Hands Up Conference

Thursday, June 18, 2026 - Sunday, June 21, 2026

Hosted at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center | Orlando, Florida

2026 Waves of Change Partners

Thank you for your support!

University Sponsor

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Conference Interpreting Services

Top Sign Language Interpreting LLC, Florida

RID Sponsor

Sign Language Studios LLC, Tennessee

LiveVoice

Real-time voice technology service provided by LiveVoice.

Thank you for your support!

Keynote Speakers for 2026

Renca Dunn | Filling Our Cups

We live in a world where many things are happening at the same time, and information reaches us in the blink of an eye as quickly as we scroll on our phones with our thumbs. How can we hold space for each topic respectfully without tying everything together with a single emotion? What is feeding our minds, hearts, and spirits? What are we filling our “cups” with before we allow them to overflow to others? During this time, each attendee will be encouraged to participate in self-reflection, listening, and reassessing what affects the way we think, believe, and behave and how these may be influenced by external factors. Join us for a time of positive introspection.

Joseph Featherstone | Waves of Change: Better Catch the Wave

Change is a constant in the interpreting profession, yet many interpreters struggle with when, how, and why change is necessary. In this one-hour keynote address, participants will explore the personal and professional factors that signal a need for change within interpreting practice and everyday life. The session will begin by examining what prompts change, including shifts in the profession, ethical challenges, burnout, and moments when current practices no longer serves the Deaf and interpreter communities effectively. Participants will focus on making effective change by identifying practical strategies for adjusting mindset, behavior, and professional decision-making. Our time will conclude by addressing why change matters, highlighting the impact intentional change, professional growth, ethical clarity, and personal fulfillment. Participants will leave with a clear framework for understanding what needs to change, how to begin the change process, and why embracing change leads to stronger outcomes in both our professional and personal life.

Conference Schedule Available Now!

Hands Up Conference 2025-2026 Price Points

SPECIAL EVENT!

Improv Night in American Sign Language

Prepare for a night of laughter and creativity as we present a unique and exhilarating Improv Night in American Sign Language! This special event will feature an all-star lineup of performers, including:

Crom - Known for his quick wit and expressive storytelling, Crom brings an engaging energy that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Wink - With a flair for physical comedy and spontaneous humor, Wink adds a delightful twist to the improv experience.
Mr. Shineyhead - His charismatic presence and clever improvisational skills will light up the stage and keep the audience entertained.

Join us for an evening of dynamic performances where communication transcends words, and humor knows no boundaries. Whether you’re a fan of ASL, new to the community, or just looking for a great night out, this event promises to be a memorable experience.

Who Should Attend the Hands Up Conference

Researchers, Linguists, and Students
Interpreters Training Programs Instructors
Anyone who want to learn American Sign Language
Signing Speech Language Pathologist
Family of Deaf Individuals (CODA, SODA)

Hands Up Conference Language Expectations

The primary language of communication at the Hands Up Conference is American Sign Language (ASL). Workshops and presentations will be conducted in ASL with no voice interpretations. Please make your best effort to communicate in sign language in all training rooms, exhibit/vendor areas, in the hotel lobby and other common areas. The Fledgling Conference track has different communication expectations, but we would ask fledgling attendees to try their best. If necessary, feel free to use spoken English in The Florida Mall and outside the hotel. We ask that all conference attendees strive to respect d/Deaf space.

Calling All Signing Communities!

Book Your Silent Weekend in 3 Easy Steps!

Step 01

General Admission

Step 02

The Florida Hotel

Step 03

Improv Night

Letter of Justification to Attend the Hands Up Conference

Attached is a letter you can submit to your employer encouraging them to consider financially contributing to your attendance at the Hands Up Conference. This letter outlines the numerous topics and benefits to you and your organization.

Accommodation Requests

At The Hands Up Conference, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all attendees. If you require accommodations, please fill out the form below or contact us directly at Conference@HandsUpCommunications.com.

We especially encourage accommodation requests from individuals who are DeafBlind, Tactile Interpreting, special seating, or have additional accessibility needs.

Please note: The primary language of The Hands Up Conference is American Sign Language (ASL). Workshops that are interpreted into English will be clearly marked or listed as “Fledgling Classes.”

Your comfort and access matter to us—reach out and let us know how we can support your experience. Requests for accommodations must be received before May 1, 2026 – we cannot assure provision of services for requests received after May 1, 2026.

The Tuccelli Scholarship

Honoring the Legacy of Mike and Maureen Tuccelli

The Tuccelli Scholarship was created to honor the lifelong contributions of Mike and Maureen Tuccelli, who dedicated over four decades to uplifting the ASL community through education, inclusion, and accessibility. Their vision and legacy live on through The Hands Up Conference, and this scholarship ensures that their mission of equal access continues to thrive.

The Tuccelli Scholarship provides complimentary conference registration (Thursday–Sunday) for individuals, families, or groups who are eager to grow in their ASL journey but may face financial barriers to attendance.

We welcome anyone to apply—whether you’re a student, professional, family member, or Deaf community member with a passion for ASL and connection. All recipients will be recognized on Thursday during Opening Night as part of our shared celebration of access, learning, and community.

How To Apply

Please fill out the application below or email your responses directly to
Conference@HandsUpCommunications.com

The scholarship does not include transportation, lodging, meals, or additional support services. It only covers complimentary registration to attend the Hands Up Conference from Thursday through Sunday. We look forward to hearing your story and continuing the Tuccellis’ mission of creating a space where everyone belongs.

Special Thank You to the Founders of Silent Weekend!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

A group of diverse children and adults holding hands outdoors in a circle.

Mammogram Scans

On Saturday, June 20th, 2026, the Mammogram Mobile will be back and stationed in The Florida Hotel and Conference Center parking lot. Schedule your mammogram when you are not attending workshops at the Hands Up Conference.

They are bringing advanced 3D mammography technology to the women attending the conference. All insurance plans are accepted, however for women without insurance you may still get screened. The cost for a mammogram screening for women who are uninsured is $180.00.

Schedule your appointment: https://www.3dmobilemammography.com

This is a great opportunity for early detection and preventive care.

Scheduling in advance makes this only a 10 minute appointment!

The History of National Tuccelli Day

Every third weekend of June, the ASL community comes together to celebrate National Tuccelli Day, a day dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of Mike and Maureen Tuccelli—visionaries who spent over 40 years fostering growth, education, and inclusion within the American Sign Language (ASL) profession.

How It All Began

In 1979, Mike and Maureen Tuccelli had a bold idea—to create a space where ASL professionals, interpreters, and students could come together in an inclusive, immersive learning environment. They wanted a conference where everyone, regardless of skill level, could feel equal and grow together.

That vision became a reality on June 19, 1980, when they launched the first-ever Silent Weekend Conference—a groundbreaking event designed to provide education, skill development, and community-building in a space where ASL was the primary mode of communication. Over the years, Silent Weekend became a beloved tradition, attracting hundreds of attendees annually and leaving a lasting impact on the ASL community.

Why National Tuccelli Day?

The Tuccellis’ dedication to communication accessibility and professional development changed the landscape of ASL education. Their unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment inspired thousands of interpreters, Deaf individuals, and ASL users across the nation.

Even after decades of success, their passion never wavered. Silent Weekend continued to thrive until Maureen Tuccelli’s passing in 2022, marking the end of an era but not the end of their legacy. National Tuccelli Day was created to ensure their contributions are never forgotten and to inspire future generations to continue their work in accessibility, education, and inclusion.

How Is National Tuccelli Day Observed?

To carry forward the Tuccellis’ mission, their legacy now lives on through the Hands Up Conference, an evolution of the original Silent Weekend. This annual gathering, held on the third week of June, continues to welcome 400+ attendees for an immersive experience of learning, networking, and celebrating ASL.

On National Tuccelli Day, we honor their vision by:

Reflecting on their impact in making ASL education more accessible.
Recognizing interpreters and ASL professionals who embody their spirit of inclusivity.
Encouraging learning and professional development in the field of sign language and Deaf culture.

Although we recognize that June 19th is also celebrated as Juneteenth, we also want to take a few moments to acknowledge the Tuccellis’ additional contributions to the Deaf community, as their work continues to resonate deeply within this space.

A Lasting Legacy

Mike and Maureen Tuccelli’s contributions to the ASL community were profound and transformative. National Tuccelli Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action to continue their work in creating an inclusive, empowering space for ASL users everywhere.

Each year, we will pause to remember, celebrate, and commit to building a future as inclusive, inspiring, and impactful as the one the Tuccellis envisioned over four decades ago. We are all united on common ground—regardless of education, knowledge, race, age, or background—as we continue their legacy of equality, inclusivity, and shared growth.

On National Tuccelli Day, we honor their vision by:

Reflecting on their impact in making ASL education more accessible.
Recognizing interpreters and ASL professionals who embody their spirit of inclusivity.
Encouraging learning and professional development in the field of sign language and Deaf culture.