Iowa Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

09/06/2026

🎃Annual Family Day at the Pumpkin Patch!🎃

Join Iowa EHDI, Iowa Hands & Voices, Iowa School for the Deaf Family Support Mentoring Program and the Iowa Deafblind Project for a family fun day at the Pumpkin Patch! This year we will have 3 locations to choose from! Join us for a day of fun and socializing with other families that have children who are deaf, hard or hearing, or deafblind!

The three locations will be in Northwest, Central and Eastern Iowa.
This is open to families of deaf/hard of hearing/deafblind children of all ages! (Registration is for immediate family members only)

📆When: Saturday, October 17th 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
📍Central Iowa Location - Black's Heritage Farms - Ames
📍Eastern Iowa Location - Bart's Farm Pumpkins - Marion
📍Northwest Iowa Location - Fields of Fun - Sioux Center

Register Here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/0j7x4810cH

[ID: Woman kneeling next to young boy in green hat holding a small pumpkin in a pumpkin patch field.]

09/04/2026

📣EHDI's next New to the Journey : Deaf Mentor Panel is coming up soon! 📣

If your child is deaf or hard of hearing, no matter their age, this session is for you!

Join EHDI and Iowa School for the Deaf's Family Support Mentoring program on Zoom for an inspiring conversation with Deaf Mentors as they share their stories, experiences growing up and what the Deaf Mentor program can look like for your family. You will have the chance to ask questions, learn from real lived experiences and connect with a community ready to support you on your journey.
Come learn, connect and feel empowered!

We hope you can join us!

📆Thursday, September 24th, 6:30-8:00 pm on Zoom
🖱Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/ihAWgA8BZ

[ID Man signing kneels on floor next to a young boy signing play. They are playing with colorful blocks on a white rug in front of a blue couch.]

09/04/2026

September is Deaf Awareness Month!

Read this article on a Deaf ER Nurse who is breaking barriers. Love to see positive role models in the spotlight!

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/deaf-er-nurse-breaking-barriers-in-florida/507-642b07bf-453d-4daa-9fdb-6616498f3ee0?fbclid=IwY2xjawUHvohwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWIyaGxYZTZMWDZEWHRKOTdzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEed2E6i-IoLaS7Cm73nTZAz6PSOORRkrxvrKoJA-pwtLpEXOoQIOdGx_zOa7I_aem_RCYAcij9_c21Sexa_S5fYg

Bethany ‘Bebe’ Baker is redefining what’s possible for deaf professionals in healthcare while working in a Florida emergency room.

08/30/2026

If you live in the Des Moines area, check out these free Deaf & Hard of Hearing Art Gatherings at the Des Moines Art Centers on Friday nights starting September 11th!

08/29/2026

Don't forget to register for ASL classes. They are FREE for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing!

Ready to learn ASL? Classes are available for families of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, educators and community members. Learn from native ASL users through weekly classes that are offered virtually and in-person.

Find more information and registration details at this link: https://iaeducationfordeafandblind.org/ASLclass.

[ID: ISD logo, student and staff sit at a table, staff signs to student, registration open.]

08/28/2026

Last chance to register for this fun event in Waterloo!

08/24/2026

“‘Small Talk ASL is a labor of love I am developing with a scrappy but talented and generous team of Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing animators and engineers,’ Staub points out in his post, adding, ‘It’s completely free, and because there should never be an obstacle to learning ASL, we’re committed to keeping it that way, forever.’”
Checkout this awesome new series!
https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/07/animator-josh-staub-launches-small-talk-asl-learning-app-series-project/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT5OcVwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4EUjLqvBbiJzBTKiANUQY1pKfb6BmiFf-6hHSFhQomU-FgoVACuZdAhT5B9Q_aem_TqnLg3JNF9sV3xvScqg-2Q

A new app created by Disney animator Josh Staub tied to his animated series project 'Small Talk' offers a charming way to learn ASL.

08/17/2026

Checkout these events!

💚 Thrive Together is partnering with Iowa School for the Deaf Outreach for two free events, plus two quick surveys, all for families raising children who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind!

Part I: Meet Thrive Together (Virtual)
📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026
💻 Zoom
⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM
📝 Register by Monday, August 17

Part II: Fun Day at Palmer's Family Fun (In-Person)
📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026
📍 Palmer's Family Fun, 1666 W Airline Hwy, Waterloo, IA 50703
⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
🎉 Go-karts, mini golf, and a jumping pillow!
📝 Register by Friday, August 28

We'd also love to hear from you. There are two short surveys, one for students and one for parents/guardians, to help us understand what supports and resources would be most helpful for your family.

🔗 All links (surveys + event registration): https://iaeducationfordeafandblind.org/connections
Questions? Contact Anne-Michelle Pedersen:
📧 [email protected]
📱 Cell: (712) 417-0836
💬 VP: (712) 560-3978

We hope to see you there! 💚

08/15/2026

It's not too late to register for this virtual event! This is a conversation you will not want to miss!
Join EHDI and Iowa School for the Deaf's Family Support Mentoring Progrram for this unique opportunity to hear firsthand from other parents of children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing at varying parts of their journey about the challenges they faced, the successes they celebrated, and the lessons they learned along the way.
This conversation offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss! You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and engage directly with the parents.
We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful and informative session.

📆Tuesday, August 18th from 6:30-8:00 pm on Zoom.
🖱Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/W0fTMz4ZQZ

Looking for real-life insight, connection and community?

Join EHDI and Iowa School for the Deaf's Family Support Mentoring Program for an inspiring panel featuring parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Hear honest stories, practical tips and the experiences they wish they'd known earlier.

You will have the chance to ask questions, learn from families who've been there and discover meaningful ways to connect with other families. Don't miss this opportunity to gain support, share ideas and strengthen your network!

📆Tuesday, August 18th from 6:30-8:00 pm on Zoom.
🖱Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/W0fTMz4ZQZ

08/13/2026

Live near the Waterloo area? Check out this fun event at the library with Iowa Hands & Voices!

Mark your calendars! We are excited to partner with the Waterloo Public Library for Signs a Stories! A fun morning of Signed stories, refreshments, and a craft!

📚☕️☀️🎨🍩♥️🤟🏻