POPDHH e-news: Back to School Fall 2020

Welcome to 2020-2021 School Year!

We hope that everyone had a safe and pleasant summer.  First off, it is our great pleasure to welcome a new arrival – baby boy Tal. Congratulations Alana and family!
Alana will be away on maternity leave until January 2021.

Next, we are pleased to share some exciting upcoming events POPDHH has in store this fall:

• ASL online – the classes for students and EAs, and ASL office hours will resume in the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye on for the info and registration links. Later in the year we will introduce ASL online Level 2 – for participants who have already taken our Level 1 (Beginners’) course. Also, stay tuned for more ASL story time videos. You can watch our previous editions here: https://popdhh.ca/programs-and-services/asl-programs-and-services/asl-story-time/
• TDHH Mentorship – the 2020 – 2022 cohort will kick off virtually, via Zoom, September 16 – 18, 2020. Theme: IEPs.
• E- learning – our popular Webinar series will continue this year. Topics and times will be announced soon.  Also read: Zoom Announces New Tools for Better Classroom Experience

Coming Back to School Safely Video – Refresher

• Visual symptom checker – printable

Accessibility, Face Masks and PPE in Classrooms

What to consider? Masks with the best visual access may not provide the best auditory access, so please choose carefully to meet each student’s individual needs. Evaluate access in different environments with different PPE, and work together with the audiologist to ensure that listening devices are being utilized effectively.

Useful links:

• Augmented Listening Technology – Face masks
• Transparent Face Coverings – Considerations
• Covid 19 – Rethinking DHH Accessibility in Classrooms

From the Community

• PDHHS – Fall 2020 Flyer
• IDHHC Fall 2020 Newsletter
• CAEDHH BC – annual conference