Iowa Hands & Voices

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

We had a great time greeting hungry Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf campers this morning! We hope everyone has a fun and safe week! We can’t wait to see you at the game Thursday! ♥️⚾️🧢

Special thanks to Johnston Hy-Vee for the breakfast donation!

06/14/2026

We can’t wait to join in the fun and serve breakfast tomorrow morning! Campers and families are welcome to grab a bite and some coffee to start the day!

See you bright and early tomorrow morning!

🤟💙⚾️❤️🐻

06/13/2026

Vacation season is here, and traveling with a deaf or hard-of-hearing child can be a wonderful adventure with just a little extra planning. Whether you’re heading to the beach, mountains or visiting family, here are some tips to help make your trip smooth, safe and fun:

• Let your child know what is happening and where you are going
• Pack extra batteries, chargers, waterproof cases or backups for hearing devices
• Use visual cues, signs, pictures or notes during busy travel moments
• Teach simple signs and words for things like help, wait and stop
• Let airport staff, hotel teams or tour guides know your child’s communication needs
• Keep favorite comfort items hand for long travel days
• Build in breaks – travel days can be tiring for everyone
• Try to maintain routines as much as possible
• Celebrate the small moments – talk and/or sign about what you are seeing, snacks you share and take photos together

Travel opens new experiences, language opportunities and building memories together. Enjoy your getaway!

06/12/2026

Today has been ☀️gorgeous☀️ after a week of rain, but it looks like we have more in the forecast next week! ☔️

If you’re running out of indoor ideas, we’ve got you covered! Save this activity for the next rainy day and keep the creativity flowing.🎨

Help us design our next T-shirt!

_______________________________

Design Prompt:

“Show us what it means to be proudly Deaf and Hard of Hearing!”

How to participate:

Draw your design using a black marker on white paper. Keep it bold and expressive.

Take a clear photo of your black-marker artwork.

Optional: Add color

After photographing your black-marker design, add color using markers, crayons, or digital tools.
Take a second photo of the color version.

Submit your design by emailing your photo(s) to [email protected].

What happens next?

We’ll select one design to become the official Iowa Hands & Voices T‑shirt, available for purchase through our Causeteam storefront. Every shirt sold helps support our mission. As a thank‑you, the winning artist will receive a free shirt featuring their design.

Deadline: 8/1/2026

06/09/2026

06/03/2026

🚲☀️

Great information about biking safety for DHH families from Iowa Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program !

🚲Today is World Bicycle Day!🚲

Biking is a fun, healthy way for kids to explore the world, and with a little extra planning, it can be safe and empowering for deaf and hard-of-hearing children too!
Here are a few tips to help your family enjoy the ride safely:

• Make sure helmets fit snug and secure even with hearing technology on
• Teach visual cues – look for cars, check intersections and use hand signals
• Practice simple signs for biking – Stop, go, look
• Consider adding a rear-view mirror to your child’s bike for extra awareness
• Talk and sign through your route together before you set off

Biking builds independence, confidence and family fun, and every child deserves that joy. Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine and happy biking!

06/02/2026

***UPDATE***

We have found someone for Thursday and Friday! Thank you to all who reached out.

***

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Volunteer ASL Interpreters Needed for IBCD!

Due to a few last-minute schedule changes, we're looking for volunteer ASL interpreters for IBCD on June 18-19.

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Thursday, June 18 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Johnston Little League
We'll be joined by the USA Deaf Baseball National Team as special guests, making this one of the most exciting days of camp!
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Friday, June 19 | 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Principal Park
Campers will enjoy stadium tours, pickup games on the field, and a pizza party to wrap up the day.
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If you're interested in volunteering, or know someone who may be a good fit, please text Dylan at 515-771-4407.

Thank you! 🤟

06/01/2026

We’re sharing this post from National CMV Foundation in an effort to build awareness about Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that can impact hearing.

We see and recognize the families we serve whose paths to the DHH community began with CMV. 💛

05/29/2026

Ope! We spy a shoutout for another board member, Becca Clark out there supporting more inclusive healthcare for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients!

Faculty members Michael Ballard and Rebecca Clark from the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures are contributing expertise to a University of Iowa initiative aimed at reducing barriers for Deaf patients in health care settings through UIowa American Sign Language Program for medical students.