Parent Mentor OSD

Help us spread the word! KIDS EAT FREE. We’re sponsoring SUN Meals, a summer food program where children eat free and no sign-up is needed. Visit https://education.ohio.gov/KidsEat for participating program sites.

We are so EXCITED to welcome our 2026 Stage Partner, ASCO Autism Society Central Ohio, and Band Together Central Ohio

Tip of the day when requesting an ASL interpreter for medical appointments:

Ask for an “in person ASL interpreter” - not a “live interpreter.”

As technology continues to evolve, many hearing staff automatically interpret the word “live” as virtual services like Zoom or VRI (Video Remote Interpreting).

After working in healthcare for years, I’ve started noticing this pattern more and more. I even caught myself using the word “live” as a patient. Once I changed my wording and specifically requested an “in person interpreter,” interpreters started physically showing up more often for me and for others as well. I’ve asked around locally and they responded with the same thing.

The wording matters.

As a Deaf community, we need to continue advocating, educating, and pushing together for true language access. In person interpreters provide the best opportunity for full and direct communication access, and we should not have to fight so hard for it.

Kids Books Read Aloud: I Am Enough by Grace Byers - Reading Tips for Families Grace Byers is an actress and activist who starts in Fox hit series EMPIRE. As a multiracial young girl and a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Grace was bullied throughout her childhood. This book was born out of her desire to empower young girls against the effects of bullying.

Is your family raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing? Are you feeling stretched by health decisions, language access, appointments, and school planning? 🌟 The Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness at OCALI is here to walk alongside you – no matter the stage. 📘 Your Child’s Journey is a FREE companion guide to help orient you and connect you with clear, unbiased information about Ohio’s deaf and hard of hearing resources, so you can make confident decisions for your child. 🔗 Learn more: https://deafandblindoutreach.org/Your-Childs-Journey-DHH