News & Events

This month’s newsletter is full of inspiration, resources, and summer fun for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. From celebrating amazing dads and highlighting DeafBlind Awareness Month to hurricane prep tips, family stories, and exciting events across North Carolina—there’s something for everyone!

Summer is here, and it’s time to embrace longer days, warm weather, and unforgettable family adventures! For families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, summer offers a wonderful opportunity to explore new places, create lasting memories, and enjoy activities that support communication, accessibility, and inclusion.

Each June, we observe DeafBlind Awareness Month — a time to honor the strength, resilience, and unique experiences of individuals who live with both hearing and vision loss. Inspired by the birth month of Helen Keller, a pioneer and advocate who was both Deaf and blind, this month is a reminder of the importance of communication access, connection, and community.

Each May, we celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about communication, hearing, and language development. Sponsored by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), this month reminds us of the vital role that early identification and intervention play in helping children reach their full potential.

In our May newsletter, we’re celebrating the connections that empower families and professionals in the hearing loss community. You’ll find highlights from our upcoming Community Connections event in Greensboro, discover helpful resources from Hands & Voices, and meet Cristina Mickens, one of our dedicated Bilingual Parent Educators. Plus, don’t miss updates on upcoming events and ways we continue to support families across North Carolina. Dive in and stay connected!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at BEGINNINGS, we know that emotional well-being is just as important as language development and access to communication. Raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing brings unique joys and challenges.

This month’s newsletter is packed with inspiration, resources, and events—starting with a special celebration of Deaf History Month (March 13–April 15)! We're honoring the achievements, culture, and strength of the Deaf community, and reaffirming our commitment to access, inclusion, and empowerment.

BEGINNINGS is seeking an impartial, compassionate, relationship-driven, and culturally competent Parent Educator. In this role, you’ll build trusted connections with families, providing in-home support, resources, and personalized guidance to empower them in navigating early intervention, educational systems, healthcare, transition to adulthood supports, and community resources confidently and effectively. You’ll play a vital role in equipping families to become effective advocates for their children by helping them understand their rights, including IEPs and 504 Plans, and guiding them through school meetings and processes to secure essential services within educational and healthcare settings.

Spring is here, bringing with it the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy new experiences, get outside, and make lasting memories. For families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, the season presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. At BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, we’re here to help you make the most of this vibrant season by offering support, resources, and guidance.

March is filled with important initiatives at BEGINNINGS, from raising awareness on hearing health for World Hearing Day to ensuring families are prepared for severe weather. Plus, don’t miss our special family feature, financial assistance opportunities, and an exciting upcoming event in Greensboro!

Every child’s journey is unique, and exploring hearing technology can be an important step in supporting their communication needs. At BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, we understand that this journey can feel overwhelming, but we are here to guide you along the way.

This month, we’re celebrating love, diversity, and connection in every language! Our February newsletter is packed with resources, inspiring stories, and exciting events for families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

For many families, love is expressed not just through words but through gestures, actions, and shared experiences. In multilingual families, this expression takes on an even richer meaning, as parents work to create connections across languages, cultures, and communication styles. When a child is deaf or hard of hearing, the journey of communication may look different, but the love and effort families invest remain the same.

For families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is more than just a document—it’s a roadmap for success. This plan ensures that your child receives the accommodations and support they need to access education alongside their peers.

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, it’s important for families to take a step back and reflect: Is my child’s plan working effectively? A lot can change in a few months—children grow, learning expectations shift, and new challenges or strengths may emerge. That’s why a mid-year IEP check-in can help ensure that your child is getting the support they need to thrive both academically and socially.

Our January newsletter is packed with inspiring stories, valuable resources, and exciting opportunities to kick off the year.

Winter brings cozy moments and snowy adventures, but it can also be tough on ear health and hearing devices. For families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, staying proactive about ear care during the colder months is essential. Here are some tips to help keep your child’s ears healthy and their devices working smoothly all winter long.

As the year winds down and the holiday season kicks off, we’re excited to share some special updates and stories with you! From remembering the incredible Sheri Kaye Little to celebrating the inspiring Conway family, it’s been a season of reflection, joy, and gratitude. Let’s dive in!

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection—but for parents of Deaf or Hard of Hearing children, it can also come with unique challenges. At BEGINNINGS, we understand the importance of making holiday experiences accessible and enjoyable for every family member. With a bit of planning, creativity, and the right resources, you can ensure your child feels included, engaged, and part of the holiday magic. Here are some tips and resources to help you navigate this season with confidence and joy.

As the year draws to a close, the holidays remind us of the joy of connection—moments shared with loved ones, laughter around the dinner table, and the sparkle of traditions passed down through generations. For families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, these moments take on even greater significance, as communication opens the door to shared understanding and cherished memories.

This month’s BEGINNINGS newsletter highlights inspiring family stories, essential resources, and updates to support families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Inside, you’ll find features on Microtia and Atresia Awareness, caregiver recognition, and exciting opportunities like bilingual job openings and upcoming events.

Are you ready to be part of an innovative and dynamic team? Look no further! BEGINNINGS is seeking a passionate individual to join our team as a Hispanic Outreach Parent Educator, who is eager to make a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment.

November is Microtia and Atresia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating children and families who navigate life with these unique hearing differences. At BEGINNINGS, we want to take this opportunity to honor the strength, resilience, and love that each family brings to their journey. If you’re a parent of a child with microtia or atresia, know that you’re part of a wonderful, supportive community, and you’re not alone.

Raising a child with hearing loss comes with navigating unfamiliar medical, communication, and educational landscapes. Early intervention services can support your family and your child’s journey can be filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and success. In North Carolina, there are numerous resources available to guide and support families through this process.

Dive into our October newsletter packed with important information, inspiring stories, and community updates! This month, we're focusing on hearing health and raising awareness for National Protect Your Hearing Month and National Audiology Awareness Month. Don't miss our feature on the Stewart family and their journey with hearing loss.

Hurricane Helene has significantly impacted Western North Carolina, leaving many families to manage the aftermath. Accessing the right resources is vital for effective recovery and staying informed about available assistance.

We’re thrilled to invite you to join the BEGINNINGS team at this year’s 2024 North Carolina Walk4Hearing! This exciting event will take place on Sunday, October 13th at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary.

Our September 2024 newsletter is packed with exciting updates and valuable resources!

September is Deaf Awareness Month—a time to celebrate Deaf culture, raise awareness about the experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, and advocate for equal access and inclusion.

The BEGINNINGS August Newsletter is now out! Don’t miss out on this month’s exciting updates and resources.

As the new school year approaches, parents of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing often find themselves navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and advocating for their child’s educational needs. Effective advocacy and access to the right resources are crucial for ensuring a successful school year.

Our July newsletter is packed with exciting updates, insightful articles, and all the latest news from our community.

We are excited to announce that BEGINNINGS is currently accepting applications for our Grants to Parents program with our new online application.

Check out our latest edition of our monthly newsletter to learn about resources, events, and much more!

June is DeafBlind Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support the DeafBlind community. This month commemorates the birthday of Helen Keller, a trailblazing advocate for individuals with dual sensory loss.

Summer is the perfect time to keep kids engaged with fun and enriching activities. Check out these summer activities for children of all ages!

BEGINNINGS is seeking a Parent Educator to join our team. Apply Now!

Every May, we celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing (NSLH) Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of communication and the challenges faced by individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders.

Communication is a crucial part of the human experience, whether that’s choosing to communicate verbally

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, resources, and events with our monthly BEGINNINGS newsletter.

BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, a North Carolina nonprofit, is preparing for an upcoming event to provide support and resources for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in central North Carolina.

BEGINNINGS is seeking a Hispanic Outreach Parent Educator to join our team. Apply Now!

Read more about Joanna Chantemerle as she takes on her new role as Associate Executive Director.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and information from BEGINNINGS by reading our monthly newsletter!

National Deaf History Month raises awareness about the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. With proper awareness, we can share and celebrate their culture and celebrate diversity and inclusiveness.

BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is hosting a FREE Hispanic family day retreat in Raleigh on April 13 and Hispanic family day in Charlotte on May 4.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for our upcoming BBQ, Brews, & Bluegrass event at The Durham Exchange in Durham.

Check out our March newsletter to learn about the latest resources and events!

By going green, we create a better environment for ourselves and future generations. Check out these easy ways you can live an altruistic—and green—lifestyle.

Join us for an informative presentation on Special Education Resolution and the Effects of the Pandemic. This free virtual workshop will conclude in a Q&A session with Daniel Brown with the Council for Children's Rights.

Check out the February 2024 edition of the BEGINNINGS monthly newsletter to learn more about resources for families, upcoming events and webinars, and much more!