BEGINNINGS For Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Inc.

04/01/2026

🌸 April is full of opportunities to connect, learn, and be heard! 🌸

NC DHHS Division of Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing has a full lineup of events across the state this month—and there’s something for everyone in the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community!

💬 Community Conversations continue in April!
These small group sessions are a powerful way to share your experiences, ask questions, and speak up about accessibility and services that matter to you. Be sure to RSVP and find a location near you!

🧠 Mental Health Listening Sessions (April 28–30 | Morganton)
Have experiences to share? Your voice can help improve services statewide. Don’t forget—registration closes April 17!

📣 Important Reminders:
• ⛈ Take a few minutes to complete the National Weather Service survey (deadline: April 17)
• 💼 New DeafBlind Service Specialist positions are now posted—check them out!

✨ April Event Highlights:
There are TONS of ways to connect this month, including:
• ☕ Signing Starbucks & Deaf Chat meetups
• 🤟 ASL Nights, Silent Dinners & Lunches
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly storytimes & playgroups
• 🎉 Deaf Awareness Day events
• 💻 Virtual workshops & support groups
• 🌿 Outdoor events like “Signs of Spring” in the Smoky Mountains

Whether you're looking to build community, learn something new, or just have fun—there’s an event for you!

👉 View the full calendar and find events near you: https://mailchi.mp/cfc50fa91065/april-2026-events-calendar?e=badf23aeb9

Community Conversations in April! We are going into the third month of hosting Community Conversations! It has been a very powerful experience and we are enthusiastic to continue! We have lined up several for the month of April and more in the months to come. If you have not had the chance to par...

03/18/2026

💬 Your voice matters. Join the conversation.

The NC DHHS Division of Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing is hosting Community Conversations across the state, and they want to hear directly from the community.

These small-group sessions (8–10 participants) are an opportunity to share your experiences and discuss barriers to communication access and services that may be needed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and families in North Carolina.

Your feedback will help shape the future Strategic Plan for NCDSDHH and improve services statewide.

🗓 April Community Conversations:
• April 11 – Asheville
• April 17 – Winston-Salem
• April 18 – Wallace

Each session lasts about 2 hours, and multiple sessions will be scheduled if needed so more people can participate.

🤟 ASL interpreters and CART services will be provided, and other accommodations can be requested.

All feedback will remain confidential, and names will not be used in data collection.

📧 For more information or if you’d like to host a Community Conversation in your area:
[email protected] or call 📞 919-527-6930

03/12/2026

📅 March Events for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community in NC!

The NC DHHS Division of Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing has a full month of events planned for March—perfect for families, self-advocates, and community members.

From workshops and community conversations to fun social events, there’s something for everyone. 🤟

✨ View the full calendar here: https://mailchi.mp/cacc6397323f/march-2026-events-calendar?e=badf23aeb9

💙 BEGINNINGS encourages families and community members to join, connect, and make their voices heard!

Community Conversations in March! As we enter the second month of hosting Community Conversations, we have lined up several for the month of March and more in the months to come. Director Davis has met with many of you thus far and a tremendous amount of input has been received. This is a great oppo...

03/10/2026

⏰ Reminder: The deadline is almost here!

The BEGINNINGS Grants to Parents Program is accepting applications through March 15, 2026.

This small grant helps current BEGINNINGS families in North Carolina cover qualifying hearing-related expenses for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

✨ Eligible expenses may include:
• Hearing aid fittings, maintenance & accessories (not for purchasing hearing aids or FM systems)
• Transportation to audiology appointments
• Audiology & ENT visits for self-pay families
• Access to your child’s chosen communication modality

📌 Eligibility:
✔ Child under age 22
✔ Family resides in North Carolina
✔ Currently served by BEGINNINGS
✔ May apply once per calendar year (maximum of 3 awards per family)

📝 Important: Applications must be completed in one session, so please review the requirements before starting.

👉 Apply by March 15:
https://ncbegin.org/how-to-help/grants-to-parents.html

❓Questions? Email [email protected]

💙 This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ragland Family Foundation, SERTOMA Club of Raleigh, SERTOMA Foundation, Hearing Loss Association of America, and The Junior League of Raleigh.

📣 Please share to help spread the word to NC families who may benefit!benefit!

03/03/2026

There’s still time to apply for our Grants to Parents program to get assistance with hearing related services. Check out the post below for application requirements!

🚨Deadline to apply is March 15, 2026!

💙 Grants to Parents Program – Now Accepting Applications! 💙

We’re excited to share that the BEGINNINGS Grants to Parents Program is accepting applications through March 15, 2026!

This small grant helps current BEGINNINGS families in North Carolina cover qualifying hearing-related expenses for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

✨ Eligible expenses may include:
• Hearing aid fittings, maintenance & accessories (not for purchasing hearing aids or FM systems)
• Transportation to audiology appointments
• Audiology & ENT visits for self-pay families
• Access to your child’s chosen communication modality

📌 Eligibility:
✔ Child under age 22
✔ Family resides in NC
✔ Currently served by BEGINNINGS
✔ May apply once per calendar year (maximum of 3 awards per family)

📝 Applications must be completed in one session, so please review all requirements before starting.

Questions? Email [email protected]

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ragland Family Foundation, SERTOMA Club of Raleigh, SERTOMA Foundation, Hearing Loss Association of America, and The Junior League of Raleigh.

👉 Apply here: https://ncbegin.org/how-to-help/grants-to-parents.html

Please share to help spread the word to NC families who may benefit!

02/25/2026

💙 Grants to Parents Program – Now Accepting Applications! 💙

We’re excited to share that the BEGINNINGS Grants to Parents Program is accepting applications through March 15, 2026!

This small grant helps current BEGINNINGS families in North Carolina cover qualifying hearing-related expenses for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

✨ Eligible expenses may include:
• Hearing aid fittings, maintenance & accessories (not for purchasing hearing aids or FM systems)
• Transportation to audiology appointments
• Audiology & ENT visits for self-pay families
• Access to your child’s chosen communication modality

📌 Eligibility:
✔ Child under age 22
✔ Family resides in NC
✔ Currently served by BEGINNINGS
✔ May apply once per calendar year (maximum of 3 awards per family)

📝 Applications must be completed in one session, so please review all requirements before starting.

Questions? Email [email protected]

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ragland Family Foundation, SERTOMA Club of Raleigh, SERTOMA Foundation, Hearing Loss Association of America, and The Junior League of Raleigh.

👉 Apply here: https://ncbegin.org/how-to-help/grants-to-parents.html

Please share to help spread the word to NC families who may benefit!

02/05/2026

🚨 School Resource Alert for NC Families 🚨

The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NC SEAA) has announced the opening of the ESA+ Scholarship application.

📌 New student applications for the 2026–27 school year opened on Monday, February 2, 2026!

✨ About the ESA+ Scholarship
• Offers flexible enrollment options, including private schools, home schools, and co-enrollment
• Funds may be used for K–12 tuition and certain allowable expenses such as speech therapy, tutoring, and educational technology

📝 What you’ll need to apply:
Families will be asked to submit their student’s Eligibility Determination, a legal document issued by a public school that confirms eligibility for special education or related services.

🔗 Learn more about eligibility and the application process here:
https://k12.ncseaa.edu/the-education-student-accounts/how-to-apply/

02/03/2026

📅 February Events Across North Carolina
Check out this month's events from NC DHHS Division of Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. This calendar includes opportunities for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community to connect, learn, and access resources throughout the state.

From workshops and support groups to community events, there’s something for everyone this February 💙

👉 View the full February events calendar here:

Community Conversations Starting this Month! Starting in February, Director Tony Davis will be hosting Community Conversations across the state. These gatherings are separate from town hall meetings, which will continue as scheduled. Community Conversations offers a smaller, more personal setting wh...

02/02/2026

Happy Groundhog Day! 🐿️
Pete saw his shadow, which technically means 6 more weeks of winter… but after this past weekend’s winter storm here in North Carolina, we’re really hoping he got it wrong. 😉

Most importantly, we hope all of our friends, families, and communities are safe and warm after the storm 💙
Here’s to sunshine, melting snow, and warmer days on the way—because we’re more than ready for spring vibes to show up early! ☀️🌷

01/23/2026

Make sure you take some time today to prepare for the winter storm!

With a winter storm looming this weekend, it’s time to do more than just stare at the radar:
✅ Review your emergency plans.
✅ Stock your supply kit (yes, including the non-perishables).
✅ Keep your NOAA Weather Radio handy and follow local officials for real updates.

For more tips visit ReadyNC.gov/winter-weather

01/22/2026