Hands & Voices

Five-Step Start Up Plan for an H&V Chapter in your state:

1. Review the Hands & Voices mission statement and philosophy--can you and your group support the vision? Complete the chapter application & send to H&V National for approval.

2. Recruit parent(s), consumers, and professional(s) willing to work collaboratively as an advisory board comprised by a majority of parents. Relegate members to administrative, functioning roles or advisory member roles. Ensure a balanced representation of methodology and language amongst the board membership. Prioritize training goals.

Recommended representation:

Parent as director
State Department of Education (DOE) representative of Deaf/Hard of Hearing
programs as Advisory Board VIP
Professional representation from your state's School for the Deaf
Parent whose child attends state school for the deaf
Adults who are deaf and hard of hearing
Members who can effectively advocate for all communication choices, regardless of whatever choice they've made for their own child.
Teacher(s) of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Educational audiologist
Representative(s) from Institutions of Higher Education (universities, colleges)
Parents of children who are deaf
Parents of children who are hard of hearing
Parents of children with unilateral or conductive hearing loss
Parents of preschoolers, elementary-aged, & high school students
Individuals who represent Deaf culture & community
Individuals who have expertise with oral communication methodologies.
Individuals who have expertise with manual communication methodologies.
Professionals from Part C/infants & toddlers

3. Adopt by-laws (can be based on H&V National by-laws) for operating as a chapter, based on your board's priorities, and apply for non-profit incorporation status in your state.

4. Establish a database by linking to public schools, newborn identification programs, private schools (if applicable), state school for the deaf, and other related service organizations or resources in your state.

5. Develop priorities based on consensual decision making and direction of the administrative and advisory boards, then create a five-year plan (including a budget) that outlines strategies for growth and outreach to all families in your state.