Agenda and Assignments

Children who are Deaf, hard of hearing (DHH), deafblind and/or with disabilities face a significantly higher risk of maltreatment, bullying, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These challenges can have lasting effects on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This session offers educators, families, and service providers practical, research-informed strategies to identify early signs of trauma, build protective factors, and create safe, healing-centered environments for students, and highlights the teacher’s role in keeping kids safe.

Through a disability and trauma-informed lens, participants will explore why vulnerability is elevated for these populations, how to recognize subtle indicators of trauma, and ways to foster resilience and healing both in the classroom and at home. Attendees will also receive tools and resources to strengthen safety nets and support recovery, along with opportunities for community dialogue and shared problem-solving.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key factors contributing to elevated risk for DHH and disabled students.
• Recognize early signs of trauma and stress through a disability-informed perspective.
• Apply practical strategies to build protective factors and foster resilience.
• Create classroom and home environments that promote safety, healing, and growth.

Presenter:

Kristin Grender is a National Board-Certified Teacher serving students who are blind or have low vision and an adjunct professor at Concordia University’s Department of Special Education. She is also a “Bright Spot” in an initiative of the Council for Exceptional Children. Kristin holds two master’s degrees from Western Michigan University in Teaching Children with Visual Impairments and Orientation & Mobility with Children, as well as an undergraduate degree in Special Education from UW–Whitewater, where she earned certifications in Autism and Transition.

She completed her 200-hour yoga and mindfulness certification through Breathe for Change, a program designed for educators. With a strong interest in STEAM, Kristin participated in the NSF-funded iDATA project and co-authored a chapter in Accessible Science, published by the American Printing House for the Blind. Her work includes conducting research on a NASA-sponsored zero-gravity flight.

Kristin’s accolades include the Walt Disney Company’s “Top 100 Teachers” Award (2023), the Distinguished Alumni Award from UW–Whitewater (2019), and the Herb Kohl Fellowship (2017). Passionate about inclusion, innovation, and student well-being, she brings extensive expertise in fostering safety, healing, and resilience for students with diverse needs.

Primary Audience 

Educators, family-based support organizations, service providers, and community stakeholders supporting children who are DHH, DHH Plus, or deafblind.  

 

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Registration Form:

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*What is O.U.R. Children Safety Project - (Observe, Understand, and Respond)?

Hands & Voices has created a Community of Learners, comprised of parents, family members and professionals, to explore and develop activities that will work to increase the safety and success of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. This welcoming and inclusive community of learners values participation from Hands & Voices leadership including GBYS and ASTra program staff. Through discussion and critical reflection, the group focuses on issues to increase awareness and understanding surrounding prevention of child maltreatment for deaf, hard of hearing and DHH Plus children. Together, members of O.U.R. identify and determine action steps that support others in their local communities that serve to observe and respond to instances of abuse, neglect, and bullying, as well as cohesively work to enhance policies for prevention within the systems of care serving D/HH children and families. The O.U.R Children’s Safety Project incorporates the foundation and mission of Hands & Voices, and as such guides the message of prevention throughout Hands & Voices state and provincial chapters in order to carry out the work that enables deaf, hard of hearing and DHH Plus children to reach their highest potential.

 

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For more information, please contact us at janet@handsandvoices.org.