Join us for a workshop where you can choose between two tracks. Track 1 has five sessions about self-advocacy, teaching you how to speak up for yourself. Track 2 focuses on community resources, tools, and best practices to help support the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing community. Whatever you choose, you’ll gain valuable skills and knowledge to make a positive impact!
Registration is required to reserve your seat, and each session has limited capacity—so don’t wait!
Schedule at a Glance
| Schedule at a Glance | Track 1 Self-advocacy | Track 2 Community resources, tools, and best practices |
| 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM | Michigan Citizen Deaf Rights – James Cech | Artificial Intelligence – Workplace Discrimination Pitfalls – Amy Maes |
| 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM | Cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. | Audism & Autonomy – Dr. Edward Bart |
| 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM | Lunch Break | Lunch Break |
| 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM | Educational Advocacy: What Does That Look Like for a DHHDB Student? – Janel Frost | Launch of Lead-K Michigan – Sara Sibble and Freida Morrison |
| 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM | Claiming Your Seat: Deaf & Disabled Voices in Politics – Teddy Dorsette III | Healthy Plant-Based Lifestyle – Sandria Graham |
| 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM | Know Your Rights and Take Action: How to File a Compliant – Alayna Lail | Assistive Technology: Opening Up Possibilities in Your Daily Life – Caitlin Hurban |
Track 1: Self-advocacy sessions
Workshop A – (10:00am to 10:45am): Michigan Citizen Deaf Rights by James Cech
Join us for an informative workshop exploring the history of landmark laws that protect and empower Deaf individuals in Michigan. We’ll break down each law, explains how it works and show how you can use it to advocate for yourself and others.
Workshop E – (1:00pm to 1:45pm) Educational Advocacy: What Does That Look Like for a DHHDB Student?: Janel Frost
This session explores how families, educators, and advocates can effectively support Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind (DHHDB) students in navigating the educational system. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of students’ educational rights under federal and state laws, learn practical strategies to prepare for and engage in the IEP process, and discover key resources and support networks that promote meaningful educational access and advocacy.
Workshop G – (2:00pm to 2:45pm) Claiming Your Seat: Deaf & Disabled Voices in Politics: Teddy Dorsette III
This is an empowering workshop designed to help Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and disabled individuals build self-advocacy and leadership skills to pursue public office and community leadership. Participants will explore the history and impact of disability advocacy, including the ADA. Learn why representation in government matters, and gain practical tools for accessible communication, coalition-building, and campaign strategies, all while developing personal action plans to claim their seat at the table in public service.
Workshop I – (3:00pm to 3:45pm) Know Your Rights and Take Action: How to File a Complaint: Alayna Lail
This interactive workshop empowers participants to understand their civil rights and the protections available under state and federal law. Attendees will learn how to recognize discrimination , harassment, and barriers to equal access in areas such as employment, housing, education, and public services. The session also provides a step by step overview of how to file a formal complaint with Michigan Department Civil Right, what to expect during the process , and available resources for support.
Track 2: Sessions on Community Resources, Tools, and Best Practices
Workshop B (10:00am to 10:45am): Artificial Intelligence – Workplace Discrimination Pitfalls by Amy Maes
AI now touches hiring, meetings, training, and “productivity” scoring—often creating significant barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees. This workshop will highlight the biggest pitfalls (like flawed auto-captions, inaccurate speaker labeling, and inaccessible one-way video interviews), outlines ADA and Michigan legal obligations, provides a current overview of federal guidance, and equips attendees with concrete tools to ensure true inclusion in this ever-changing work world.
Workshop D (11:00am to 11:45am): Audism & Autonomy by Dr. Edward Bart
We often talk about audism but sometimes it’s hard to explain when we feel that something happened. This workshops provides tools to discuss audism and possible way to identify if an incident is an example of audism. This workshop also provides people a space to discuss their experiences that can be connected to new concepts being shown to participants.
Workshop F (1:00pm to 1:45pm): Launch of Lead-K Michigan by Sara Sibble and Freida Morrsion
Join us to learn about Michigan’s new LEAD-K initiative (Public Act 256), supporting early language development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children ages 0-5.
What to expect:
- Overview of PA 256 and its impact
- Introduction to MI Language Milestones for DHH
- Review of recommended language assessments
- Walkthrough of the new LEAD-K Parent Resource website
This session is a collaborative opportunity to strengthen support for DHH children and families – led by MDE RDHH
Workshop H (2:00pm to 2:45pm) Healthy Plant-Based Lifestyle by Sandria Graham
eaf & hard-of-hearing individuals often face high rates of heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension due to communication barriers and lack of accessible nutrition education. Join our ASL-led, whole-food plant-based wellness workshop to:
- Discover how a plant-based diet can prevent and reverse chronic illness.
- Access to supportive resources and community in your own language.
Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to live a healthier, happier life!
Workshop J – (3:00pm to 3:45pm) Assistive Technology: Opening Up Possibilities in Your Daily Life : Caitlin Hurban
Join the Michigan Assistive Technology Program to learn about how Assistive Technology (AT) can increase access, open up possibilities, and improve your daily life! Learn about AT for daily living, smart home access, hearing, vision, communication, learning, recreation, self regulation, and so much more! Learn about what assistive technology is available and then get some hands on time to try it yourself.
This workshop is beneficial for anyone who wants to learn more about assistive technology and how it can be used in their personal and/or professional lives.