Michigan Department of Education Resource for Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Sign up by July 1 for our one-day educational interpreter workshop! Through discussion, reflection, and scenario-based learning, attendees will develop practical strategies for fostering cultural humility, supporting students’ self advocacy skills, and addressing systemic barriers that reinforce the status quo.

Learn more and sign up: bit.ly/RDHH-07-17-26

(Image: A dozen workshop participants sit at tables while watching a presenter at the front of the room.)

Families: Attend Michigan Hands & Voices' Annual Summer Picnic on August 8 🍉🥪 The event will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. Sign up: https://www.mihandsandvoices.org/event-details/mi-hands-voices-annual-summer-picnic-2

Annual Summer Picnic, Aug, 8th, 11AM-2PM at Potter Park Zoo.

Registration is LIVE!

Get ready for a day filled with excitement and connection at our Annual Summer Picnic at the beautiful Potter Zoo in Lansing! This event is a fantastic opportunity for Michigan Hands & Voices Members and our DHH Community to come together and celebrate. Have fun at our carnival-style gathering with games and prizes, enjoy a picnic-style lunch and refreshments, and connect with fellow members, families, and members of our community!

https://www.mihandsandvoices.org/event-details/mi-hands-voices-annual-summer-picnic-2?utm_campaign=8cca3cff-c1df-424a-8b4e-e7d9e05054e3&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=d40cac99-e247-4260-8019-4fc572cea622

One more reminder for Michigan early intervention and school personnel: You may be able to take the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) at no cost through the end of this month! This opportunity is limited to one ASLPI assessment per applicant. Learn more and complete the interest form: bit.ly/4bCXRVS

(Image: A smiling woman holds colorful notebooks while standing in front of a chalkboard.)

Michigan was well-represented at the 2026 AG Bell Symposium in Washington, DC, last week! We were thrilled to connect with other professionals supporting students who are deaf/hard of hearing.

(Image: Nine women smile for a group photo in front of an AG Bell backdrop in a large room.)

Sign up by June 22 for our summer online intermediate American Sign Language class! Learn more and sign up below.

Intermediate ASL for School Personnel and Adult Family Members
When: Tuesdays, July 7 - August 25, 2026
Cost: $100 per person
Sign up: bit.ly/RDHH-07-07-26

(Image: A woman smiles while communicating in American Sign Language during a video call.)

In August, we will offer two refresher webinars, one on family-centered supports and one on early reading development! Learn more and sign up below:

Family-Centered Supports
When: August 4, 2026, 12-1 p.m.
Sign up: bit.ly/RDHH-08-04-26

Early Reading Development
When: August 25, 2026, 12-1 p.m.
Sign up: bit.ly/RDHH-08-25-26

(Image: View over the shoulder of a woman in a video meeting with several other people.)

This summer, we encourage you to spend time in nature! Our Camp Tuhsmeheta director, Jill, has gathered a few ideas to get you started. Share a photo of your family doing one of these activities this summer and get entered to win a hammock! Learn more: rblv.org/news/outdoor-summer-fun-home

(Image: A picnic basket, with a red and white towel spilling out, rests on a picnic table outside.)

Our new website is now live 🎉 If you haven't done so already, save rdhh.org to your bookmarks!

If you are accessing our documents during this time, you may notice a few broken links. We're working to redirect the links to the updated pages. You may also need to clear your browser cache to properly access the website. Let us know if you have any trouble finding information on the site.

(Image: Screenshot of the new RDHH homepage, featuring a main menu, image carousel on a document now available in American Sign Language, information about what you can find in the Library Management System, and more.)

Registration is now open for our Visual Communication and Sign Language (VCSL) Checklist training in August! Participants will learn how to use this standardized and comprehensive assessment to track and support American Sign Language development in children who are deaf or hard of hearing, birth to five.

Learn more and sign up: rdhh.org/events/visual-communication-and-sign-language-vcsl-training

(Image: A student in a classroom using American Sign Language.)

In our May newsletter: celebrating spring endorsees, summer opportunities around the state, summer outdoor activities at home, and more!

Read the newsletter: bit.ly/RDHH-May-News

(Link image: Three young girls wearing backpacks smile while crossing a crosswalk with other students.)

March 2026 MDE RDHH Newsletter It’s hard to believe spring is here and summer is right around the corner. What an eventful year it has been! Workshops, trainings, webinars, camps, and many more activities have kept us busy.