The Signing SLP

12/17/2025

For families looking for a little extra support in the new year!
(disclaimer: I work with this program, and think they're amazing!)

11/12/2025

I'm so excited for this book!!!

Kim is so honored to have written a foreword for this incredible book by Will Fertman. It will be available in April, but you can preorder it now!

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/deaf-baby-instruction-manual-9798765189375/

10/26/2025

Still buzzing from the first annual Language Deprivation Conference! 💥 So many thought-provoking conversations, amazing people, and big ideas. Plus, finally got to meet so many of my faves IRL! 🤟💛

09/13/2025

Enjoying wearing many hats at DeafPlus Conference 2025! Come say hello!

08/07/2025

🎒Back to School Prep (DHH Style!)

I know, I know, some schools don’t go back until September. But a lot of DHH families are already back or gearing up for the first day soon.

Here are 5 simple, meaningful ways to ease that transition:

🍩 Donut Dry Run
Try the whole morning routine (wake up, get dressed, pack the bag) but head out for donuts instead. Practice + fun = less stress.

📄 Create a One-Pager
Make a quick cheat sheet for new teachers. How your child communicates, what helps them succeed, and what *not* to forget (like interpreter info or sensory tips).

🏫 Visit Campus
Walk the space, meet key staff, and look for any access issues before Day 1 hits.

🎭 Role Play “What If?” Scenarios
What happens if there’s no interpreter? Or someone doesn’t sign? Act it out using puppets, stuffies, or good old fashioned role-play.

✨ None of this has to be perfect, but it helps build confidence, reduce stress, and set the tone for a more accessible, supportive year.

💬 What’s one thing you do to prep for back to school?
📌 Save this post for later or send it to someone who might need it.

08/04/2025

Love everything Montana Family ASL puts out! These really make you think (at least for me with ASL being my second language) but my students always get it right away 🤣

Another great one from Montana Family ASL!

07/30/2025

Wow! I love when local organizations are intentional about ASL access!

Our last American Sign Language Day of the summer is August 10 🤟 Tours, programs and Marine Science Sunday will include ASL interpretation at no extra cost 🙌

August's Marine Science Sunday explores the marine mammals of the San Francisco Bay Area 🦭🌁🐋 With presentations throughout the day, reserve your FREE tickets today to learn about our local wildlife at https://bit.ly/3PX8TI5.

07/24/2025

📚 School is starting soon, which makes this a good time to double-check your child's IEP. One thing that often gets missed? Safety.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, emergencies and drills can be confusing or unsafe if they don't have full communication access.

Think about:
🔔 Will they get a warning before fire drills?
📢 Can they see announcements and intercom messages?
🚨 Do they have visual instructions during lockdowns?
🤝 Is someone nearby who can sign or explain things clearly to them?
🚪 Do they know the evacuation plan?
🎧 Are there supports in place for loud alarms or sensory overload?

These supports should be written into the IEP, not just discussed during meetings.

👇 Does your child have a specific safety plan in their IEP? Or are you planning to request a meeting once school starts?

07/22/2025

Three words I want to hear more of when it comes to hearing tech use - Comfort, Care, and Consideration!

How can you navigate device use with your Deaf child with comfort, care, and collaboration? Check out our FREE resource that we created with Rise and Sign!

language1st.org/parent-handouts/supporting-device-use

07/16/2025

🔋 Power Up Your Child’s Language Access Plan! 🎮
Language planning can feel like it has 400 million moving parts. Home, school, interpreters, speech therapy, communication modes, etc. There's a lot to consider!

At California Hands & Voices Northern California Family Camp, August 29 to 31, I’ll guide families through creating a clear, customized language access plan that works at home and at school. You’ll leave with practical handouts and worksheets you can actually use.

There are still a few spots left for families. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time to jump in!

Want a sneak peek at the handouts? I’m planning to make them available on my website after the weekend. They’ll be free for families and available for purchase by professionals. Should I share a preview?

07/08/2025

There’s no shortage of weird things people say about Deaf kids, often without realizing those comments are rooted in audism.

This series is for the caregivers, family members, and professionals who’ve had to bite their tongue when someone says something cringey, dismissive, or just plain uninformed.

Sometimes the unfiltered response is the right one. Other times, it helps to have a grounded response ready to go.

Whatever your style, keep pushing back. Keep naming it. Keep centering Deaf kids' real experiences and real needs.

💬 Have you heard something like this before? What’s the most bizarre or audist thing someone has said to you about your Deaf kid? Share it in the comments.

07/08/2025

This 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻