1. Health

National Organization - Hands & Voices

From , former About.com Guide

Updated May 03, 2009

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Hands & Voices Mission:

Simply put, Hands & Voices is for everyone (parents, professionals, deaf and hard of hearing people) connected to hearing loss, regardless of method of communication. The objective of Hands & Voices is better education for deaf and hard of hearing children and to support communication choice.

Hands & Voices' Genesis:

According to the Hands & Voices website, the organization began as a small parent support group in Colorado. Through publicity and awareness, it quickly expanded to become national and then international.

Hands & Voices' Activities:

Hands & Voices is an active member or advisory board member of many organizations for deaf and hard of hearing people. It also participates in and presents at various conferences.

Hands & Voices' Chapters:

The Hands & Voices website has information on how to start a chapter. A video, "We Are Hands & Voices," is available.

Hands & Voices' Membership:

Prospective members join local chapters, and if there is no local chapter, they can join individually.

Hands & Voices' Publications:

Hands & Voices publishes a quarterly newspaper, The Communicator.

Hands & Voices' Articles:

The Hands & Voices website offers documents on topics such as "Mainstreaming the Student Who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing." In addition, many articles posted on the website cover topics such as deaf people & perspectives on deafness, early intervention, education, parent/professional collaboration, family perspectives, research, and technology.

Hands & Voices' Awards:

Hands & Voices gives out a Families First award annually to recognize the achievements of a parent or professional.

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