Beginnings-SC

06/03/2026

Beginnings SC is partnering with Kendra Scott for a Give Back Event on June 23, and we're choosing between two beautiful jewelry collections.

Which do you love most?
Silver Collection
Gold Collection

Vote in the comments and let us know your favorite!

Shop online all day or join us in person from 4–6 PM on June 23.

Twenty percent of all purchases will support Beginnings SC's programs and services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families throughout South Carolina.

Stay tuned for the official shopping link and event details!

06/03/2026

EIPA Testing Results Update for Families

We know many educational interpreters are waiting on Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Performance Exam results, and we wanted to share the latest update for South Carolina families.

The EIPA Announcements Page provides:
✔ Weekly processing updates
✔ Current scoring timelines
✔ Estimated turnaround information

At this time, Educational Interpreters in South Carolina who still need to complete the EIPA Performance Exam are expected to have time to receive results before the 2026–27 Educational Interpreter Law takes effect.

📌 Check the latest EIPA processing timeline here:
https://classroominterpreting.org/announcements

If you have questions about testing timelines or score processing, families and professionals can also reach out directly to the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) program for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

We understand how important communication access is for your child’s education.

06/02/2026

Join us Saturday, July 25 from 9:00 AM–11:30 AM at Seven Oaks Park in Columbia for the 11th Annual Back to School Bash for children, adults, and families impacted by hearing loss.

This FREE event will include:
• Free school supplies
• Community vendors and resources
• Information on communication access, language, educational supports, emergency support, and assistive technology
• Opportunities to connect with other D/HH families and professionals

Hosted in partnership with Beginnings SC, SC Association of the Deaf, SC Hands & Voices, SC DPH/First Sound, SC School for the Deaf and Blind, and the Irmo Fire Department.

Family registration: https://beginningssc.wufoo.com/forms/m1dkssil0h0c6aa/

Questions? Contact Executive Director Preston Trippe at [email protected].

06/02/2026

Hosted by the Regional Early Acquisition of Language (REAL) South Region and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB).

This session will be presented by Marissa Ramos, MA, CCC-SLP, an ASL/English bilingual speech-language pathologist and founder of Rise & Sign Therapies. Marissa specializes in helping families create language-rich environments at home through accessible, actionable, and engaging activities.

Marissa will share concrete, movement-based activities you can implement at home immediately, with pro-tips on how to weave American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken language naturally into everyday play to keep high-energy children engaged and excited about communication.

Event Details:

Date: Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3rd

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CDT

Location: Online via Zoom

Registration: https://forms.monday.com/forms/864beea564d65cec9429b1ebf496b57d?r=use1

Accessibility & Accommodations: If you have any questions or require specific accommodations, please contact Kristen Hammontree at [email protected].

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

CMV Awareness & Education Webinar Series

Hosted by the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) Cytomegalovirus (CMV) CMV Awareness Initiative, these upcoming virtual sessions provide education, awareness, and family perspectives surrounding CMV.

Learn more about CMV awareness and resources here:

📅 CMV 101 with Dr. Sonja Rasmussen
🕛 Tuesday, June 16 | 12 PM – 1 PM CST

Learn how Cytomegalovirus (CMV) impacts pregnancy and fetal development, how the virus spreads, and evidence-based ways to reduce risk and improve outcomes.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c7aMdwSWQ8uAO-mD3GQ9UA #/registration

📅 CMV Parent Panel
🕛 Tuesday, June 23 | 12 PM – 1 PM CST

Hear from parents across the country as they share their unique congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) journeys and the emotional, medical, and practical realities families experience.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ubDDyFWvTJOTACJSgt3TFw #/registration

Learn more about Cytomegalovirus (CMV), prevention, and family resources here: https://nbdpn.org/cmv-awareness/

These sessions are valuable for families, healthcare professionals, educators, early intervention providers, and advocates supporting children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

05/31/2026

Today is the last day to apply!

Beginnings SC is excited to offer FREE ASL Class 1A with ASL at Home for Beginnings SC families. Their Level 1A classes are a great opportunity for families to build communication skills and begin to learn American Sign Language together.

Registration Deadline: May 31, 2026

Register here: https://forms.gle/Wau8q8ALKKAxbW6m6

Learn more at https://www.aslathome.org/

Spots are limited, so be sure to register before the deadline!

05/30/2026

One day left!

Beginnings SC is excited to offer FREE ASL Class 1A with ASL at Home for Beginnings SC families. Their Level 1A classes are a great opportunity for families to build communication skills and begin to learn American Sign Language together.

Registration Deadline: May 31, 2026

Register here: https://forms.gle/Wau8q8ALKKAxbW6m6

Learn more at https://www.aslathome.org/

Spots are limited, so be sure to register before the deadline!

05/29/2026

Final DHH Support Superstar Shoutout!

As we celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month and recognize the incredible work of educational interpreters, speech-language pathologists, Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and many other professionals supporting the DHH community, we want to give one final thank you to all of our DHH Support Superstar nominees. 💙

This collage represents just some of the many individuals making a lasting impact on children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families across South Carolina.

Thank you to every family who submitted nominations and to every nominee for the care, advocacy, communication access, and support you provide each day. Your work truly matters. ⭐

05/29/2026

🎉 GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT 🎉

Presented by our Parent Educator, Kelli Graham, we’re excited to announce the winner of the DHH Support Superstar Amazon Giveaway!

Congratulations to Nevitte Morris, Speech-Language Pathologist at MUSC, and thank you for the incredible support, advocacy, and care you provide to children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families.

A special thank you to the families who submitted these heartfelt nominations and to every professional who was nominated. Your impact on the DHH community is deeply appreciated and worth celebrating!