ASL Storytime with KDL
2023-03-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-31 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-28 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Cascade Kent District Library, 2870 Jacksmith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
We are partnering with Kent District Library to provide an ASL Storytime at the Cascade KDL each Friday at 10 am.

Storytimes are led together by D&HHS and KDL Staff, with stories told in ASL by a Deaf leader. Interpreters are provided.

You can find information on the KDL website here – https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/events/639b83980470e64100b3ced9

Teen Night
2023-03-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Special Olympics of Michigan Building (new office of D&HHS), 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Fun games and activities

Join us for a night of fun games and activities! This event is for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing teens ages 13-18.

Wednesday, March 22, 5:30pm-7pm
Special Olympics of Michigan Building – Auxiliary Gym
160 68th St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
This event is an indoor event at the Special Olympics of Michigan Building. Interpreters will be available. Please register all who plan to attend.
Questions about the event? Please email Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at community@deafhhs.org

Senior Workshops
2023-04-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-05-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-06-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-07-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-08-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-09-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | 160 68th St SW, 160 68th Street SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
These workshops are focused on topics for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Senior Citizens, but all ages are welcome! Workshops are on the first Thursday of the month from 10am-12pm at our new home, the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, on 68th Street in Grand Rapids!
Please park on the West side of the building near the gyms.
Topics change each month. Follow our Facebook page to see more about this month’s topic!

DeafBlind 101 and Haptics with Jill Gaus
2023-04-15 09:00 - 18:00 | Online with Zoom, 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Interpreting for DeafBlind individuals.

Description:
J﻿oin us to learn the essentials of interpreting for DeafBlind individuals. Through hands-on activities, role playing, and lecture, participants will practice the skills needed to work with DeafBlind consumers and gain knowledge about the various communication modes used.
T﻿icket price is $125. Register by March 18 to receive a $10 early bird discount!
*L﻿unch will be provided as part of the workshop. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR FULL CREDIT*

**Michigan LARA-BCHS “Ethics” CEUs are PENDING**

C﻿ancellation policy – A 50% refund will be issued if cancelled before March 18. No refunds will be given after this date. Eventbrite fees will not be refunded.

CODA Movie - Deaf History Month Event
2023-04-20 17:30 - 21:30 | Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, US
Movie at the Wealthy Theatre

Join us to celebrate Deaf History Month with a viewing of the award-winning film CODA!

Thursday, April 20,2023.
Doors open at 5:30PM. Film starts at 6:30PM. P﻿anel discussion directly after the film ends.
W﻿ealthy Theatre
1﻿130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
T﻿ickets are free but you must reserve your seat by registering online today! Limited parking is available in a lot behind the theatre. Street parking is also available in the surrounding area. A map will be shared with attendees closer to the event.
*CODA is rated PG-13*
ASL interpreters will be provided for the panel discussion and public announcements at this event. If you need additional accommodations, such as DeafBlind interpreters, specific seating arrangements, or other accessibility needs, please contact Erica Chapin by emailing community@deafhhs.org
Questions about the event? Please email Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at community@deafhhs.org

Teen Night
2023-04-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Special Olympics of Michigan Building (new office of D&HHS), 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Fun games and activities

Join us for a night of fun games and activities outside, weather permitting! This event is for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing teens ages 13-18.

Wednesday, April 26, 6pm-7:30pm
Special Olympics of Michigan Building – Community Collaboration Center
160 68th St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
This event is an outdoor event, weather permitting at the Special Olympics of Michigan Building. Interpreters will be available. Please register all who plan to attend.
Questions about the event? Please email Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at community@deafhhs.org

Kids Kamp 2023
2023-06-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Special Olympics of Michigan Building (new office of D&HHS), 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Kids Kamp June 19-23rd 2023

Join Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services for a week of fun, Monday, June 19 – Friday, June 23, 2023, from 9 am -12 pm each day! A full week focused on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing kids.
Kids Kamp will be held at our new home at the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, at 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548.
Kamp is open to children ages 3-12 . (All participants must be potty trained and out of diapers/pull-ups)
Fun activities all week with different themes every day! Snacks are included each day.
Early Bird ticket until June 12th is $85 for the first child and $70 for each additional child. After June 12th the cost is $95 for the first child and $80 for each additional child.
Scholarships are available! Contact datwood@deafhhs.org for more information. Scholarship registration requires a code before you can sign up!
Registration closes June 16th at 5pm. Refunds available until registration closes. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER JUNE 16TH AT 5 PM. The Eventbrite fees are non-refundable.
If you need additional accommodations, please contact Erica Chapin at 616-732-7358 or community@deafhhs.org. ASL Interpreters will be provided.

Deaf Awareness Celebration
2023-09-28 17:00 - 20:00 | Special Olympics of Michigan building, 160 68th St SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Join us to celebrate and recognize Deaf community, culture, and the importance of accessibility!

Join us to celebrate Deaf Awareness.
Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM
160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Join us for an evening to celebrate and recognize Deaf community, culture, and the importance of accessibility.
There will be resource tables, games, and food. Socialize and celebrate with our community.
$5 recommended donation per attendee. Add this ticket when registering or donate at the door.
ASL interpreters will be provided for announcements. If you need additional accommodations, such as DeafBlind interpreters, specific seating arrangements, or other accessibility needs, please contact Erica Chapin by emailing echapin@deafhhs.org

Ableism & Microaggression with Christopher Samp (Online)
2023-09-30 10:00 - 12:00
Online workshop using Zoom

J﻿oin us as Christopher shares important insights into the impacts of ableism, microagressions, and much more! Christopher’s life-long commitment to advocacy stems from his personal experiences as a Deaf person. He earned BS and MS degrees in Public Policy from RIT. Today, he works for the City of Detroit as director of the Office of Disability Affairs.
Tickets $25 – For Early Registration Discount. After September 8, price increases to $35
Cancellation policy – A 50% refund will be issued if cancelled before September 8. No refunds will be given after this date. Eventbrite fees will not be refunded.
This workshop will be delivered in ASL with no ASL to English (voiced) interpretation.
C﻿EUs Pending from RID and Michigan BCHS-LARA (seeking ethics and PPO ceu credits)

Know Your Rights Workshop - Safety During Traffic Stops
2023-10-19 17:30 - 19:00 | Special Olympics of Michigan building, 160 68th St SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Know Your Rights Workshop by the City of Grand Rapids

K﻿NOW YOUR RIGHTS WORKSHOP
D﻿uring this workshop, the City of Grand Rapids will teach you what your rights are during a traffic stop.
I﻿mportant information includes:
﻿ -Practical tips on how to react to traffic stops
﻿ -What you can and cannot do when pulled over
﻿ -How to ensure your safety and rights are protected at
T﻿his workshop is being hosted by D&HHS and City of Grand Rapids OPA to educate Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities. T﻿he workshop will begin at 5:30 and will last for about an hour with time for questions at the end.
*﻿AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER PROVIDED* If additional accommodations are needed, such as DeafBlind interpreters, specific seating arrangements, or other accessibility needs, please contact Erica Chapin by emailing community@deafhhs.org
Questions about the event? Please email Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at community@deafhhs.org

Tricks and Treats
2023-10-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Special Olympics of Michigan Building (new office of D&HHS), 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Halloween Tricks and Treats

Join us for a fall night of Tricks and Treats! This event is for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing kids and families.
Wednesday, October 25th 5pm-7pm
Special Olympics of Michigan Building – Community Collaboration Center
160 68th St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
This event is an indoor event at the Special Olympics of Michigan Building. There will be different games and activities, as well as fun fall treats and a chance for the kids to get candy! Costumes are welcome!
Interpreters will be available. Please register all who plan to attend, including adults.
Questions about the event? Please email Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at community@deafhhs.org

Signing Santa 2023
2023-12-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Special Olympics of Michigan Building, 160 68th St SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Holiday event with Signing Santa

JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY WITH SANTA!
A﻿ fun holiday event for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children! There will be crafts, games, and take-aways for everyone. Every child will have a chance to Sign with Santa and receive a gift!
This event is FREE to attend. We ask that you please pre-register the children attending so that our elves know how many gifts to have ready!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Time & Date:
Saturday, December 16th, 2023 from 10am-1pm

Location:
1﻿60 68th St SW
G﻿rand Rapids, MI 49548

Questions about the event? Please email Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at echapin@deafhhs.org
Gift donations are being collected for the children at this event. Please contact Erica Chapin at echapin@deafhhs.org for more details on how to make a gift donation. Or, make a direct donation to support the event online at www.deafhhs.org/donate

Silent Weekend 2024 - "Building Bridges" - ASL full-immersion experience
2024-02-16 16:30 - 2024-02-18 12:30 | YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, 1095 North Briggs Road, Middleville, MI 49333, Middleville, MI, 49333, US
Voices off, CEU’s, Networking, Workshops, Mentoring, Mingling, Entertainment, etc. You do NOT want to miss out on a fantastic opportunity!

Voices off, CEU’s, Networking, Workshops, Mentoring, Mingling, Entertainment, etc. You do NOT want to miss out on a fantastic opportunity! Come with us to help bridge the gaps during this weekend-long event designed to help improve your skills!
Prices are : Early bird
Full weekend Interpreter includes overnight stay, workshops, meals, entertainment – $230
Full weekend Student/Deaf includes overnight stay, workshops, meals, entertainment – $160
Interpreter or Deaf Saturday – includes workshops, lunch, dinner, entertainment – $115
Saturday dinner and entertainment includes dinner and entertainment only – $30
Saturday entertainment (does NOT include dinner) with “SomeDeafGuy” – $15
Hoodie sweatshirt – $35
Early Bird – until January 19, 2024. After this the price increases by $20 plus fees per ticket.
Students must stay the full weekend.
VTRID is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. These workshops are offered for up to 1.0 CEUs in the Professional Studies area at the “little/none” and “some” content knowledge level.
Cancellation Policy – 50% refund if cancelled by January 19, 2024. After January 19 no refund will be given. D&HHS reserves the right to cancel at any time with a full refund.
Meals are included with several (but not all) ticket options. Please be sure to select the correct ticket. If you have any questions or need special meals please email jkolhoff@deafhhs.org.

Interpreters and all audiences:
“Sign Olympics” with Brianna Beck
Back by popular demand! All participants will “compete” with other teams to be the first or the best team to complete all of the 10 stations. Each station will allow opportunity for improving skills in an individual and a team setting. Each team will be able to demonstrate appropriate classifier usage, facial expressions, body language, story-telling skills, signing skills, and teamwork. Judges will compare the skills of individuals and teams to help them improve their abilities and go for the GOLD! This is a combined activity for all levels and all attendees.
VTRID is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for 0.2 Professional Studies CEUs at the “Some” Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance as proof of attendance. This workshop is appropriate for all signing skills Novice – Expert.
Interpreters:
“Medical Interpreting in the Deaf Space” with Teri Hedding
Teri Hedding is employed as an Assistant Professor teaching ASL at Moraine Valley Community College since 2017. Prior to her current job, she worked as a manager of Sinai Deaf Health at Sinai Health Systems for 17 years where she was responsible for the day-to-day management of interpreters and healthcare access serving the deaf and hard of hearing patients. She also worked in Department of Human Services/Office of Mental Health as a Statewide Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services where she ensured that the delivery of mental health services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing met the high standards of quality and accessibility. Her work experience includes counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy. She received her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC in 1993 and another master’s degree in sign language education, also from Gallaudet University in Summer 2022. She became a certified deaf interpreter (CDI) in December 2009 and has interpreted in various situations including medical, mental health, government, business, and legal settings. A fun fact about Ms. Hedding is that she loves to visit different forest preserves to hike.
In this workshop, Teri will guide you through bridging the gaps in medical interpreting. With a strong emphasis on classifiers and specialized terminology in the application of anatomy and physiology, she will help build a communication bridge and define Deaf space, the pain scale, and body systems such as the digestive system, cardiovascular system, and urinary system.
VTRID is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for 0.6 Professional Studies CEUs at the “some” Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance as proof of attendance. This workshop is appropriate for signing skills Intermediate – Expert.
Students:
“ Staying Healthy on the Go.” with Sandria Graham. 1.5 hours
As you bridge the way from your personal life to your professional one, Community Nutrition Instructor, Sandria Graham from MI Health Matters – MSU Extension will discuss strategies you can use to stay on track! During this discussion, Sandy will demonstrate her knowledge and experience in her native language, American Sign Language! MSU Extension helps people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and opportunities. MI Health Matters is funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP. **This workshop is being provided to those choosing the Student/Deaf” option and will not be offering CEUs. It is appropriate for those with Novice – Expert signing skills. **
“Where to Start?” with Jessica Vickers. 1.5 hours
Recent graduates may find themselves in the unique position of having the information to perform the work of interpreting but lacking the skills and opportunities to start. Jessica will go over some exciting opportunities and great tips on how to stay sharp while you pursue the certifications you need and stay a motivated participant in your mentee/mentor relationship. **This workshop is being provided to those choosing the “Student/Deaf” option and will not be offering CEUs. It is appropriate for those with Novice – Expert signing skills. **
“ TBD” 1.5 hours
**This workshop is being provided to those choosing the “Student/Deaf” option and will not be offering CEUs. It is appropriate for those with Novice – Expert signing skills. **
“ TBD” 1.5 hours
**This workshop is being provided to those choosing the “Student/Deaf” option and will not be offering CEUs. It is appropriate for those with Novice – Expert signing skills. **
Interpreters and all audiences:
“Deaf Community Panel” with various Deaf Professionals.
In this workshop we will have discussions led by a team of Deaf and hearing moderators. We will discuss, from the panelist’s perspective, what is expected from both the hearing interpreters and Deaf consumers during a job. The moderators will present various scenarios to the panel, and they will discuss how to handle the situation appropriately from their perspective. Also, what should or could be done differently and if any corrective action should be taken.
VTRID is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for 0.2 Professional Studies CEUs at the “some” Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance as proof of attendance. This workshop is appropriate for signing skills Intermediate – Expert.
MI LARA-BCHS – CEUs Pending for “Ethics”

FODHHS Workshop
2024-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 | 160 68th St SW, 160 68th Street SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
These workshops are available for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing to learn about different topics! Workshops are on the first Thursday of the month from 10am-12pm at our building, the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, on 68th Street in Grand Rapids!
Please park on the East side of the building and follow signs to the Community Collaboration Center.
Topics change each month. Follow our Facebook page to see more about this month’s topic!

FODHHS Workshop
2024-05-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-06 10:00 - 12:00 | 160 68th St SW, 160 68th Street SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
These workshops are available for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing to learn about different topics! Workshops are on the first Thursday of the month from 10am-12pm at our building, the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, on 68th Street in Grand Rapids!
Please park on the West side of the building and follow signs to our office.
Topics change each month. Follow our Facebook page to see more about this month’s topic!

Advancing Access & Equity: Serving DeafBlind Patients in Medical Settings
2024-06-21 08:00 - 13:00 | Mary Free Bed Professional Building, 350 Lafayette Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
This event is from 2024 – To see information on our 2025 event, please go to https://deafhhs.org/event/what-to-do-when-your-patient-is-deafblind/

Advancing Access & Equity: Serving DeafBlind Patients in Medical Settings
Friday, June 21, 2024
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mary Free Bed Professional Building, 350 Lafayette Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Registration Fee: $90/ticket (includes a boxed lunch) – $90 is earlybird registration pricing. The ticket price will increase to $110 after 5/30/24. Registration closes 6/11/24.
*Registration is now closed*
(If you are registering for a ticket from an event sponsor, please contact Erica Chapin – echapin@deafhhs.org)
Presenter: Jill Gaus, ADN, DeafBlind Professional
The workshop will educate medical providers on DeafBlindness and how to effectively and respectfully serve patients so that they have equitable access to health. DeafBlind individuals face many barriers while receiving medical services. By educating medical professionals on how to best serve the community, we hope to minimize these barriers.
Learning Objectives
• Define DeafBlind and recognize the vast range of vision and hearing loss and how that impacts communication needs.
• Identify accommodation methods for DeafBlind and how to ensure effective communication using these methods.
• Recognize the legal and ethical obligations to provide effective communication to DeafBlind patients.
• Observe and practice appropriate ways to approach, communicate with, and provide sighted guide to DeafBlind patients.
• Address the roles and responsibilities of the different members of the care team.
Target Audience
Physicians, Residents/Fellows, Physician Assistants, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Nurses/APRNs, Psychologists, Social Workers, Dietitians (RD/DTR), Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists
CE Credit Information (Provided by Corewell Health East [Beaumont])
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Beaumont Health, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, and Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired. Beaumont Health is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Medicine CME: Beaumont Health designates this live activity or enduring material for a maximum of 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing CE: Beaumont Health designates this activity for a maximum of 4.5 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacy CE: Beaumont Health designates this activity for 4.5 ACPE contact hours for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Social Work CE: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, Beaumont Health is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 4.5 continuing education credits.
Dietetic CPEU:

Cancellation Policy – 50% refund if cancelled by May 24, 2024. After May 24 no refund will be given. D&HHS reserves the right to cancel at any time with a full refund.
Questions?
Event Questions: Erica Chapin, echapin@deafhhs.org
CME Questions: Jessica Rice, Jessica.Rice@corewellhealth.org or CHEcme@corewellhealth.org
