The Lil’ Hands Up Conference is a dynamic and engaging event designed specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, ages 4-12, and their families to explore and celebrate American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture.
This weekend-long conference provides an interactive and inclusive environment where children can develop foundational ASL skills, engage in hands-on activities, and connect with Deaf and signing communities through storytelling, games, music, and creative play. At the same time, their hearing parents have the opportunity to attend workshops focused on Deaf children’s rights, advocacy, and creating an active presence in their child’s life, among other essential topics.
We are developing this conference to provide parents with a safe and supportive space to learn, while ensuring their children have a fun, educational, and enriching experience in an environment tailored to their needs. Our goal is to meet each child where they are, fostering language development, cultural appreciation, and communication accessibility, while equipping parents with knowledge and tools they can apply in their homes and throughout their child’s future.
Dawn Christerson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Deaf Education from Bowling Green State University. Dawn cares passionately about the educational well-being of Deaf children, and as a former Deaf educator, she maintains her Florida teacher’s license. Currently, Dawn is a full-time American Sign Language interpreter at Hands Up Communications, an all-access language company based in Ocala, Florida. She holds a 4.0 Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) with more than nine years of experience as an educational interpreter. She is actively involved in the Deaf and interpreting communities; she consistently seeks to hone her craft through regular involvement in communities of practice and inquiry, as well as other professional development opportunities.
Diana Cobble has been signing since childhood and is dedicated to being an ally, working collaboratively alongside members of the Deaf Community. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science degree from the University of North Florida, both in American Sign Language/English Interpreting. She received the nationally recognized Educational Interpreting Certificate through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and has worked as an interpreter in education, religious, and community settings. Since 2015, she has been teaching American Sign Language full-time and is currently a faculty member at Polk State College, where she serves as the advisor for the college’s ASL Honor Society chapter. She additionally holds a certificate in Non-Profit Management and serves on the board of directors for the non-profit organization Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Advocate Coalition of Polk County, Florida.
Jamie Freeland is a man of many trades! He is a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), teaches American Sign Language (ASL) in his local community, and serves as the President of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Advocate Coalition of Polk County. Mr. Freeland has been an educator for more than 26 years, specializing in Math, STEM, and Robotics. He currently operates two YouTube channels—one dedicated to teaching ASL and the other focused on Math. In addition to his educational work, Jamie has served as an Army Chaplain for 18 years, completing three combat tours. He is married to a wonderful wife who is deaf, and together they have four children. Jamie has numerous hobbies and passions, including woodworking, welding, and RV adventures. Most importantly, he is a man of faith, striving to grow closer to God, his family, and his community.
Travis Long graduated from the University of North Florida in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in ASL/English Interpreting with a minor in Deaf Studies. Prior to receiving his bachelor’s degree, Travis attended the College of Central Florida, where he received his Associate in Science with a focus on Early Childhood Education. Travis has been interpreting in the K-12 education system for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students since 2019. He volunteers his time within the Deaf community both locally and statewide. Travis has worked with Camp Endeavor, a traditional sleepaway camp in Dundee, Florida, for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing youth, in multiple capacities over the past six years. Travis has also trained and mentored with the Florida and Virgin Islands DeafBlind Collaborative as a DeafBlind Co-navigator, as well as completed the Protactile Language Interpreting Certificate program.
Luisa Seward is an educational interpreter for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in beautiful Ocala, Florida. She holds Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) credentials and has a passion for educating children who are deaf. Both of her parents are Deaf, and she has been signing for as long as she can remember. She is very excited to be part of the Lil’ Hands Up Conference and looks forward to encouraging the growth and development of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. In her free time, she loves spending time in nature. She is also a lover of animals and good food!
Welcome to the Lil’ Hands Up Conference! We understand that parents may have questions about this unique event designed for families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for the weekend.
Lil’ Hands Up is a special program within the Hands Up Conference created for children ages 4-12 and their families. It offers an immersive learning experience where kids can meet other children with hearing parents, learn, grow, and make friends. It was created so parents have the opportunity to attend workshops led by professionals in the field to better understand their child’s needs, rights, and communication options.
Lil’ Hands Up is open to Deaf or Hard of Hearing children ages 4-12 and their siblings (ability to hear is okay). It is designed for families navigating life with a Deaf/HoH child, including parents, guardians, and siblings who wish to participate in workshops and activities. All children 13+ must be accompanied by an adult. Lil’ Hands Up Conference is not designed for child care for anyone to bring their child. You must be a parent with a Deaf or hard of hearing child.
Yes. We have three head organizers as well as four adult volunteers, all of whom have undergone background checks. For the safety of all children, no adult is permitted to supervise or stay with the children unless a background check has been processed and cleared. Your child’s safety is our top priority.
Lil’ Hands Up is held alongside the Hands Up Conference, taking place every third weekend in June, annually. The event is hosted at The Florida Hotel in Orlando, Florida, with activities scheduled throughout the weekend. The hotel is located about a 20 minute drive from the Orlando, FL (MCO) airport by Uber/Lyft. There is no shuttle service provided by the hotel.
– Children will participate in a variety of interactive activities, including:
– Basic ASL lessons through fun and engaging games
– Arts & crafts with an ASL/Deaf culture theme
– Storytelling in ASL and English
– Social activities to connect with other children who have hearing parents
– Group activities focused on Deaf culture and identity
While we currently do not have a Deaf individual who has volunteered for Lil’ Hands Up full-time yet, all instructors are Certified ASL Interpreters/Instructors who will be using ASL throughout the entire weekend. Additionally, Deaf professionals and presenters will be attending and participating in the larger conference, ensuring exposure to native signers.You or your child do not need to know ASL to attend.
Yes! ASL will be the primary mode of communication during the conference, and our instructors will meet your child where they are at, whether they communicate with ASL, gestures, cochlear implants, or a combination of modalities. All communication will have a form of ASL assist.
Lil’ Hands Up was designed as a family-friendly space, meaning our intention was to offer a space for your child while you attend parent workshops tailored to support and educate families on raising a Deaf/Hard of Hearing child. Children are not allowed to join you during the workshops as we want to respect other registrants in their learning.
Parents attending the conference will have access to a variety of workshops, including:
✔ Conversational Sign Language – Learn foundational ASL skills to improve communication with your child. (Heavily encourage you to attend Mr. ASL’s classes, Mike Tuccelli, the founder of Silent Weekend)
✔ Parent Discussion & Q&A – Connect with other parents, share experiences, and gain support.
✔ Celebrating Deaf Culture – Gain insights into Deaf identity, traditions, and ASL’s cultural importance.
✔ Advocacy & Your Child’s Rights – Learn how to support your child’s education and navigate IEPs.
✔ Overcoming Stigmas & Misconceptions in the Hispanic Community – Address cultural barriers when raising a Deaf child. This opportunity is offered on Saturday only from 8am-6:30pm where we are offering a full day for Spanish speaking parents to attend workshops for their Deaf child in Spanish.
Register for Spanish Saturday HERE!
Registration is available HERE. Please sign up early, as space is limited!
Use Promo Code: LilHands-62025 (50% off)
Yes, there is a registration fee that covers the cost of materials, activities, and professional instruction. Please refer to the registration page for pricing details. All Registration and the Lil’ Hands Up Program will go towards the children’s program. Registration does not include travel, hotel accommodations, meals, or the optional ASL Improv Night on Saturday evening (rated PG13)
We recommend bringing:
✔ Comfortable clothing for interactive activities for the kiddos
✔ A refillable water bottle. Only water will be served during the conference.
✔ Any personal communication devices your child uses (if applicable)
✔ A notepad or tablet for parents to take notes during workshops.
Meals are not included but we will be offering snack time to your child at designated times. Only water will be served as we do not want to make the area sticky with juices. Please let us know if your child has any allergies or restrictions.
The Conference is held at The Florida Hotel that is attached to The Florida Mall where there is a food court area, surrounding restaurants, or easy access to Uber Eats/Door Dash deliveries.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at Shannon Rippeto at Shannon@HandsUpCommunications.com or Bill F. Ross III at Conference@HandsUpCommunications.com. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Lil’ Hands Up!
📅 Mark your calendar & register today!
🔗English/Full Weekend: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hands-up-conference/lil-hands-up-2025-parent-track-and-lil-hands-rate/e-pqvblk
🔗Spanish Saturday ONLY: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hands-up-conference/dia-de-espanol-para-padres-con-ninos-sordos/e-ajpoxz
This workshop is perfect for the beginner. Attendees will acquire foundational language skills, both expressively and receptively (fingerspelling, sign names, and conversational language skills). Each participant will learn and practice the manual alphabet (A, B, Cs). Attention will be focused on how to correctly produce the handshapes, and they will spell their name and their family members using the manual alphabet. Discussions will address the challenges of using sign language and how to address some of those difficulties. Participants will learn how to effectively ask open ended and yes/no questions (WH-words such as who, what, where, when, why, which, and how) with the appropriate facial expressions. Participants will be able to carry on short basic conversations by the conclusion of the workshop. This workshop is divided into 2 parts and each part is 2 hours.
Part 1 Overview: 2 hours
Part 2 Overview: 2 hours
This workshop is essential for anyone wanting to learn or improve their foundational skills, such as use of space, numbers, and indicating pronouns. Attendees will work to further develop their foundational conversational language skills. Participants will learn and practice exchanging personal information and holding a conversation with deaf adults/children. Participants will learn how to effectively use and produce ordinal numbers (first, second, third) and cardinal numbers (counting 1, 2, 3). Skills will be “tested” when signers combine numbers, fingerspelling, and signed words when sharing contact information (address, cell number, and email addresses). Participants will be able to carry on short basic conversations by the conclusion of the workshop. This workshop is divided into 2 parts and each part is 2 hours.
Part 1 Overview: 2 hours
Part 2 Overview: 2 hours
This workshop will provide insight to parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children by explaining what goes on inside the classroom during the school day and how their education is accessed. The interpreter role inside the classroom will be discussed so parents can better understand how their child is being provided communication access while in the school system. The role of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher will also be discussed within the classroom and how parents can use this information to provide continuous language use in their day-to-day family interactions. This will be an informative and interactive workshop where parents can learn valuable information and have plenty of time to ask questions so we can help bridge the gap of language deprivation happening within our communities and family homes.
Parents of Deaf children often find encouragement in meeting successful Deaf individuals raised by hearing parents. Frequently, parents of Deaf children are uncertain about the future of their child. Often, doctors, audiologists, and other well-meaning professionals focus on the negative and sensational concerns about the outlook for their Deaf children. Hear the recommendations, suggestions, and experiences of these four Deaf adults as they share their stories. This panel/workshop will be moderated by Joseph “JV” Featherstone, a Deaf person who was also raised by hearing parents. Join us for an encouraging and challenging time of growth. This power, privilege, and oppression studies program is approved for .2 CEUs at the some level for all interpreters.
What are my child’s rights in the community? Can we get an American Sign Language interpreter for a doctor visit? For an art class? Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, numerous Americans have gained access to services that they may have formerly been denied. However, the Deaf community still faces numerous roadblocks when requesting interpreting services. This is especially true for parents of Deaf children. This workshop will help parents become familiar with their rights and how to request services for community related events and services. Come explore the laws that support access in environments other than the public school setting. This professional studies program is approved for .2 CEUs at the some level for all interpreters.
How can I engage in my child’s education if s/he is Deaf? How do I secure interpreting services, voice my concerns, or check interpreter credentials? The school environment can be difficult for Deaf children because they are learning about the world and life around them while still acquiring language while the educational content becomes increasingly rigorous. Assure that your child has competent and qualified sign language interpreters for their overall success. Join us in this workshop as we explore curriculum and socialization access for the future success of your child. This professional studies program is approved for .2 CEUs at the some level for all interpreters.
This workshop will use three unique, but similar experiences, spanning more than 24 years, all of which relate to the concept of having a presence in kindergarten through postsecondary. The discussion will develop as we work together to describe and determine the meaning of having a presence. How do we have a presence in the lives of our Deaf children? The “how” of this discussion will draw on research from special education, social work, interpreting, and mental health showing application specific to children with hearing loss and their families. This workshop will integrate with principles developed by psychologist Nicholas Hobbs, who was a pioneer in the field of child psychology. These principles form the foundation of Positive Behavioral Strategies (PBS) which is used in public schools across the United States. The presentation will close with questions that children with hearing loss have posed to the presenter during her 50-year career – questions that show poignant imaginations and curiosity. This general studies program is approved for .2 CEUs at the some level for all interpreters.
This workshop is perfect for anyone considering becoming a sign language interpreter. Claris Industrious recalls the day she decided that interpreting would become her career. Yet finding reliable resources was difficult; she was unable to go to a single source for information about making that transition, instead Claris listened to anyone and everyone who seemed to know more than her. Which led to such confusion! This workshop will focus on the hard and soft skills that a student interpreter must have, and the knowledge a parent (or teacher) should have to guide their future interpreter. Information regarding degrees requirements, minimum skill level, and costs involved, training, agencies, the Deaf community norms, certifications available, Code of Conduct issues, and so much more.
Florida’s Expanded Skills are the unique standards that have been designed with deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) and dualsensory impaired (DSI) students in mind. These standards are for students who require specially designed instruction to learn about how their hearing loss impacts them in school, home and community. The knowledge expected increases as the students age. They will learn their rights as a person with a disability and how to advocate for those rights in their post-secondary lives. In this presentation, parents will learn about these courses and standards and how they can support the growth of these skills in the home.
Being a good storyteller is valued around the world. Within the Deaf community being a skilled storyteller is very important. It is the way that the community shares experiences, tragedies, and times of celebration. Parents of Deaf children often struggle signing stories because often it feels like the words “get in the way.” In this workshop Annie Pearl will share a story with the family and model how to share the story in a more organic/natural way that will not get “bogged down” with the words. This story time is open to anyone of any age. Join us as Annie Pearl Murphy signs the story, “One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike than Different” written by Lindsey Davis. You will learn vocabulary about colors, emotions, and how to describe people. Join us for this fun and heartwarming story – you do not want to miss Annie Pearl’s story telling skills!
Would you like help with properly communicating your child’s needs? Do you understand the correct accommodations for your son or daughter? Can you help educate other parents about what you know about your child’s hearing loss? Are you able to confidently assert your child’s right to equal opportunities in the learning environment? In this educational session, there will be key strategies for advocacy skills for your children who are Deaf and hard of hearing. If you would like to continue to learn and grow about your rights as a parent with a child who is Deaf and hard of hearing, then this professional educational session is for you! You will learn about the power of self-advocacy (and how to teach your child self-advocacy), be an active advocate, promote inclusivity, and connect with Deaf and hard-of-hearing community members in your circle. This 1-hour session can be a cultivation of both the Hearing and Deaf World!
As a Deaf person Keene is profoundly aware that he represents the Deaf community through an active social media presence. The messages conveyed and communicated to audiences require truth, sensitivity, and awareness – all of which are conveyed each time Keene shares. This workshop will emphasize the role of authentic representation of Deaf individuals in media and the performing arts. Drawing from their experiences as a Deaf content creator, actor, and model, they will demonstrate how accurate and diverse portrayals can challenge stereotypes, foster inclusivity, and inspire positive change. This professional studies program is approved for .2 CEUs at the some level for all interpreters.
This presentation will cover the 15 principles of reading to Deaf children, with a specific focus on the beloved children’s book, The Kissing Hand. The goal of this workshop is to equip parents of Deaf children with effective strategies for reading books in American Sign Language (ASL), while also helping to reinforce the learning process. Throughout the session, we will explore how to use ASL to enhance comprehension, build vocabulary, and foster a love for reading, all while ensuring the child’s full engagement with the story. Incorporating the 15 principles into the reading experience will help parents learn the best practices for creating a rich, interactive environment that supports language development. This workshop is designed to offer practical tools that parents can immediately apply when reading with their children, providing them with a deeper understanding of how to nurture literacy and emotional connection through storytelling in ASL.
This introductory-level class is designed for novice to beginner signers and is a fantastic opportunity for families of Deaf individuals. Participants will learn from Mr. ASL himself, Michael Tuccelli, a respected figure in the Deaf community and Founder of Silent Weekend! In this workshop, we will build expressive and receptive language skills by exploring fundamental ASL grammar, including noun-verb pairs, classifiers, and the importance of facial expressions. We will also dedicate time to practicing accurate number signs and fingerspelling production through interactive exercises, enhancing clarity and speed. This class provides a solid foundation for using American Sign Language in everyday situations, making it an excellent starting point for beginners and family members eager to connect with the Deaf community.
Using a simple visual formula, participants will intuitively generate American Sign Language sentences, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively. They will also describe geometric shapes as classifiers, which are essential for conveying detailed visual information. Additionally, participants will engage in both expressive and receptive activities to describe three or more objects in various spatial configurations, fostering a deeper understanding of how ASL utilizes space. We will address common features that transition messages from general to specific, large to small, or permanent to temporary, helping participants grasp the nuances of ASL communication. By exploring these variables, attendees will develop a greater appreciation for the richness of American Sign Language, which is not only a means of communication but also one of the world’s most exciting foreign languages.
Juntos, desarrollaremos habilidades básicas de comunicación entre usted y su niño/a de maneras simples y que tengan sentido. En este taller, los participantes aprenderán los conceptos básicos del lenguaje de señas conversacional, que son esenciales para una comunicación efectiva entre el mundo de las personas que pueden oír y las que son sordas. La sesión cubre señas comunes, cómo estructurar conversaciones en el lenguaje de señas, y consejos para la comunicación no verbal. Las actividades de práctica interactiva permitirán a los participantes participar en conversaciones simuladas, mejorando su fluidez y confianza en el uso del lenguaje de señas. ¡Ven y aprende los conceptos básicos del lenguaje de señas para fomentar una comunicación efectiva con su hijo/a sordo!
Together, we will build basic communication skills between you and your child in ways that are simple and make sense. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of conversational sign language, which are essential for effective communication between the world of people who can hear and those who are Deaf. The session covers common signs, how to structure conversations in sign language, and tips for non-verbal communication. Interactive practice activities will allow participants to engage in mock conversations, improving their fluency and confidence in using sign language. Come and learn the essentials of sign language to foster effective communication with your Deaf child!
Este taller anima a los padres a hablar sobre las alegrías, dificultades y desafíos de criar a un niño sordo con otros padres que lo entiendan. Este tiempo incluirá algunas preguntas facilitadas (si es necesario). Se alienta a los padres a hablar con Marilu Santos, Yary Santiago, Rosa Rodríguez y Gredder Rios-Lorenzo quienes estarán presentes para compartir algunas de sus experiencias de vida y facilitar conversaciones con preguntas que provoquen reflexión.
This workshop encourages parents to talk about the joys, hardships, and challenges of raising a Deaf child with other parents who understand. This time will include some facilitated questions (if needed). Parents are encouraged to talk to Marilu Santos, Yary Santiago, Rosa Rodriguez, and Gredder Rios-Lorenzo who will be present to share some of their life experiences and facilitate conversations with thought-provoking questions.
Este taller destaca los aspectos únicos de la cultura sorda, centrándose en los valores y tradiciones de la comunidad sorda. Los padres obtendrán una comprensión más profunda de la experiencia de las personas sordas, incluyendo la importancia del lenguaje de señas como modo de comunicación y vínculo cultural. Este taller enfatiza la rica identidad cultural de personas sordas, mientras explora algunas diferencias entre las comunidades sordas y oyentes. Únase a nosotros para celebrar la cultura de los sordos, y al mismo tiempo resaltar la importancia de la conciencia cultural y la inclusión.
This workshop highlights the unique aspects of Deaf culture, focusing on the values and traditions of the Deaf community. Parents will gain a deeper understanding of the Deaf experience, including the importance of sign language as both a mode of communication and a cultural bond. This workshop emphasizes the rich cultural identity of Deaf individuals, while exploring the differences between Deaf and hearing communities. Join us as we celebrate Deaf culture while highlighting the importance of cultural awareness and inclusivity.
En esta sección, los participantes explorarán las dinámicas culturales y los desafíos que enfrentan las personas sordas dentro de las comunidades Hispanas. El taller abordará conceptos erróneos, estigmas y factores históricos que contribuyen a los malentendidos sobre la sordera. Al fomentar el diálogo abierto, se alentará a los participantes a reconsiderar los prejuicios culturales y explorar estrategias para abogar por la inclusión dentro de sus comunidades. Analizar las actitudes hacia las creencias y los desafíos culturales, y al mismo tiempo, proporcionar herramientas para fomentar la comprensión y el apoyo.
This workshop focuses on empowering parents to become proactive advocates for their Deaf children. Participants will learn practical advocacy skills, including how to support their child’s communication and education needs, navigate systems, and build confidence in decision-making. The session will also guide parents in recognizing their child’s unique strengths and help them create a vision for their child’s future success. Empowered parents can drive positive change in both their child’s life and the broader community.
©2024. Hands Up Conference. All Rights Reserved.
