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THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR DEAF CHILDREN
ASDC was founded in 1967 as a parent-helping-parent organization, originally called The International Association of Parents of Deaf Children. The organization changed its name to the American Society for Deaf Children in 1985. ASDC is the oldest national organization founded by and governed by parents of deaf children.
Today, ASDC is a national, independent non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide support, encouragement, and information to families raising children who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. ASDC depends solely on donations, memberships, and proceeds from conferences for operations and is governed by a volunteer board.
ASDC recognizes the crucial role families play in the success of children who are Deaf or Hard-ofHearing We affirm that families are capable and willing to guide their children’s lives Parents have the right and responsibility to participate in decisions regarding their children’s educational and social development.
ASDC supplies the information and supports families' requests to ensure that their decisions and actions are based on up-to-date and accurate knowledge.
Mission
The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) is committed to empowering all families with deaf* and hard of hearing children and youth by embracing full language and communication access in inclusive environments through mentoring, advocacy, resources, and collaborative networks.
Vision
All deaf* and hard of hearing children and youth deserve the opportunity to thrive in every aspect of their lives through the empowerment of children, their families, and the professionals that serve them.
Core Beliefs/Values
We believe that families need information and resources from multiple sources in order to make informed decisions regarding education and communication.
We believe in the celebration of a positive identity and empowerment of all deaf* and hard-of-hearing children through healthy family support, linguistic competence, and high-quality education in the home, school, and community. We believe deaf* and hard-of-hearing children are entitled to full language and communication access from birth
We believe that language development and exposure to deaf mentors and peers are vital to ensure optimal intellectual, social, and emotional growth in deaf* and hard-ofhearing children.
We believe that the early inclusion of deaf* and hard of hearing perspectives is essential to defining language, culture, and identity.
*ASDC uses the term deaf to be inclusive of various hearing levels and identities within the deaf community.
Learn more about ASDC and our Core Commitments
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April 17, 2024
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
Welcome to the 32nd Annual Family Conference! As the Governor of Nebraska, I would like to commend the American Society for Deaf Children for creating opportunities for parents and professionals to gather and learn from each other. It is powerful when we have a safe space to share, learn, engage, empower, and encourage one another. Your collaborative support for each other will ensure that every child facing deafness will be able to learn sign language from an early age.
I hope this weekend will be refreshing for you. You will have the chance to participate in enjoyable family activities, discussions, and sessions. These tools have shown to be helpful for parents and professionals in the past who have cared for a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. I commend you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to engage in these activities. I hope you enjoy your time in Nebraska City!
Sincerely,
Jim Pillen Governor
January 30, 2024
Welcome to the Guests of the 32nd Annual American Society for Deaf Children Family Conference;
For over 55 years, ASDC has provided opportunities for parents and professionals to gather and learn from each other to create the best resources for children. ASDC annual family conferences provide a safe place for everyone to learn, share, engage, empower, and encourage each other as they work to ensure that every deaf child can learn sign language from the very start.
This weekend will consist of enjoyable family activities, discussions, and sessions tailored for parents and professionals with deaf or Hard of Hearing youth. This conference will focus on family growth and connections, digging into how families really matter for Nebraska’s deaf and hard of hearing kids’ learning and development.
As ASDC, their focus is always on creating growth, forging connections, and making a tangible impact. It’s not just about individual families – it’s a collaborative effort of likeminded individuals dedicated to seeing Nebraska’s deaf and hard of hearing youth thrive
Welcome to the Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. Hope you enjoy your stay and the beautiful state of Nebraska.
Sincerely,
Senator Julie Slama District 1
JUDIE LOMAX President, Board of Directors
Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jennifer Luce
Vice President
Lauri Rush Treasurer
Carlisa Thompson Secretary
Malibu Barron Past President MEMBERS
Angelica Lee Gagliardi
Joseph Hernan
Michelle Jablonka
Heather Winthrow
WELCOME MESSAGE
Dear Parents, Families, and Distinguished Guests,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 32nd Annual Family Conference presented by the American Society for Deaf Children. We are thrilled to host you at the picturesque Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska. This inspiring location, with its lush landscapes and rich heritage, perfectly embodies our conference theme: "Let's Grow Together: How Families Make a Difference in How Kids Feel and Learn."
As a mother of a deaf child, I deeply understand the unique challenges and extraordinary joys that come with raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Families play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s emotional wellbeing and educational success. This conference is a celebration of the incredible impact that families have on nurturing resilient, confident, and empowered children.
Our diverse program is designed to provide you with valuable insights and practical tools across three essential areas: Nurturing Social Emotional Skills, Empowering Self-Advocacy, and Education Empowerment. These focus areas are crucial for fostering environments where children can flourish both emotionally and academically.
We have assembled a group of distinguished speakers and experts who will share their knowledge and experiences with you. Additionally, the conference provides numerous opportunities for networking, collaboration, and sharing of best practices We encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities to connect with fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships.
Your participation in ASDC2024 is a testament to your dedication and commitment to the well-being and success of our children. Together, we can create a strong, supportive community that will continue to advocate for and empower our children long after this conference concludes.
Thank you for joining us in Nebraska. Welcome to the beautiful Arbor Day Farm, and let’s make this an unforgettable experience of growth and learning.
Warmest regards,
Judie Lomax, Psy.D. Board President American Society for Deaf Children
WELCOME MESSAGE
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Welcome to the 32nd Annual Family Conference presented by the American Society for Deaf Children! We are delighted to have you join us at the beautiful Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska, a setting that embodies growth, inclusion, diversity, and the nurturing of potential principles that are at the heart of our mission.
CHERI DOWLING Executive Director
Our theme this year, "Let's Grow Together: How Families Make a Difference in How Kids Feel and Learn," underscores the pivotal role families play in the developmental journey of children Families are the bedrock of support, shaping not only how children learn but also how they feel about themselves and the world around them. By fostering environments of love, encouragement, and understanding, families can significantly influence positive outcomes in children's emotional and educational development.
Throughout the conference, you will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field, network with other parents and family members, participate in thought-provoking sessions, and share insights and strategies that can help empower families to be effective advocates and partners in their children's growth. Our program focuses on three key areas: Nurturing Social Emotional Skills, Empowering Self-Advocacy, and Education Empowerment. These topics are essential for fostering holistic development in children, ensuring they feel confident, capable, and supported.
As we gather here in Nebraska, I encourage you to take full advantage of the unique learning and networking opportunities available Let us use this time to collaborate, share, and inspire one another Together, we can create a supportive network that extends beyond this conference, fostering environments where all children can thrive.
Thank you for being part of ASDC2024. Your dedication and passion for improving the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing children are what make our community so special. Welcome to Nebraska and the beautiful Arbor Day Farm let's grow together!
Warm regards,
Cheri Dowling
American Society for Deaf Children Executive Director
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Sheila Srivastava
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Wendy Kelly
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Ukawia Johnson
SPANISH FAMILY OUTREACH MANAGER
Yiesell Huerta
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Ashley Vickers
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
Jennifer Willis
ASL INSTRUCTORS
Edna Johnston
Ursa Rewolinski
Hilary Ainbender
Lori Earl
Suzanne Maddox
Stephan Rohatyn
WednedayJuly 10
Welcome!
1:00 - 5:00 PM Let’s Get Settled In!
Conference Registration
Children’s Program
Registration
Face Painting
Family Games and Activities
5:00 - 6:30 PM BBQ Dinner
�� Date: July 10th
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join Chuck E. Cheese at the Welcome Activities for ASDC2024! �� Meet & Greet + Photo Opp with Chuck E. Cheese �� Prize Wheel - Spin to win fun toys, prizes, and candy! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of fun!
Meet our Family Conference Sponsors and Vendors.
Be sure to stop by Conference Exhibitors throughout your stay. You will find informational booths from many of our amazing sponsors and friends of ASDC. Meet professionals who work with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing youth and their families, gather more information about how to best advocate for your kids, and gain resources to support you for years to come.
The American Society for Deaf Children's ASL Stories Directory makes it easy to find hundreds of free videos of ASL retellings of your child's or student's favorite books. Research shows that reading and signing stories together helps promote essential language development and literacy skills for ALL children: deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing.
Use our ASL Stories Directory to quickly find stories by age or by the book's title. Make the most of signing and reading with your child! Visit our directory today!
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR DEAF CHILDREN PROUDLY PRESENTS:
The Roy K. Holcomb Distinguished Lecture Series
The American Society for Deaf Children is honored to inaugurate each ASDC Family Conference with the esteemed Roy K. Holcomb Distinguished Lecture Series.
Mr. Holcomb, affectionately known as the “Father of Total Communication,” was a pioneering figure and one of the founders of the International Association of Parents of Deaf Children (IAPD), which has evolved into the American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC). The Holcomb family continues to support this legacy through the proceeds from the book Deaf Culture, Our Way: Anecdotes from the Deaf Community, alongside their generous personal donations. These contributions make it possible to bring distinguished lecturers to the ASDC Family Conference every year.
Since its inception in 2011, the Roy K. Holcomb Distinguished Lecture Series has been a cornerstone of our conference, celebrating Mr. Holcomb's enduring impact on the deaf community.
Our RKH Distinguished Lecturers:
2024 – Nebraska City, NE | Linsay Darnall, Jr.
2023 – Williamsburg, VA | Dr. Leala Holcomb & Damon Timm
2022 – Anaheim, CA | Dr. Jaime A.B. Wilson
2019 – Newark, DE | Dr. Michella Maiorana-Basas
2018 – Salt Lake City, UT | Ms. Roberta Cordano
2017 – Hartford, CT | Mr. Tim Albert
2016 – Columbia, MD | Dr. Eddy F. Laird
2015 – Indianapolis, IN | Ms. Betty Abrams
2014 – Framingham, MA | Ms. Rachel Kolb
2011 - Frederick, MD | Dr. Thomas K. Holcomb
ThursdayJuly 11
Day One
Nurturing Social-Emotional Skills
7:30 - 8:30 AM Good Morning!Breakfast
8:30 - 8:45 AM Drop off Children
8:45 - 10:30 AM Welcome to ASDC2024! Roy E. Holcomb Distinguished Lecturer Linsay Darnall, Jr.
Cultivating Curiosity in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Family Activity | Scavenger Hunt
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch & Networking
1:00 - 1:50 PM Naptime (for younger children) Round Table Discussions Birth - 4 | Potty Training Elementary Age | Making Friends Middle/High School Age | Preparing for Post Secondary Transition
1:50 - 2:00 PM Drop off Children
2:00 - 3:00 PM Parent Panel: Following Your Child’s Lead
3:00 - 8:00 PM Family Activity | Tree House Adventure!
5:00 - 6:00 PM Dinner
6:00 - 9:00 PM Outdoor Games
6:00 - 7:00 PM ASL Class
7:00 - 8:00 PM S'mores/Campfire
Friday July 12 Day Two
Empowering Self-Advocacy
7:30 - 8:30 AM Good Morning! Breakfast
8:30 - 8:45 AM Drop off Children
9:00 - 10:00 AM Dr. Mike Hoffman | Your Child and Their Deaf Identity
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Family Activity | Creating a Vision With Your Child
12:00 - 1:30 PM Lunch | Networking | Naps
1:30 - 2:15 PM Family Breakout Activities:
Breakout #1 - Birth - 5
Dr. Mike Hoffman | Setting Up A Positive Deaf Identity for Your Young Child Breakout #2 - Ages 6-17 Playing with Language
2:15 - 3:00 PM Family Breakout Activity Breakout #1 - Birth - 5 Playing with Language Breakout #2 - Ages 6-17
Dr. Mike Hoffman | Integrating Your D/HH Child's Identity With Other Cultural Identities
3:00 - 3:15 PM Drop off Children
3:15 - 5:00 PM Networking Event - Adults Only Mansion Tour and Wine & Cheese Reception
5:15 - 5:30 PM Pick Up Children
5:30 - 6:30 PM Dinner
6:30 - 9:00 PM Pool, Board Games, Holiday Card Art Contest
7:00 - 8:00 PM ASL Class
Saturday July 13 Day Three
Education Empowerment
7:30 - 8:30 AM Good Morning! Breakfast
8:30 - 8:45 AM Drop off Children
9:00 - 12:45 AM Navigating IEPs, IFSPs, and 504 Plans: Essential Insights and Q&A Session
12:45 - 1:00 PM Closing and Evaluation
1:00 PM Pick Up Children
1:15 PM Box Lunches To Go
Thank You for Joining Us!
Safe Travels Home! See You SOON!
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