Who are Deaf or

Hard of Hearing: Considerations for Families

LauraLekowicz-Ballard

About Laura...

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Debra Trapani is the principal of Kendall Demonstration Elementary School at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. She has worked as a parent-child educator, a teacher from preschool through sec-ondary school, a literacy specialist, and an Administrator at the Delaware School for the Deaf and statewide programs. Growing up Deaf, Debra was a student in several deaf education settings in California before graduating from the school for the Deaf. Debra is the proud parent of two beautiful children, one Deaf and one hearing.

About Debra...

Dawn Crock is a licensed Teacher for the Deaf with a special interest in teaching and working with students who are Deaf with additional disabili-ties for over 10 years. She is currently serving as the Special Education Coordinator at Indiana School for the Deaf. For the last five years, she attended the Autism Team training through Indiana Resource Center for Autism and received 15+ hours of Autism topics. Dawn resides in Fishers, with her husband, three children, and a dog.

About Dawn...

Debra Trapani


Oriole Academy

Dawn Crock


Room 217 - Alumni Hall

One approach to facilitating a child’s language and communication is to address development of both American Sign Language and spoken Eng-lish when a child is very young. Central to this approach is developing an individualized profile of a child, and then using this profile to systemati-cally guide planning for the supports and strategies to match the child’s lan-guage and communication characteristics. This presentation will share with families an overview and rationale for using this approach. Also addressed will be resources and supports to facilitate family involvement in becoming active participants in guiding development of their child’s language in both visual and auditory modalities.

Facilitating ASL and Spoken English Development in Young Children Who are Deaf or

Hard of Hearing: Considerations for Families

This make it & take it home session is about how visual support and com-munication can be used and applied in the home and through various situ-ations. Parents will take home with them pictures, scripts and tools to use with their child. Target topics include but are not limited to: addressing routines (bedtime, evening/morning, doctor and dentist visits, and bus rides); independent task for chores and how to implement; choice board including motivational/highly preferred items as well as how to say ‘NO’ sometimes will be discussed. Activities will include how to use various communication cards and discussions will include how to address situa-tions that require parents to think on the spot.

Visual Support and Communication in the Home: Make it and Take it Home

26

Malkah Bird


Room 217- Alumni Hall

Malkah Bird is a licensed Teacher of the Deaf who has been teaching deaf students with autism and other disabilities since 2005. She currently works at the Indiana School for the Deaf developing visual communication, visual support and experiential language activities. Malkah is trained in Alterna-tive Behavior Analysis (ABA) methods and Picture Exchange Communi-cation Systems (PECS). Malkah has taught at several schools for the deaf, including the American School for the Deaf, Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and the Ohio School for the Deaf. Malkah lives in Indianapolis with her husband, two children, and two chickens.

This make it & take it home session is about how visual support and com-munication can be used and applied in the home and through various situ-ations. Parents will take home with them pictures, scripts and tools to use with their child. Target topics include but are not limited to: addressing routines (bedtime, evening/morning, doctor and dentist visits, and bus rides); independent task for chores and how to implement; choice board including motivational/highly preferred items as well as how to say ‘NO’ sometimes will be discussed. Activities will include how to use various communication cards and discussions will include how to address situa-tions that require parents to think on the spot.

About Malkah...

Visual Support and Communication in the Home: Make it and Take it Home

THE

ENDEAVOR

An ASDC Publication Dedicated to Families and Professionals Who Are Committed to Deaf Children

Each Issue is Packed Full of Stories, Information, and Resources Published Three Times a Year. Free to Members.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR DEAF CHILDREN

The Endeavor !is a Great Place !

to!Advertise Your

Business, Services or Resources.

27

2015 ASDC’s Community

Street Festival!

The party is gonna be @ 1200 E. 42nd Street Indianapolis, IN

Food! Bouncy Houses! Music by DJ2DEF

Performers! Games! Vendors! Exhibits! Door Prizes!

Open to General Public!*

*this event is free to those who paid the full conference registration

Friday, June 26, 201513 years old & up - $10

4-12 years old - $50-3 years old - FREE

Need more information? Contact our general information e-mail at

[email protected]!

Tickets can be bought at www.asdc2015.com/streetfest

5pm-9pm

28

Saturday, June 277 A.M. - Breakfast @ Brown Cafeteria 8 A.M. - Keynote: Stephen Family @ M.S.M. Auditorium9 A.M. - ASDC General Meeting @ M.S.M. Auditorium9 A.M. - Exhibits Open @ Alumni Hall on 2nd Floor10 A.M. - Holcomb Lecture Series: Betty Abrams @ M.S.M. Auditorium 11 A.M. - Workshops 12 P.M. - Lunch @ Brown Cafeteria 1 P.M. - Shared Table Conversations 2:45 P.M. - The Exhibit Passport Tour4 P.M. - Keynote: Tawny Holmes, Esq. @ M.S.M. Auditorium5 P.M. - Closing Ceremony & Banquet 9 P.M. - Rest

29

As a Deaf person, Larry Stephen will present Courage in our Hearts – A Family’s Love Story, by sharing stories of how his parents made a life-altering decision to give him the opportunity to be independent and successful. In addition, Larry will share how his parents and his sister Charisma learned sign lan-guage and explain how his sister

was his blessed bridge to the hear-ing world. Larry lives in Marlboro, Massachusetts with his wife Amrit, also Deaf, and their six-year-old hearing daughter, Raveena. Amrit hails from Singapore and Larry mi-grated to the USA at age four from Trinidad. His communication and language development began right then. He received his B.S. degree in

Geography from California State University Northridge (CSUN) in 2001 and his Master’s degree in Deaf Education from McDaniel College in Maryland in 2004. Larry is now an Associate Professor at Northern Essex Community College (NECC)in Massachusetts, where he teaches ASL and Deaf Studies. He is also an author of Courage in our Hearts – A Family’s Love Story and Discover your Inner Treasure.

Keynote Speakers: The Stephen Family

Saturday, June 27, 20158:00 A.M.

M.S.M Auditorium

Roy K. Holcomb Distinguished Lecture Series: Betty AbramsLiving in Greenbrier, Arkansas, Betty is married to

Bob, and mother of two adult deaf daughters, a Nana to four deaf grandchildren, and mother-in-law to two deaf sons. One would quickly think that Betty and her husband are also deaf, but they are not. With her chil-dren being the ‘first deaf ’ in the family, Betty learned very quickly and proudly graduated from the “school of hard knocks”. She taught herself the ‘ins and outs’ of raising deaf children, thanks to working briefly within the state of Arkansas’s Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (back then it was ‘Hearing Imparied). From this journey, she was in love with the Deaf World, for she worked in various positons within the Arkansas Office for the Deaf and then retired after 39 years as Service Coordinator for the telephone equipment pro-gram for all disabilities for the state. At the same time, Betty served (as well as established some initiatives) in many deaf-related organizations, including serving on the Arkansas School for the Deaf board. On top of all her experiences and skills, Betty is also a certified in-terpreter. In this Roy K. Holcomb Distinguished Lec-

ture Series, Betty’s presentation will engage the par-

ticipants in a ‘looking way back when…are we still the same?’ sharing of her experiences and wisdom. Her deaf daughter, Stacy will be included, as a supporter. At the same time, we will briefly highlight Roy K. Hol-comb’s legacy.

Saturday, June 27, 2015 10:00 A.M. @ M.S.M. Auditorium

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Marvin Miller teaches Deafhood classes that raises consciousness and en-courages deep examination of who we truly are as Deaf people. These class-es are taught across the country to the Deaf community. Marvin is on the board of Deafhood Foundation. With a background in media and journal-ism, he founded two national Deaf newspapers. Also, Marvin is the father of four Deaf children and resides in Washington, DC.

Marvin Miller


M.S.M Auditorium

After four years of teaching Deafhood classes to the Deaf community, I have connected the dots on what all Deaf children need in their lives in ad-dition to having loving parents. Countless research has clearly shown that all Deaf children benefit from full and inclusive immersion in Deaf cul-ture, American Sign Language and being around Deaf adult role models ranging from janitors to teachers to administrators and other parents and community members. Healthy identity is critical to child’s upbringing, and how can you as parents empower your children to be “all they can be”? The presentation will go into history of what has prevented many Deaf children from achieving their best. This presentation is based on Dr. Paddy Ladd’s groundbreaking book, “Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deaf-hood”.

About Marvin...

All Deaf Children Deserve Healthy Identity!

Sally Ann Zwicker, Ed.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Signed Language Interpreting/ASL & Deaf Studies program at the University of Cincinnati (UC). Previously, she was an Assistant Professor in the ASL Interpreter Education program (ASLIE) at Eastern Kentucky University. Additionally, she was a language arts teacher and adjunct American Sign Language in-structor for 15+ years. She earned her B.A./M.A. degrees from Gallaudet University and her doctorate from UC and is ASLTA certified at the Profes-sional level. Dr. Zwicker is from a Deaf family and she grew up in Cincin-nati, Ohio where she attended the St. Rita School for the Deaf.

Sally Zwicker

Saturday, June 27, 2015 11:00 A.M.

Media Center

The purpose of this workshop is twofold. First, it provides parents with a theoretical framework and rationale for the film making activity, and secondly, it guides parents through the steps of making a film with their children. Film making is an excellent way to encourage the creativity of children. On an intellectual level, it teaches the child to think outside the box, to learn to communicate ideas clearly, and to organize his or her thoughts in a logical way. In addition, film making at home is a social and collaborative activity.

About Sally...

Literacy Through Film-making: An Interactive Family Activity

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Carrie Davenport, Ed.S., is a first year doctoral student in the Special Education/Applied Behavior Analysis program at the Ohio State Univer-sity. Previously, she was the Early Childhood Consultant for the Center for Outreach Services at the Ohio School for the Deaf, located in Columbus, OH. Carrie is a founding Board member of Ohio Hands & Voices. She has served on the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening subcommittee and the American Society for Deaf Children board.

Families of deaf children transitioning from early intervention services to preschool face a variety of challenges. However, there are resources avail-able to support this journey from family-centered services in the natural environment to child-centered classroom-based serivces. Bridge to Pre-school: Navigating a Successful Transition is an Ohio resource adapted from Colorado. While regulations may differ from state to state, there is some information that applies to all families. This presentation will cover infor-mation from Part C and Part B services, Least Restrictive Environment and how it applies to deaf children and what resources are available about tran-sition.

About Carrie...

Bridge to Preschool

Julie Stewart recently started a new job as Education Consultant with Cen-ter of Outreach Services at Ohio School for the Deaf, after having taught for 10 years at this deaf school. Julie was born in Northeast Ohio and raised in California. Growing up, Julie experienced both mainstream and residential school settings. She attended Gallaudet University before transferring to Rochester Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in The-atre/Film and Master’s degree in Deaf Education. Julie is the mother of a Deaf daughter.

About Julie..

Carrie Davenport


Baldridge East

Julie Stewart


Baldridge East

Families of deaf children transitioning from early intervention services to preschool face a variety of challenges. However, there are resources avail-able to support this journey from family-centered services in the natural en-vironment to child-centered classroom-based serivces. Bridge to Preschool: Navigating a Successful Transition is an Ohio resource adapted from Colo-rado. While regulations may differ from state to state, there is some infor-mation that applies to all families. This presentation will cover information from Part C and Part B services, Least Restrictive Environment and how it applies to deaf children and what resources are available about transition.

Bridge to Preschool

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Charity Warigon, a Gallaudet University alumna, administrator, and par-ent, brings extensive knowledge and experience in parenting deaf and hard of hearing children. Born and raised at the foot of the Appalachian Moun-tains, “where poverty meets hard work,” she attended public schools, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Gallaudet, then became an admis-sions recruiter. Over 20 years, she rose through the ranks in the admissions and financial aid fields to her most recent position as Chief Enrollment Management Officer. She also served for four years as the executive director of the West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Charity Warigon


Baldridge West

The workshop will highlight statistics, data, and information regarding deaf and hard of hearing earnings and employability rates by educational attainment; graduation rates; and quality of services obtained for post-sec-ondary education.

About Charity...

College and Career Preparation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Lena Van Manen, NIC: Master; ED:K-12; IIC, has native signing skills and has been a longtime freelance interpreter with over 30 years of professional interpreting experience in a wide variety of settings. In addition, Lena is currently qualified as an Indiana Supreme Court Interpreter and is quali-fied as an Educational Interpreter through the Educational Interpreter Pro-ficiency Assessment (EIPA). Lena is currently working for the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education as Interpreter Coordinator and ASL Interpreter/Consultant for the state of Indiana.

Lena Van Manen

Saturday, June 27, 2015Present: 11:00 A.M. Oriole Academy


This presentation will cover the EIPA, explaining what it is and why it is important to have a qualified interpreter in the classroom. Also, parents will be informed of their rights in regards to Educational Interpreters.

About Lena...

EIPA: What is it and How it Affects My Child’s Education. (Educational Interpreting Proficiency)

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Dawn Crock is a licensed Teacher for the Deaf with a special interest in teaching and working with students who are Deaf with additional disabili-ties for over 10 years. She is currently serving as the Special Education Coordinator at Indiana School for the Deaf. For the last five years, she attended the Autism Team training through Indiana Resource Center for Autism and received 15+ hours of Autism topics. Dawn resides in Fishers, with her husband, three children, and a dog.

We will discuss how a family knows when to start “the” discussion ex-plaining the various age appropriate materials relating to how puberty and healthy relationships impact students with Autism, with such references to help with the process. Topics to be covered include what to discuss with your child in regards to body changes and healthy relationships includ-ing activities where scenarios are reflected and applied and what does this information look like for children without Autism and how can informa-tion be shared with students on the spectrum. Each child is unique and has different skills, this presentation will target the various ways of addressing the topic through hands-on materials and examples

About Dawn...

Puberty and Healthy Relationships: Preparing Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Malkah Bird is a licensed Teacher of the Deaf who has been teaching deaf students with autism and other disabilities since 2005. She currently works at the Indiana School for the Deaf developing visual communication, visual support and experiential language activities. Malkah is trained in Alterna-tive Behavior Analysis (ABA) methods and Picture Exchange Communi-cation Systems (PECS). Malkah has taught at several schools for the deaf, including the American School for the Deaf, Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and the Ohio School for the Deaf. Malkah lives in Indianapolis with her husband, two children, and two chickens.

About Malkah...

Dawn Crock


Alumni Hall - Room 217

Malkah Bird



Puberty and Healthy Relationships: Preparing Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

34

We will discuss how a family knows when to start “the” discussion ex-plaining the various age appropriate materials relating to how puberty and healthy relationships impact students with Autism, with such references to help with the process. Topics to be covered include what to discuss with your child in regards to body changes and healthy relationships includ-ing activities where scenarios are reflected and applied and what does this information look like for children without Autism and how can informa-tion be shared with students on the spectrum. Each child is unique and has different skills, this presentation will target the various ways of addressing the topic through hands-on materials and examples

Wyatte C. Hall, Ph.D. is a Deaf postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at University of Massachusetts Medical School. He is work-ing alongside Melissa Anderson, Ph.D. and Marlene Elliott, CI/CT to co-establish a Deaf behavior health center, DeafYES!, with clinical, research, and training initiatives. Wyatte’s particular area of interest is the long-term outcomes of systematic visual language deprivation in d/Deaf children and adults, especially as a risk factor in increased rates of mental illness, trauma, and addiction.

Wyatte Hall

Saturday, June 27, 20151:00 P.M.

Brown Cafeteria

The shared table conversation will include an informal discussion of per-sonal experiences within the “system” of deciding a d/Deaf child’s educa-tion, language, and medical outcomes. Brief slides will be used to structure the time and a summary of current research detailing visual language ben-efits will be given out at the end.

About Wyatte...

Long-Term Outcomes of Impairing Visual Language Development in Deaf Children

Josh Weinstein



Parents’ journey: meeting the needs of your family — this is a general dis-cussion on how parents can support one another in their journey. Dawn Crock will facilitate and get the group started so that parents can have an opportunity to collaborate, ask questions, and share ideas related to what worked for them. Parents will have the option to include Dawn Crock, Josh Weinstein, and Malkah Bird for input.

Deaf Autism Parent Group

Malkah Bird Dawn Crock

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Margaret Chastel is the mom of two kooky Deaf children adopted from Colombia. In addition, Margaret is an instructor of English as a Second Language, currently tutoring at National Technical Institute for the Deaf, one of the colleges of the Rochester Institute of Technology. Margaret’s dream is for Deaf children *of all kinds* to feel valued and confident.

As adoptive parents ourselves, we know from firsthand experience the unique challenges and ‘isolation’ that deaf adoptive families can face. Dur-ing this discussion we aim to share difficulties, strategies, and solutions amongst all participants. We will raise some topics and elicit input from participants. Topics will likely include fostering attachment, language acquisition, identity development, academic success, and social develop-ment. From this conversation, we hope to create an on-going network to continue support. We will also discuss and share important resources for adoptive families in social, academic, and developmental areas.

About Margaret...

Deaf Adoptions: Making Connections!

Erin Kane is the mom to two inquisitive Deaf daughters adopted from China. She serves as Assistant Director of Admissions and Visitation at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, one of the colleges of the Roches-ter Institute of Technology. Erin’s dream for Deaf children is to feel they are able to achieve all social, academic, and personal goals in life.

About Erin...

Margaret Chastel


Brown Cafeteria

Erin Kane


Brown Cafeteria

As adoptive parents ourselves, we know from firsthand experience the unique challenges and ‘isolation’ that deaf adoptive families can face. Dur-ing this discussion we aim to share difficulties, strategies, and solutions amongst all participants. We will raise some topics and elicit input from participants. Topics will likely include fostering attachment, language acquisition, identity development, academic success, and social develop-ment. From this conversation, we hope to create an on-going network to continue support. We will also discuss and share important resources for adoptive families in social, academic, and developmental areas.

Deaf Adoptions: Making Connections!

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Melissa Herzig is the Education and Research Translation Manager for VL2 and Associate Director for Ph.D. in Educational Neuroscience pro-gram at Gallaudet University. Melissa has a Bachelor’s of Art in Biology from Gallaudet University. Her Master’s of Art thesis in Bilingual (ASL/English) Education at University of California, San Diego (UCSD), was about bridging ASL and English skills through ASL/English Workshops. Melissa earned her doctorate degree at UCSD focusing on the motivation of Deaf Latino adolescent struggling readers.

Melissa Herzig


Brown Cafeteria

My presentation, including research findings and personal experiences as a teacher, deaf adult, and a parent, will cover the latest research findings that the Visual Language and Visual Learning, Science of Learning Center, has made. The information includes Visual Sign Phonology, how children read, and what goes on in their brain. We will discuss what those research findings mean for our deaf children including those with cochlear implants and how we can best support them. In addition, I will also share informa-tion about the resources we can share, including research briefs, assess-ments, VL2 storybook apps, and parent information package created by the center that they can immediately use at home or to help them advocate for their child.

About Melissa...

Maximizing the Child’s Cognitive Potential: Research and Resources

A visionary advocate, Tawny Holmes has “connected the dots” all over the United States for the past three years, visiting a variety of schools, developing collabo-rations, meeting families and developing an extensive state-based network of Education Advocates. Her unique journey will make a special stop at ASDC 2015 Conference in Indianapolis and share specific high-

lights of this conference that connect with her work along with shining the light on our journey ahead as families and advocates of Deaf children via a multime-dia experience!

Tawny Holmes, Esq. is one of the rare (if not only) Deaf attorneys with a Masters’ Degree in Deaf Edu-cation and experience in teaching. As shown in the picture, Tawny is the proud godmother of four Deaf children who attend the Indiana School of the Deaf (Avant, Leilani, Oriana, and Talon). Tawny currently resides in Germantown, MD and works full-time as a staff attorney and a Equal Justice Works fellow spon-sored by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP. focusing on education advocacy at the National Association of the Deaf. She also serves as the chair of the national Edu-cation Strategy Team and coordinator of the Educa-tion Advocates Program at NAD.

Closing Keynote Speaker: Tawny Holmes, Esq.

Saturday, June 27, 20154:00 P.M. @ M.S.M Auditorium

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American Society for Deaf Children ASDC is committed to empowering

diverse families with deaf children and youth by embracing full access to language-rich environments through mentoring, advocacy, resources, and collaborative networks.

Gallaudet UniversityGallaudet University, federally char-

tered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellec-tual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly ac-tivity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly com-petitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.

NTID/RITThe primary mission of the National

Technical Institute for the Deaf is to provide deaf and hard-of-hearing stu-dents with outstanding state-of-the-art technical and professional educa-tion programs, complemented by a strong arts and sciences curriculum, that prepare them to live and work in the mainstream of a rapidly changing global community and enhance their lifelong learning.

Sorenson CommunicationsSorenson Communications® (www.

sorenson.com) is a provider of indus-try-leading communications prod-ucts and services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The company’s of-ferings include Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®), the highest-quality video interpreting service; the So-renson ntouch® VP videophone, de-signed especially for use by deaf in-

dividuals; ntouch® PC, software

that connects users to SVRS by using a PC and webcam; ntouch® for Mac®, software that connects users to SVRS by using an Apple® computer; ntouch® Tablet, which turns the Apple iPad® with a front-facing camera into a larger-screen mobile VP; and ntouch® Mobile, an application empowering SVRS communication via mobile de-vices.

ZVRSTo make a personal connection with

our customers by operating and pro-viding the premier worldwide video communication service for deaf, hard of hearing and hearing individu-als through utilization of video relay interpreting services, leading-edge technology, and a firm commitment to improving the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing consumers who use sign language and/or speech reading.

Deaf Parenting –The Stephen FamilyLife Transforming Treasures Author,

Speaker, Lifestyle Coach, and a Tele-vision Personality

National Association of the DeafThe NAD is the nation’s premier civil

rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America.It provides advocacy and legal resources to com-munity members including parents of deaf and hard of hearing children, along with youth programs (summer leadership camp, Jr. NAD, etc). for youth ages 13-30. For more informa-tion, go to www.nad.org

Signs for Hope“Signs for Hope exists to share the

Hope of Christ by facilitating care for deaf/HOH orphans throughout the world.”

Center for Outreach ServicesOur mission is to share and promote

best practices among all educational partners serving deaf, deafblind and hard-of-hearing learners in Ohio. The Center for Outreach Services provides services to learners, families and schools using any communica-tion mode, including both visual and auditory methods.

Sister Brother Deaf, Inc.Sister Brother Deaf Inc. is organized

exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, more spe-cifically to: perform scientific research into the relationships between Deaf and hearing siblings; contribute arti-cles to journals and newsletters on the topic of Deaf and hearing sibling rela-tions; attend and give presentations at appropriate conferences, workshops, and community organizations; dis-seminate information in a variety of media: print, film, television, radio; publish on the topic of Deaf and hear-ing sibling relations; take such addi-tional action as is appropriate to sup-port the above goals

LUNATo promote language access for peo-

ple who are Deaf, hard of hearing or do not speak English with direct lan-guage services, professional develop-ment opportunities for language pro-viders and language access education for our clients and community. Using a partnership model based on service, we are dedicated to creating solutions to deliver the most qualified language services to our clients and the con-sumers we serve together, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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About Our Exhibits

39

LTC TranslationsLTC Translations has 15 years of ex-

perience helping businesses, govern-ment entities and individuals to com-municate with the world. We have the resources to manage all projects in house at our corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education

To promote positive outcomes for all Deaf and hard of hearing children through information, services and education.

Relay IndianaRelay Indiana, a service of InTRAC,

is a free service that provides full tele-communications accessibility to peo-ple who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled. The service allows users with special telecommunication devices to communicate with stan-dard users through specially trained Relay Operators. InTRAC also pro-vides free, loaned equipment to those who qualify.

Sharp Eyed Group, LLCSharp Eyed Group, LLC is made up

of passionate people in the Ameri-can Sign Language-using community who have big ideas about how to im-prove our lives. We exist not only to provide needed services to the ASL community, but also to push the en-velope as to what these services look like. We are not interested in merely providing a safety net, but in provid-ing the means for consumers to get on, and remain on, the trapeze and high wire.

Archibald Memorial HomeThe mission of the Archibald Memo-

rial Home (AMH) is to honor the tes-tamentary intent of Orson Archibald by improving the quality of life of the aged and infirm Deaf of Indiana through the provision of quality resi-dential services for the Deaf.

MED-ELTo overcome hearing loss as a barrier

to communication and quality of life. We effectively yet gently restore hear-ing by offering a comprehensive set of intact-skin hearing implant solutions. We thus provide best benefit to indi-viduals with a hearing loss – today, tomorrow, worldwide.

LegalShieldTo help people improve their lives by

teaching life-transforming skills and to deliver exceptional products and services that promote peace of mind and confidence in a world that is of-tentimes uncaring and selfish.

Institute for Disabilities Research and Training

IDRT is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and service providers through research and development, training, technical assistance, and ad-vocacy. Although our work benefits people with all disabilities, we special-ize in research and development ef-forts on behalf of children and adults who are deaf and hard of hearing. We have particular expertise in the devel-opment of American Sign Language (ASL) - accessible computer software and other assistive technology prod-ucts.

DawnSignPressDawnSignPress creates, develops,

and publishes quality American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture-related DVDs and books. Dedicated to the principle that Deaf people are the natural experts regarding their language and culture, DawnSignPress wholeheartedly supports the efforts of Deaf people to document ASL, Deaf culture, history, heritage, and litera-ture.

Jewelry DesignsCreates, designs, makes and sells

necklaces with or without pendants, bracelets, stretch bracelets, Pandora bracelets, earrings and rings to cus-tomers. Repairs jewelries.

Hand ExpressionsSelling ASL clothings – tees, hood-

ies, sweatpants, sweatshirts, aprons, tote bags and much more!

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center

The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center (Clerc Center) is located on the campus of Gallaudet University. The Clerc Center’s mis-sion is to raise the achievement of deaf and hard of hearing students ages birth-21 nationwide by support-ing the families and professionals who work with these students. We provide information and resources, mostly at no cost, to the public via Info-to-Go, Training & Technical As-sistance including webinars and live training sessions/presentations, and publications including the Students with Cochlear Implant Guidelines for Educational Program Planning and the annual award-winning magazine Odyssey.

Purple VRSPurple are dedicated to developing

fast, easy and convenient commu-nications solutions and services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individu-als and businesses using a variety of different platforms. As a leading pro-vider of on-site interpreting services, video relay services (VRS), and video remote interpreting (VRI), Purple has built an excellent reputation for devel-oping products and services that open communications between all people, regardless of differences in abilities, languages and locations.

UNDERGRADUATEOPEN HOUSE

OCT

19NOV

9 Fall2015

ACT administered on Sunday, November 8.

SUMMER YOUTH

PROGRAMSJuly 9–17, 2015Discover Your Future

Do you know what you’d like to be doing 10, 20 or 30 years from now? Discover Your Future this summer at Gallaudet!

Immerse into ASL!

New to American Sign Language? Already know a little and want to learn more? Immerse into ASL! at Gallaudet and watch the words flow!

Your child’s future begins at Gallaudet• 40+ majors, and

self-directed major

• Honors program

• Capitol Hill

internship program

• Division III athletics

and intramural sports

• Student-led organizations,

including Student Body

Government, Bison TV, and

the “Buff & Blue” newspaper

800 Florida Avenue, NE

Edward Miner Gallaudet Building

Washington, DC 20002

800-995-0550 (voice)

202-250-2474 (vp)

[email protected]

40

A Message for Parents

earning doesn’t end when your child walks out the school door at the end of the day. Not only will your child be practicing his or her skills with homework that may require your help, but everything learned in school can also be applied and extended at home. Accessible media (captioned and described) can be of huge benefit. Did you know that the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP):

>> has a library of over 4,000 free-loan described and captioned media titles available to registered members.

>> accepts membership from parents of early learners thru Grade 12 students who are deaf, blind, or deaf-blind.

>> permits parents to create subaccounts for use directly by students, who have access only to those videos for which the parent has granted permissions.

>> allows members to watch accessible media online, on mobile devices, on their home TV with a set-top box, or on DVDs shipped from the DCMP.

What DCMP videos will help your child practice skills learned in school?

Idea:

Browse or search the DCMP library for biographies, careers, social studies, lit-erature, math, and science media. Ask your child’s teacher for suggestions.

What assistance is available to you in your role as your child’s first and most important teacher?

Idea:

DCMP has videos relating to health and safety, home and family, and counseling.

Which DCMP titles should you select for your child to watch independently?

Idea:

Search for series such as Moko: the Young Explorer, BizKid$, Dr. Seuss, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and many more titles for fun and enrichment.

Described & Captioned Media Program [email protected](800) 237-6213

Family members and school personnel of K-12 students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind are eligible for membership. The DCMP is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the National Association of the Deaf.

L

041441

WITH ASL AND ENGLISH

Your Child Can …

LEARN! THRIVE! SUCCEED!

Congratulations and Thank You

Indiana School for the Deaf

On a Successful

2015 ASDC Conference! How can you become more involved with ASDC?

Tell all your friends to join and support ASDC

Host a fundraiser for ASDC

Write an article for the Endeavor Magazine

Join the ASDC Board of Directors

Contact us at the information below to learn more!

#2047, 800 Florida Avenue, NE • Washington, DC 20002-3695

800-942-2732 (v) • 202-644-9204 (vp)

www.deafchildren.org • [email protected] •

Like us on Facebook - ASDC - American Society for Deaf Children

42

changinglivessince 1817

AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

Celebrate their achievement.Visit us at asd-1817.org

139 North Main StreetWest Hartford, CT 06107

zvrs.com

Proud to be the only VRS provider that hires only100%-certified interpreters!

#PurpleTruthAuthentic Interpreters, Genuine Customer Care, Inspired Innovators.

www.purple.us

www.sharpeyed.org

Getting us off the safety net and onto the trapeze and high wire.

317-759-DEAF

43

Serving infirmed and elderly Indiana Deaf People

Best Wishes for a Successful Conference!

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2015 ASDC CONFERENCE!

o Statewide network of staff and contract ASL interpreters (NIC, IIC, CDI, and Indiana Supreme Court legally qualified)

o On-site, Video Remote Interpreting, real-time captioning and CART services

o Practicum, Fellowship and Staff Mentoring programs

o Promoting language access in the community

LUNA ALWAYS WELCOMES QUALIFIED ASL INTERPRETERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM.

CONTACT US TODAY!

Your 24/7 Language Connection Bridging Communication Gaps

P - 317-341-4137 · VP 317-286-6382

[email protected] · www.LUNA360.com

44

Proud Sponsor of 2015 ASDC Conference

www.relayindiana.com

A Community, Together, Raise a Deaf Child

www.sorensonvrs.com

www.languagetrainingcenter.com

The American School for the Deaf is proud to hostThe American Society for Deaf Children

National Conference June 25—27, 2017Bridging Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

www.asd-1817.org45

See you in 2017 @ Hartford, CT!

Thank you for coming!

2015 asdc conference program book

Documents