Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Hands & Voices - Board of Directors 2016

Back Row (left to right) Jill Kelly, Tina Childress, Alison Rollins, Karla Giese, Alejandra Ullauri,
 Jeanne Carlisle, Lynn Wood and Melissa Joyce
Front Row seated (left to right) Pauline Brannigan, Carrie Balian, Andrea Marwah, Heather Poe and Jennifer Ehlers

Hands & Voices

Our Mission:
Illinois Families for Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, non-profit organization that supports families with children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodologies.
Our Vision:
We envision a world where children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing have every opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Our Motto:
“What works for your child is what makes the choice right.” TM
Contact Us:
  • ilhandsandvoices@gmail.com
  • 630-697-3544 (v/text)
  • PO Box 9366, Naperville, IL 60567
Where we began…
Illinois Hands & Voices, legally known as Illinois Families for Hands & Voices was started by Karen Putz and a group of parents throughout the state of Illinois who felt that parent support was crucial to our families.  Our chapter started in Summer of 2004.
Who Are We?
  • We are families with children who have all types of hearing loss.
  • We use many different types of communication modes: Auditory Verbal, Auditory Oral, Cued Speech, American Sign Language, Signed English, Simultaneous Communication and Total Communication.
  • We are deaf and hard-of-hearing adults.
  • We are professionals.
  • We are from every corner of the state of Illinois.
  • We are united, because we are Hands & Voices.
Families can learn about the variety of resources and options available to them and how to access them. Through this network of resources, families can make informed decisions about their future in regards to educational options, the changing landscape of assistive technologies, and many other issues facing families with deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
Families within the same geographic region within the state can share experiences and information as they support each other. They will be given the opportunity to gain knowledge and direction from families who have faced the same challenges and choices.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Lynn Wood Presents at HEAR INDIANA Parent Education and Encouragement Session- September 24, 2016


Parent Education and Encouragement Session

Saturday, September 24th
from 9:00 - 12:00

Click HERE for registration.

This session will guide families to use Apps as interactive tools for Listening and Language Learning. There is no limit to the listening, language and learning possibilities available through apps. Apps are common tools in auditory verbal practices, clinics, schools and homes. If you own a device that runs apps, you have valuable resources at your fingertips (and at your child’s fingertips too!). 

I will present strategies to engage, extend and expand on apps designed to promote listening and spoken language. The session will provide parents with ideas for making connections with apps to meaningful conversations and experiences, strategies to consider, the pros and cons of using apps over traditional materials and how to integrate the benefits of both. Key factors in choosing apps will be discussed. 

I will share suggestions for “exploding” some featured apps through themes and with traditional books, songs, crafts, games and more. The format of the session will be interactive using iPad apps, hands-on materials and audience participation. If you have an iPad or tablet bring it to the presentation.


Professional and Parent Education Sessions

Friday, September 23, 2016,
from 7:00 - 5:00



Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Sensory Garden Playground

My grandson and I visited the Sensory Garden Playground in our town. Valor loved the Sound Garden best! (wink, wink) I even ran into two teachers of the d/hh which was a fun surprise. What an experience for all kids but a true treasure for Auditory Verbal families.









Wheelchair accessible picnic tables 




Thursday, August 4, 2016

One of my Auditory Verbal graduates who is entering her senior year in college stopped by yesterday. She was thrilled to find her handprint on the wall at the entrance to my office.
 Where did the last 20 years go?