2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/14/2022 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | DHH Heroes | Room 4
DHH Heroes
In 2019, Kentucky Hands & Voices launched the DHH Hero infusion program in an effort to connect families with adults who are deaf or hard of hearing. There are currently more than 25 DHH Heroes across the state participating in the program. DHH heroes serve as a resource and reminder to parents that their child has limitless potential.
Why is connecting with a DHH adult so important?
Hands & Voices recognizes the importance of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) individuals with diverse languages, modes of communication, ages, education, and life experiences in all aspects of the organization. This diversity provides a valuable resource to families with deaf and hard of hearing children, enabling them to interact with peers and adults who embrace the Hands & Voices philosophy of non-biased support.
“Knowledge about what a child who is deaf or hard of hearing could become and the things s/he could accomplish, can dramatically alter the sequence of the process of grieving.” – Christine Yoshinaga-Itano, Ph.D.
Our DHH Heroes are encouraged to attend our Hands & Voices events, including Deaf Awareness Day at the Louisville Zoo and the annual SuperHEARo 5k. You may see them signing the National Anthem or handing out their very own superhero trading cards. Kids are encouraged to collect all the cards at different events and even trade them with friends. Parents are encouraged to interact with the DHH Heroes, collecting valuable insight on what it is like to grow up deaf or hard of hearing.
“The cards are empowering, showing young children that you can be deaf and grow up to seek a variety of opportunities!” said one parent.
- Learn about the DHH Hero program in Kentucky, a volunteer program that connects families to DHH adults.
- Learn the experiences of DHH adults who participate in the DHH Hero program.
- Get tips on how you can implement a similar program in your state.
Presentation:
3353554_14971AnitaDowd.pdf
3353554_14971SarahRoof.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Anita Dowd
(Co-Presenter), Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, anita.dowd@ky.gov;
Anita Dowd, deaf since early childhood, is the Executive Staff Advisor at the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Frankfort, KY. As the mom of two daughters with very different hearing losses, Anita firmly believes that there is no “one size fits all” solution to barriers that deaf and hard of hearing individuals face in their lives. She is the current President of Kentucky Hands & Voices, Hands & Voices Region 4 Coordinator and she sit on the Hands & Voices board.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Sarah Roof
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter), Kentucky Hands & Voices, sarah@kyhandsandvoices.org;
Sarah Roof is the executive director for Kentucky Hands & Voices. She is passionate about connecting with families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and providing them with the resources they need to help their child reach his/her full potential. Her journey with deafness began when her son, Isaac, was identified at birth.
Sarah also serves on the Kentucky EHDI Advisory Board and the NCHAM Family Advisory Committee. She recently obtained a Master's certificate in the Infant, Toddler, & Family program at Gallaudet University.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Holly Evans
(Co-Presenter), Kentucky Hands & Voices DHH Hero, holleelee@gmail.com;
Holly serves as a DHH Hero in Kentucky.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Blake Noland
(Co-Presenter), Kentucky Hands & Voices, blake.noland@ky.gov;
Blake is a DHH Hero with Kentucky Hands & Voices. He also works for Kentucky Commission on the Deaf & Hard of Hearing.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Jena White
(Co-Presenter), Kentucky Hands & Voices, jenale@gmail.com;
Jena is a DHH Hero for Kentucky Hands & Voices.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Brooke Montgomery
(Co-Presenter), Hands & Voices, brooke@handsandvoices.org;
Brooke has been with Hands & Voices Headquarters since 2022 as the Social Media Director and is part of the core management team for FL3. Prior to that, Brooke was the Assistant Director and Parent Guide at the chapter level for Kentucky Hands & Voices. Brooke is the mom of 3 sons; the youngest is DHH Plus. Brooke is passionate about bringing awareness to the community of parent leaders and DHH children, with a special interest in the DHH Plus and sibling experiences. Current projects include coordinating the Off to a Great Start web resources and campaign as well as leading the H&V Facebook group for DHH Plus parents/caregivers. Brooke is a mentor in the Leadership 2 Leadership program and believes in the power of parent to parent connection in growing and sustaining new leaders. Brooke celebrates the collective journey and the shared sense of community that our DHH families experience.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from Hands & Voices.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Hands & Voices.
Nature: employed by H&V.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.