It’s time for your family vacation…with a purpose!
Get ready to amplify your family’s impact this July at ASDC2024: “Let’s Grow Together: How Families Make A Difference in How Kids Feel and Learn.” This year, we’re focusing on social-emotional well-being as a catalyst for innovation in traditional and modern family dynamics. But don’t worry, our main goal remains to create language accessibility and diversity for our deaf and hard-of-hearing kids.
Join us for an unforgettable family conference where we’ll explore how interactions with family, teachers, and other adults shape our children’s perceptions of relationships at home and school. Dive into four days of interactive workshops, surprise “gotcha” moments, and Arbor Day Farm adventures, with inspiring speakers, creative activities, spontaneous dance breaks, and exciting trivia challenges. Discover fresh concepts and viewpoints, celebrate diverse families of all shapes and sizes, and inspire each other to reach new heights, leaving you ready for new adventures and lasting memories!
Make this vacation count – nurture strong family bonds, build resilience, and create a connected, empowered community.
Space is filling FAST! Don’t miss out!
Nurturing Social and Emotional Skills: A Path to Success for D/HH Youth in School and Life
Why It Matters for the Whole Family
For children and youth who are D/HH, developing essential social and emotional skills is crucial for success in both school and life. These skills include understanding and managing emotions, getting along with others, and exercising good judgment. It has been recognized that these individuals may face challenges in achieving age-appropriate social-emotional development.
Advocates for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) are working towards incorporating social skill instruction in the classroom. The goal is to address behavior, discipline, safety, and academics, aiming to equip kids, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, with the tools they need. This approach helps children become self-aware, manage their emotions, build social skills such as empathy and perspective-taking, appreciate differences, form good relationships, and make positive decisions.
In simpler terms, these skills empower children to calm themselves when upset, make friends, handle conflicts respectfully, and make ethical and safe choices. It’s about providing them with the foundation they need to navigate the challenges of both school and life.
The Experience.
Secure your three-night, four-day package today to join us for inspiring speakers, key tools for growth, unforgettable family moments, and the adventure of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – register now!
And don’t forget, this isn’t solely for parents and professionals – it’s a fantastic opportunity for siblings, extended family members, and especially for our D/HH kids! This event is crafted for everyone to enjoy together. Secure your spot today and get ready for an experience like no other.
Welcome (Wednesday)
Kick-off your weekend with a lively family fun day featuring registration, children’s programs, games, the Tree Adventure, and a delicious BBQ dinner!
Day 1 (Thursday): Nurturing Social-Emotional Skills
- Explore strategies for fostering social-emotional well-being in your family.
- Learn from our Roy K. Holcomb Distinguished Lecturer: Linsay Darnell, Jr.
- Participate in interactive workshops and discussions.
- Connect with other families during provided meals.
Day 2 (Friday): Empowering Self-Advocacy
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Discover how you can empower your child(ren) to advocate for themselves in the classroom, with friends, in the community and in life.
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Learn about the importance of self-advocacy skills from our keynote Dr. Michael Hoffman
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Engage in empowering activities and discussions.
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Dive into the world of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), and Section 504 plans.
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Explore innovative approaches to educational support tailored to your family’s needs.
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Connect with experts in the field to address your questions and concerns through a parent driven panel discussion.
Children’s sessions and family activities mixed in throughout each day for interactive learning and fun!
The Speakers.
Our keynote, general, and youth session speakers are carefully selected to create a thoughtful and engaging curriculum. This curriculum is designed to support you and your family in navigating social-emotional learning and how to best support a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing child or student in their learning. All sessions are fully immersive, interactive, and supported by interpreters. Deaf role models will be available to answer questions and provide unique perspectives, giving you the tools you need to best serve your child.
Keynotes.
Linsay Darnall, Jr.
Roy K. Holcomb Distinguished Lecturer
Presenting: Thurs, July 11
Topic: Cultivating Curiosity in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Dr. Michael Hoffman
Pediatric Psychologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Presenting: Fri, July 12
Topic: Your Child and Their Deaf Identity
Parent Panel
Panel discussion led by parents, for parents
Presenting: Sat, July 14
Topic: Navigating IEPs, IFSPs, and 504 Plans: Essential Insights and Q&A Session
The Agenda.
General Sessions.
Our general sessions are designed with families, parents, children, and professionals in mind. Through our workshops and activities, you’ll gain the tools and insight to create the best environment for your D/HH child and their siblings and loved ones. Expect to make new connections, discover fresh ideas, and explore innovative approaches!
Youth Sessions.
Our youth sessions coincide with the general sessions, enabling parents to fully engage in conversations while feeling confident that their children are in safe, enjoyable, and interactive learning settings. Led by ASDC’s skilled ASL instructors, Deaf Role Models, and special guests, these sessions offer exciting activities like S.T.E.M. courses, art classes, and exercises to promote social-emotional development, and more!
Every year brings new friendships, skills, and experiences to cherish.
The Sponsors.
We thank our sponsors for their generous support of our annual family conference.
Platinum:
Silver:
Children’s Program:
Event Programming:
Want to build valuable connections with us?
Become a sponsor or vendor at ASDC2024: Let’s Grow Together Learn more here >>
PAST ASDC ANNUAL CONFERENCES
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 our children. Our annual family conferences provide a safe place for everyone to learn, share, engage, empower, and encourage each other as we work to ensure that every deaf child can learn sign language from the very start.
We have a lot of fun too! Take a look!
