Access in Action: Making School Emergencies Safe for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Workshop description

This presentation focuses on making school emergency procedures accessible for individuals with hearing loss. Participants will explore how to develop inclusive safety plans, engage students in meaningful "what-if" conversations about emergency scenarios, and identify both low- and high-tech tools that support effective communication and safety during critical situations.

Presented by Jeanne D'Aloia and Emily Manson. 

Jeanne D'Aloia

Jeanne grew up with a progressive hearing loss and attended a mainstream public school, where she received pull-out Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) services from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This experience shaped her passion for supporting students who are deaf and hard of hearing. She has over 15 years of experience working as a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in both itinerant and resource settings, supporting students across a variety of educational environments. Jeanne is currently an Assistant Principal/Special Education Coordinator with ISD 917’s Deaf/Hard of Hearing Resource Program and Itinerant Services, where she continues to advocate for accessible, inclusive practices for students and staff. Jeanne also contributes to the State DHH Community of Practice and the READ Act DHH Working Group. She is deeply committed to improving access and outcomes for students who are deaf and hard of hearing and to advancing inclusive practices that support full participation across all environments.

Emily Manson

Since 2010, Emily Manson has dedicated her career to ensuring that students who are deaf or hard of hearing have the tools they need to succeed. As an Itinerant DHH Teacher for St. Paul Public Schools, she is supporting linguistically diverse students and is a tireless advocate for equitable access to educational environments and materials. Beyond the classroom, Emily holds numerous leadership and advisory roles at the regional and state levels. She currently serves as the Co-Facilitator for the Region 11 DHH Community of Practice and contributes her expertise to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) DHH Advisory Committee, the State DHH Community of Practice, the READ Act DHH Working Group, the MN Hands and Voices Advisory Committee, MDE's Accommodations Advisory Review Panel, and WIDA's Accessible Pathways Committee. Her work is defined by a commitment to systemic accessibility and improving outcomes for students with hearing loss.