Deafinitely Communicating

03/03/2026

Today is Word Hearing Day 🌎👂

Hearing health and Deaf identity are not opposing ideas. We can champion both access to hearing technology and advocate for signed languages. We can encourage people to pursue medical care and simultaneously recognize and celebrate identity. We should do both.

Every child deserves access to it all.

Do you have thoughts on World Hearing Day? Let's continue the conversation in the comments.

02/27/2026

Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Shontaye Glover, , about the work that I do and supporting deaf and hard of hearing students and their families. During our conversation, we chatted about understanding language access and language acquisition, language deprivation, connecting families with resources, and so much more.

Comment 'ACCESS' for a direct link to the podcast!

👋🏾 Let's keep the conversation going.
Share your thoughts, takeaways, reflections, or questions in the comments.

02/27/2026

When we focus on the ear, the eye, the hand, the mouth, we miss the real emergency in the discussion about language access - the brain.

As we continue to discuss language access and the brain, we invite you to consider this question ⬇⬇

🤔Is the brain getting consistent, accessible LANGUAGE? How often?

ID in comments.

02/26/2026

At Deafinitely Communicating, we will always advocate for early language access for all deaf and hard of hearing children. Why? Because language is a human right that so many deaf and hard of hearing children never fully experience. So.... let's talk about language access!

Here are a few truths about language/language access:
1. Language builds brains.
2. All children (this includes Deaf and hard of hearing children 🙂) need consistent, accessible language from birth.
3. Language acquisition is not the same as sound detection.
4. Language access shouldn’t hinge on use of hearing technology.
5. Signed languages provide full visual access, ensuring healthy brain development.
6. Early access to language prevents language deprivation and supports healthy cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Let's keep the conversation going-
👋🏾 Professionals: How do you/do you talk to parents about language - what it is/what it isn't, its impact on the brain, and how it is acquired?
👋🏾 Parents: How do you support your child's language access at home? How comfortable are you with support your child's language development?

01/31/2026

If you’re in the Tucson area or interested in traveling in, here’s an opportunity to be a part of an upcoming Community Forum. Let your voice be heard and your concerns be known.

Your Input Matters: Community Forum on ASDB’s Tucson Campus Changes

Recent changes to Arizona Schools for the Deaf and the Blind’s Tucson Campus have raised concerns in our communities. ASDB families, students, alumni, and community members are invited to come together to share perspectives, ask questions, and discuss next steps. Your input is needed.

📅 Tuesday, February 3
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
2331 E Adams St., Tucson, AZ 85719

ASL and CDI interpreters will be provided.
Spanish interpreter request is in progress — updates will be shared.

UPDATE: Spanish version of this post is in comment.

For questions, concerns, or other accommodation requests, please email Secretary@azadinc.org

The flyer information matches this post, with the updates noted above.

Please share and help spread the word

01/31/2026

There’s a lot of discussion happening surrounding the future of the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind.

Be a part of the conversation by using the form linked in the original post.

CALL TO THE PUBLIC COMMENTS (Pursuant to A.R.S. 38-431.01(H): A citizen wishing to make comments to the Board must fill out a Request to Address Board form.

Forms can be obtained by visiting https://asdb.az.gov/public-comments/
This link will be available beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Friday January 30th, 2026 and close at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026.

Please limit your comment to 500 words or less with a reference to the specific agenda item. To submit your comment in ASL, please ensure that the accompanying video is within the 3-minute duration and does not exceed a file size limit of 60MB.
If your file exceeds this limit, please share a link to the video in the "comments" section.

PLEASE NOTE: Policy BEDH assigns to the Board President the responsibility for establishing time limits for public participation and for individual speakers.
Unless modified by the President at a particular meeting, due to circumstances, each speaker is limited to three (3) minutes.

PURSUANT TO POLICY BHD, NO ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD MAY NOT RESPOND TO OR DISCUSS THE ITEMS RAISED.

01/18/2026

The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind is moving. The announcement has been shared by the Superintendent and there are meetings happening this week to keep the community informed.

Check out the post for meetings, times, and links to stay up to date on the move and future plans for the students served by the agency.

Meeting Update and Full Information Session Schedule

Please note the following updates regarding upcoming ASDB informational meetings related to the intent to relocate the ASDB Tucson Campus:

• The Tucson Campus staff meeting will take place from 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM and will now be held in the BPAC (updated from CTE).

• The Phoenix Day School for the Deaf (PDSD) staff meeting will also take place from 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM.

Full Information Session Schedule

Monday, January 19, 2026
ASDB Tucson Campus – BPAC
• Staff Meeting: 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM
• Community Meeting: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Phoenix Day School for the Deaf – Sports and Performing Arts Center (S**C)
• Staff Meeting: 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM
• Community Meeting: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Thursday, January 22, 2026
Zoom
• Staff Meeting: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Community Meeting: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

For additional details, meeting updates, and Zoom links, please visit the ASDB Tucson Campus Looking Ahead webpage:
https://asdb.az.gov/asdb-tucson-campus-looking-ahead/

01/16/2026

Mesa, Arizona native, Troy Kotsur, was welcomed to the Happy Place - The Jennifer Hudson Show - today!

01/15/2026

💔

01/12/2026

If you are caring for a deaf/hard of hearing child, this message is for YOU!

The journey isn't linear. The path isn't always clear. Just know - You're right where you're supposed to be! Keep going! One day, one connection, one moment, one step at a time. 💓

ID in comments.

01/11/2026

“The Arizona State School for the Deaf and the Blind is hoping to partner with the Amphi School District and use one of its recently closed campuses as their own.” https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/arizona-state-school-for-the-deaf-and-the-blind-aims-to-partner-with-amphi-district

12/01/2025

Last month, I experienced two firsts - speaking at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s () Centennial Convention and serving as a panelist at .

While I am still taking time to reflect on both of these events and my recent time in D.C., I want to share some of the highlights and a few takeaways. I also want to express immense gratitude to each of you for the ways that you have and continue to support me, this work, and ultimately families of deaf and hard of hearing children, the professionals who work with them, and most importantly, the deaf community. Thank you 🫶🏾

Takeaways:
1️⃣ Do it afraid. When I was initially contacted about speaking at ASHA, I was both honored and terrified. I am grateful that I did not allow fear or imposter syndrome stop me from saying yes.
2️⃣ Connect, build community, and have courage. Prioritize people, lead with love, and be brave enough to take risks and obey God. It may seem simple, but the impact is profound.
3️⃣ Be grateful. In all things, GIVE THANKS! (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Every season won’t always feel good and it won’t always make sense to say ‘Thank you’, but do it anyway. Strive to live with an attitude of gratitude. It makes a difference ❤️