2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference

March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH

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:
3353554_14971SarahRoof.pdf

Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference

Presenters/Authors

Anita Dowd (), 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.