Hudson Valley Summer BBQ 2023 (Highland, NY)

Families with deaf and hard of hearing children and their siblings met on Saturday July 20th at Tony Williams Park in Highland, NY. This event was sponsored by Hands and Voices and NY EHDI. The families enjoyed meeting as a group at Tony Williams Park in Highland to barbecue, play, and follow some musical and ASL activities led by special guest, Hillary Baack. Hillary is an actress, writer, director and producer. She’s also a photographer, ASL teacher, and mother to three children. Hillary engaged families with learning basic signs for colors and animals, and then leading everyone in a sing/sign-along with several popular nursery rhymes.

Later Hillary spoke with parents about her personal journey and experiences as a Deaf child, and now Deaf adult. Parents were invited to ask questions and it led to a very open and supportive group discussion!

Our group of families were joined by one ASL interpreter, a recently certified TOD, and three Deaf adults. The Hudson Valley Hands & Voices events are open to professionals who work with D/HH children as well as D/HH adults who resonate with the mission “What works for your child is what makes the choice right.”

Check out this video clip from the event!