Photo of children play with parachute outdoors

YOUTH PROGRAM

Our Youth Programs are funded through private grants and donations. The goal for our Youth Programs is to provide inclusive and accessible events and activities for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children and their families and friends. Inclusivity is a big deal for us in all that we do, and our Youth Programs are part of that inclusivity.

What does this mean for you or for your child?

• Increasing access to language and communication in a safe and supportive space

• Strengthening and promoting socialization and self-esteem

• Offering positive Deaf role models and a sense of Deaf Pride

• Introducing young people to new skills and to educational and career opportunities

A young boy and girl standing next to each other smiling. They are wearing matching orange Kids Kamp shirts
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We have programs for younger children — KidSigns for ages 3-12 — and for teens — Teen Club for ages 13-19

KidSigns (ages 3-12)

We aim to offer year-round activities, and many of these activities include the whole family! Events are published on our event calendar.

Examples of some recent events are:

• Kids Kamp

• Signing Santa

• Fall Fest

• Deaf Ninja Event

• Visits to Blandford Nature Center

• Outings at local sporting events

• And Much More!

Teen Club (ages 13-19)

We aim to offer year-round activities, with the goal of exploring life skills, career opportunities, and having fun with friends of course! Events are published on our event calendar.

Examples of some recent events are:

• Touring the Wood TV 8  studio

• Cooking Classes with YMCA

• Pottery Making at WMCAT

• Fun at Craigs Cruisers

Image: Young boy cooking with ingredients in the foreground. Two women are in the background

Note that while many of our Youth Program activities are held offsite, D&HHS works with each venue on inclusivity and helps educate them on how to interact appropriately with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities, especially young people. This creates a win-win situation for all communities involved.

If you have questions, please contact our Youth Program coordinator at echapin@deafhhs.org

Want to stay informed about our future Youth Program events? Subscribe to our email list to find out about upcoming events and opportunities: