By Sarah Francescutti, BC H&V Board Member
I recently had the privilege of attending the 2024 Hands & Voices Leadership Conference, themed “Weaving the Threads of Leadership,” in Spokane, Washington. As a first-time attendee, parent of a daughter with hearing loss, and new board member, it was an incredible opportunity to meet my fellow board members in person, connect with other parents and DHH (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) adults, and learn how to better support families with children who have hearing loss.
A heartfelt thank you to the generous donors who made it possible for us to send multiple board members and all of our Parent and DHH Guides to the conference. Their support turned this into a meaningful team-building experience for our entire group from British Columbia, something we hadn’t been able to do in years.
The conference brought together parents, professionals, and organizations committed to helping children who are deaf or hard of hearing thrive. Hosted by Hands & Voices Washington and our own British Columbia Hands & Voices team, the event was inspiring. It was filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow with others who are equally passionate about advocacy.
For me, the weekend held many personal highlights. One of the most memorable moments came on the first evening when I found myself at a table with DHH guides who communicated using American Sign Language (ASL). Though my ASL skills are still at a beginner level, having an interpreter helped me fully participate in the icebreaker activity, where we shared stories that reflected the theme of weaving leadership. This moment gave me insight into what people with hearing loss might experience in environments where they don’t have full access to communication. It was a humbling reminder of the importance of inclusion and translation services.
Saturday’s keynote by Michelle Hu, a Deaf pediatric audiologist, and Janna Rovniak, a Certified Peer Mentor for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, was incredibly moving. As they shared their personal experiences of growing up in hearing families and feeling like they had to hide their hearing loss, I couldn’t help but think of my 4-year-old daughter who wears hearing aids. Michelle’s words struck me deeply, especially when she shared how she eventually came to see her hearing loss as a gift, a part of her identity that made her stronger. It was a powerful message for me to bring home to my daughter so she may also embrace her uniqueness and stand proud in who she is.
The athlete speakers were another emotional highlight. Alexis Jones’ presentation, “Silent Strength: The Triumphs and Challenges of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Athletes,” was inspiring. She shared her journey through recreation leagues, high school, and collegiate volleyball, showing how DHH athletes can thrive despite communication barriers and misconceptions. Will Frentz’s session, “Reaching the Top: Journey of a Professional Athlete with Hearing Loss,” was equally powerful. His story of captaining the US Deaf Men’s National Soccer Team was a testament to overcoming adversity and leading with resilience. Both athletes gave insights that will stay with me as I consider ways to make sports more inclusive for all DHH children.
On Sunday, sessions on advocacy, fundraising, and collaboration provided even more valuable insights. One presentation that particularly resonated with me was led by Dr. Elizabeth A. Zito, focusing on weaving Deaf history into advocacy. Dr. Zito’s session served as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding the rich cultural heritage of the Deaf community. By knowing this history, we can advocate more effectively for our children, fostering pride and a profound sense of belonging in their identities.
One of the standout presentations was “The Mind’s Eye,” led by Dr. Keri S. Hager, which focused on helping DHH children develop a deeper understanding of their peers and the world around them. Using the THINK model—Talk, Help, Identify, Nurture, Knowledge—Dr. Hager highlighted the importance of open communication and support in fostering social-emotional skills. This presentation resonated with me as a parent and inspired me to put more effort into helping my daughter grasp the lived experiences and emotions of others.
The weekend concluded with two deeply impactful keynotes from Dr. Dorie Noll and Dr. Gul Mushtaq. Dr. Noll focused on the power of parents’ voices in shaping the support systems for DHH children, while Dr. Mushtaq explored the overwhelming decisions parents face. Her call for clearer communication and unbiased support from service providers was a powerful message, reminding us that parents should be fully informed and empowered to make decisions about their children’s futures.
As I reflect on the weekend, I am filled with a sense of unity and hope. The conference wasn’t just about learning—it was about realizing the strength in our shared experiences. Together, we are weaving a future where our children can grow with confidence, supported by a community that understands, accepts, and celebrates them. This experience reinforced that, as parents, our voices are an essential thread in the fabric of advocacy, and with continued support, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all of our children.
