Agenda and Assignments

This presentation will introduce the O.U.R. Children’s Safety Project, a vital initiative focused on promoting the safety and well-being of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) children. Participants will explore key challenges faced by D/HH children and students, including the heightened risk of bullying and barriers to reporting and support. The session will highlight practical strategies and advocacy tools for educators, families, and community members to create safer, more inclusive environments. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to help empower D/HH youth and families to promote childhood safety.  

Learning Objectives:

• New participants will be familiar with protective factors for children and parents that reduce the risk of abuse.
• Participants will begin to reflect on their readiness to answer abuse/neglect questions from families/professionals.

Primary Audience 

Chapter and program leaders, family-based support organizations, EHDI system stakeholders, educators, and individual family members.

Facilitator:Janet DesGeorges

Guest Presenter: Chresta Brinkman

Chresta Brinkman is a core member of the O.U.R. Children’s Safety Project Team and a past Parent Guide for the Colorado Chapter.  She has an extensive background in education as a former teacher with a BS in psychology and an MA in special education.
She is also a dedicated mother of four, including one son with a hearing difference, and a passionate advocate for education and community engagement. Her service within the Steamboat Springs School District, as both the Vice President of the Board of Education and an active volunteer, reflects her deep commitment to her community.
Chresta also serves on the boards of The Historic Hayden Granary, Warhorse Ranch, and Yampatika. She is passionate about the Hands & Voices O.U.R. Children’s Safety Project, particularly in the areas of literacy, mental health awareness, and support. She is grateful for the work of Hands & Voices and their critical support for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

 

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Registration Form:

Fill out the form below and click the Submit button at the bottom to register your information.

*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.

 

Please join us and feel free to share this information with others!

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