Event Details

Registration Deadline: May 15, 2026

Event intended for Early ACCESS (Birth to 3 Years Old) families.

Free event hosted by Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

A weekend for parents to learn strategies about raising and communicating with their children who are 2-5 years old and are deaf or hard of hearing.

During this free weekend, parents will: 

  • Be assigned one room for lodging.
  • Enjoy some free meals.
  • Learn strategies to communicate with your child.
  • Learn basic ASL vocabulary and know where to find ASL classes/lessons.
  • Understand where to find outstanding resources to use with your child.
  • Work with a Deaf mentor.
  • Get your questions answered about raising a deaf child.
  • Play with your child.
  • Learn how to read a story to your child.
  • Connect with other parents who have deaf children.
  • Learn resources you can contact in the future.
  • Gain confidence parenting your child.
  • Attend Des Moines Children’s Museum on Friday evening.

SibShop is new this year, for hearing siblings (5 years old up to age 10). The SibShop track provides a fun and supportive space, while giving these kids a chance to talk about their experiences, meet other kids who understand their family life and have fun while sharing
and connecting.

Note: Siblings that are 18 months old or younger will remain with their parent(s) throughout the weekend activities.

Contact:

Stacey Morgan
712-317-7298
stacey.morgan@iaedb.org

Iowa School for the Deaf Family Resources webpage