We are excited to announce our ninth 2021 Parent University™ webinar class, "Keeping 'The Dream Team' Alive", to be held on Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm CST.   

Registration is required.  Please click here to register.

Class description: We will continue discussing the importance of The Dream Team and choosing the right people for the right job to ensure your child's future success! We will talk more in-depth about how to build this team and keep moving them forward - making it easier for your future caregiver and educating your trustee. We will go to the NEXT LEVEL in your utilization of the Dream Team Plan to make it a reality.         

PLEASE NOTE: If you are not able to attend this class live but you would like to watch the recorded video at a later time, please make sure to register for this class. All registrants will receive the information needed to watch the recorded video the day after this class, on Friday, September 24th, 2021.  

Please click here to view the entire 2021 Parent University Webinar Class Schedule.

We look forward to you joining us!

Deaf Awareness Month began in 1958 when the World Federation of the Deaf celebrated the first International Day of the Deaf. This went on to be celebrated as the International Week of the Deaf (the last full week of September in most countries). 

Now, the entire month of September is celebrated as Deaf Awareness Month to increase the public’s awareness of deaf issues, culture, and people. 

The purpose of National Deaf Awareness Month is to increase awareness of deaf issues, people, and culture. Activities and events throughout deaf awareness month encourage individuals to come together as a community for both educational events and celebrations.

The hope is to create a stronger community of learners and to understand that being deaf and hard of hearing is not a handicap or disability. Rather we are all capable and intelligent individuals that have multiple ways in which we communicate.

In Deaf culture, there’s a difference between “the small d” deaf and “the big D” Deaf. People who consider themselves deaf don’t identify with the Deaf community. This is because they only see their hearing loss as a medical condition. On the other hand, someone who identifies as Deaf feels culturally tied to the community of people who share the same experience. They’re usually proud of their deafness.

In order to learn about Deaf culture, it’s important to know about American Sign Language (ASL) since culture and language intertwine. Deaf Americans use ASL to communicate with other Deaf people or hearing people who understand the language. The language is filled with its own nuances, grammar, and complexities – just like any other spoken language.

ASL is not a universal language. Many countries have their own sign language with completely different gestures and visuals!  

In celebration of National Deaf Awareness Month, here are some resources to checkout:

National Association of the Deaf - provides a wide range of information for deaf and hard of hearing people, their families, and friends.

Faces Behind The Screen - unique stories and perspectives from everyday people of the Deaf and hard of hearing community

MyDeafChild.org - provides resources for families with children with hearing loss

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org - supporting deaf and hard of hearing students

A major standardized test maker is taking steps to make it easier for students with disabilities to access accommodations.

The nonprofit ACT, which makes the test of the same name, said it will automatically grant allowable accommodations that are included in students' existing individualized education programs or 504 plans.

The change will take effect starting with the 2021-2022 school year when students register for the ACT with accommodations, the nonprofit said. That will mean that students who already qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act won't have to go through a separate process to prove their eligibility for accommodations when taking the ACT.  Click here to read more.

A major department store is rolling out a new line of children's clothes with adaptive features and will also be selling a host of accessories for adults and kids with disabilities.

JCPenney said its new private brand Thereabouts, which is being released this week, is designed to be an "inclusive line of kids apparel that celebrates diversity of shapes, sizes, styles and abilities." 

The collection includes a line of adaptive clothing that's aimed at kids with sensory, dexterity or mobility needs. The apparel has features like easy-access openings, sensory-friendly seaming, hidden abdominal access and no tags, the retailer said.

"We believe all kids should feel confident and capable in the clothes they wear, and parents should feel good about the clothes they buy," said Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. "We are proud to say that the Thereabouts collection is our most inclusive kids brand ever."

The Thereabouts line has everything from jeans and t-shirts to school uniforms and shoes. Options are available for toddlers and kids in sizes 2T to 22 at JCPenney stores and on the retailer's website, though the adaptive products are online only.

In addition to clothing, JCPenney said it is also adding adaptive accessories on its website from brands like PunkinFutz, BeedleBug, Max & Me and Myself Belts through a partnership with Patti + Ricky, an adaptive fashion marketplace.

Upcoming Speeches/Conferences/Events for 2021: