This session will allow attendees to learn more about all what MN Hands & Voices (MN H&V) has to offer. Such as connecting families with a regional and/or cultural parent guide, connecting with deaf and hard of hearing guides, and having the ability to connect the family to an ASTra advocate to help support the family with educational needs. Our trained staff can meet with families wherever they may be on their journey. An overview of materials shared will be discussed. Share the benefits of events provided to families. A review of how we fit into the Early Hearing Detection Intervention (EHDI) system, the referral process and reporting system.
Anne Barlow has been with Minnesota Hands & Voices since December of 2013. She began as a Parent Guide where she was able to share her 25+ years of experience as a parent of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. As director, Anne is honored to lead a diverse and passionate team who strongly believe in our mission of parent support and empowerment. Anne lives in the northwest metro area. She and her husband are the proud parents of two adult children, the older of whom is Deaf, and are grandparents to 3 CODAs (Child of a Deaf Adult). She is a "retired" Occupational Therapist (OTR) and has also worked as a para and/or volunteer in special education at the elementary level for many years. She loves to read mysteries, bake, bike, swim, and swing in a hammock. She tries to learn something new every day.
Brenda Hommerding has been working with Minnesota Hands & Voices (MNH&V)since April of 2006. She started as a Parent Guide and took on the additional role of Lead Regional Guide in 2015. In 2017 Brenda moved onto a different role in the organization as the Guide By Your Side Manager. She specializes in educational advocacy, language development, and community access. Brenda lives in central Minnesota. She and her husband are the parents of twin girls who were born in 2001 and are both hard of hearing in different degrees. Brenda herself is hard of hearing. Brenda also has 2 young grandsons who were born deaf. Brenda has served on the St. Cloud Area Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Board and has been instrumental in collaborating with community stakeholders to hold events for families locally. Brenda currently serves on the West Central DHHS Advisory Board and in July of 2020 has been appointed to the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing board. Brenda continues to represent MNH&V at national conferences and was awarded the Miss Congeniality Award in 2017 for her patience, kindness, and being an all-around, good-natured person. Her mother always wanted Brenda to be a teacher, so being a part of Minnesota Hands & Voices allows her to share and learn with a unique group of people. Brenda loves to cross-stitch, read, paint, dance, garden, and spend time with family and friends.
