Grand Rapids Ballet at Meijer Gardens - ASL Interpreted Show
2025-08-26 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Avenue Northeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, US
Join us at Meijer Gardens for the interpreted GR Ballet. Tickets available for Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing and their families.

Join us for the Grand Rapids Ballet Performance at Meijer Gardens – ASL Interpreted Performance. This performance is part of the Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club.
August 26, 2025
Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater – 1000 East Beltline Ave NEGrand Rapids, MI 49525 – Parking Lot B
Showtime: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Gates open at 5:00pm – seats will be reserved on the lawn for D&HHS group. You may bring your lawn chair or blanket. Some chairs will be available for those who cannot bring their own.
Meijer Gardens will be providing an interpreter. Tickets reserved through D&HHS are free – These are meant for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals and their families. Tickets must be reserved in advance and will be available for pick up the day of the event outside of the Amphitheater. If you register and are no longer able to attend, please let us know so that we can make the tickets available to others.
ASL Stage interpreters will be provided. If additional accommodations are needed, including DeafBlind interpreting, requests must be sent directly to Meijer Gardens Guest Relations Department by emailing hello@meijergardens.org for arrangements.
The Grand Rapids Ballet: Michigan’s only professional classical ballet company, Grand Rapids Ballet, returns to Meijer Gardens for an evening of world-class dance featuring a mixed-repertoire performance of classical and contemporary choreography. Among other works, the evening features Trey McIntyre’s Be Here Now, a celebration of San Francisco’s “Summer of Love,” featuring well-known songs from artists such as Janis Joplin, Steve Miller Band, Jefferson Airplane, and The Youngbloods.
You may bring your own food and drink into the venue, but all drinks must be sealed upon entry. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS PREMITTED. Food and drink is also available for purchase at onsite concessions. Additional Meijer Gardens Amphitheater policies and FAQs can be found here – https://www.meijergardens.org/calendar/tuesday-evening-music-club/
Questions about the event? Please email Erica Chapin, Community & Partnerships Manager, at echapin@deafhhs.org

FODHHS Workshop/Social
2025-09-09 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-14 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-09 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-10 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-14 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | 160 68th St SW, 160 68th Street SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
These workshops/socials are available for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing to learn about different topics! Workshops/Socials are on the second Tuesday of the month from 10am-2pm 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!
https://www.facebook.com/deafhhs

Deaf Awareness Celebration 2025
2025-09-18 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | 160 68th St SW, 160 68th Street SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
REGISTER FOR DEAF AWARENESS CELEBRATION HERE
Join us to celebrate Deaf Awareness!
Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 4 to 7 PM at 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. REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
$5 recommended donation per attendee. Enter the amount to donate at registration or donate at the door.
ASL interpreters will be provided at resource tables. 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

Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey Fundraiser
2025-10-17 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Van Andle Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
This Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services’ Fundraiser is made possible by Griffins Hockey.
A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through D&HHS for the games below will directly support our programs and services.
The details for the games are available below. You can purchase tickets for the game you would like to attend by using the form here – https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/G2BteK0Zm7-QMMocuizZHw
All sales are final. Questions can be sent to Erica Chapin by emailing echapin@deafhhs.org or calling 616-732-7358

Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 7PM

Grand Rapids Griffins vs Manitoba Moose
Opening Night – $2 Beer & $2 Hot Dogs
Tickets are for Section 203 – $24/seat
*This is a general season game. All accommodation requests should be sent directly to the Grand Rapids Griffins*

Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey Fundraiser - Interpreted game
2025-10-17 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Van Andle Arena, 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
This Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services’ Fundraiser is made possible by Griffins Hockey.
A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through D&HHS for the games below will directly support our programs and services.
The details for the games are available below. You can purchase tickets for the game you would like to attend by using the form here – https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/5V2c1haCOakKqjh6RvimGw
All sales are final. Questions can be sent to Erica Chapin by emailing echapin@deafhhs.org or calling 616-732-7358
Sunday, February 15, 2026 @ 4PM

Grand Rapids Griffins vs Texas Star
Sensory and Support Night – ASL Interpreted & Sensory Friendly Night
Tickets are for Section 203 – $24/seat

Tricks and Treats 2025
2025-10-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | 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.
Thursday, October 30th 6-8pm
Special Olympics of Michigan Building
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, so we can plan treats accordingly.
Questions about the event? Please email Alex Bono at abono@deafhhs.org

Executive Director Finalists - Community Event
2025-11-19 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | 160 68th St SW, 160 68th Street SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Register for the Community Finalist Event – https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/38LKSZlC6Js9j-_56ImNwQ

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in Michigan is thrilled to announce two finalists for its Executive Director role. The finalists were selected from a competitive pool of candidates and recommended by the D&HHS Executive Director Search Committee.
The D&HHS Board extends its gratitude to the search committee and to the staff and community members who contributed to this process for their dedication and support.
Community Finalist Event
The D&HHS community is invited to attend finalist presentations and a question-and-answer session on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Community Collaboration Center within the Special Olympics Building, located at 160 68th St SW, Suite 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548.
Please register to help us prepare for the event – https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/38LKSZlC6Js9j-_56ImNwQ
ASL interpreters and CART captioning will be provided. Attendees will be invited to complete a survey to share feedback on each finalist’s presentation and responses.
Find more information about the finalist and the event on our website – https://deafhhs.org/executive-director-search/

Signing Santa 2025
2025-12-13 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Northview High School, 4451 Hunsberger Avenue Northeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, 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 13th, 2025 from 10am-1pm

Location:
Northview High School Cafeteria
4451 Hunsberger Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

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

FODHHS Workshop/Social - Copy
2026-01-13 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | 160 68th St SW, 160 68th Street SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US

Community Welcome
2026-02-07 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | 160 68th St SW, 160 68th Street SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US
Join Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services’ Board of Directors for a Community Welcome as we introduce Erica Chapin in her new role as Interim Executive Director.
Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1 PM to 2:30 PM at the Community Collaboration Center within the Special Olympics Building, located at 160 68th St SW, Suite 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548.
The afternoon will include brief remarks from the Board, a short presentation from Erica and time for informal connection and conversation. This gathering is designed to foster relationship-building and community connection in a welcoming, accessible environment.
ASL interpreters will be provided. Additional accommodation needs, including DeafBllind interpreters, must be requested ahead of time. If you need accommodations, please contact Erica Chapin at echapin@deafhhs.org.
Please register to attend the event – https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/b-PWovaRb-72odukxOjicQ

FODHHS Workshop/Social - Copy - Copy
2026-02-10 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | 160 68th St SW, 160 68th Street SW Ste 140, Grand Rapids, MI 49548, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, US

Blandford Sugarbush ASL Interpreted Tours
2026-03-14 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, US
Join us for a day of fun and community at the Blandford Nature Center Sugarbush Festival! On Saturday, March 14th Blandford Nature Center will be celebrating the 56th year of Sugarbush located at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504!

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is partnering with Blandford Nature Center to offer scheduled ASL interpreted tours, which include trail walks, wildlife presentations, sugaring demonstrations, interactive stations, and historical building tours.

ASL Interpreted Schedule:
First tour at 11AM – 12 PM; ADA Accessible, on paved trails
Wildlife Presentation at 1PM
Second tour at 2PM – 3PM, on nature trails

Register with promo code DHHS2026SB using the following link to visit the

Blandford Nature Center’s registration page: https://blandfordnaturecenter.doubleknot.com/…/3137558

*Please note that limited tickets are available with the promo code*

For any questions, please contact Blandford Nature Center by email at info@blandfordnaturecenter.org or by calling 616-735-6240.

Silent Weekend 2026 - An ASL immersion experience
2026-04-17 16:30 - 2026-04-19 13:00 (America/Detroit) | 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 “Connect our Minds” during this weekend-long event designed to help improve your skills!Prices are :
“Full weekend Student/Deaf” ticket includes overnight stay, workshops, meals, activities, performance. – $190 ($180 until March 20)
“Full weekend Interpreter” ticket includes overnight stay, workshops, meals, CEUs, activities, and performance. – $210 ($200 until March 20)
“Interpreter Saturday Only” no overnight stay. Ticket includes CEUs, lunch, dinner, activities and evening entertainment. – $100
“Interpreter Saturday Workshop Only” no overnight stay, no meals, no afternoon activities, no evening entertainment. Ticket includes CEUs (pending). – $60
“Saturday Dinner and Entertainment” ticket includes Saturday only dinner and activities, including performance by in-person Deaf performer, Sebi’Art – $30
Longsleeve, charcoal t-shirt, yellow lettering – “Hands on Fire” – $20 (must purchase before March 20, 2026!)
Cancellation Policy – 50% refund if cancelled by March 20, 2026. After March 20 no refund will be given. Eventbrite fees are non-refundable at any time. D&HHS reserves the right to cancel at any time with a full refund. Mode of communication will be in American Sign Language, for DeafBlind, mobility, and other accommodations, please email JKolhoff@deafhhs.org.
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 Alex Bono/D&HHS Team
Back by popular demand! All participants will “compete” with other teams to be the first or the best team to complete all of the 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. (CEUs Pending )
Interpreters:
3 days of workshops for up to 1.2 CEUs – TBD
“Interpreting for Language Deprived Students in Educational Settings” – Anna Trupiano
This workshop critically examines why traditional educational interpreting models fall short in addressing the needs of language-deprived students in mainstream classrooms and presents an innovative, learner-centered alternative. Participants will learn to identify students experiencing language deprivation, become familiar with essential terminology related to interventions and linguistic development, explore foundational concepts of language acquisition, and engage with real-world examples that illustrate interpreting techniques designed to promote language growth within educational settings for students struggling with language deprivation. You may also learn to recognize language deprivation and when to request a team.(CEUs Pending)
“TBD” – Stevie Naeyaert – Interpreting with a team, Certified Deaf Interpreter / Hearing Interpreters working together. (CEUs Pending)
Students: (Workshops without CEUs)
“Visual Vernacular in Your Work” – Sebastien Ianno
This workshop introduces participants to V V through movement, space, facial expression, and visual storytelling. Participants will explore key VV parameters, including body classifiers, placement, transitions, emotions, and visual rhythm. The workshop also includes a brief introduction to the history of Visual Vernacular, followed by interactive exercises focused on visual expression, mime, and storytelling through the body and face.
“What’s the Sign for That? Decoding Deaf Culture, Slang, and Creating Inclusive Conversations.” – Tanya Timmerman
Take a closer look at the fascinating interplay between Deaf culture and language in this engaging presentation. This session delves into Deaf slang, mouth morphemes, and their role in fostering language and cultural competence. Explore ‘Deaf Bing’ in depth and gain a deeper understanding of other cultural nuances, while gaining tools to create more inclusive conversations. The presentation will conclude with an anonymous Q&A, providing a safe space to ask the burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask a Deaf person! (No CEUs Offered)
“TBD” – Cindy Wood
“TBD” – Jamie Hunerjager
Interpreters and all audiences:
Saturday evening Entertainment with Deaf performer, Sebastien Ianno of Sebi’Art. (No CEUs Offered)
“Sunday Morning Worship” (optional)
Join this optional Christian message with Deaf leader, Gilbert Branagan, as he leads in reflection, gratitude, and prayer. (No CEUs Offered)
“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. (CEUs Pending)
