Lil’ Hands Up Conference

What is the Lil’ Hands Up Conference?

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.

ASL & English Resources for Families

Language First provides parents with tools, resources, and activities to help Deaf and hard of hearing children thrive in both ASL and English. Their evidence-based guidance strengthens your child’s first language foundation and learning at home. Explore free and paid resources designed for families, professionals, and schools.

Meet the Lil’ Hands Up Coordinators

Cody Puckett

B.A., M.Ed

Mr. Cody Puckett is an adaptive Florida music practitioner working with students who have mild to severe exceptionalities. He received his bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, studying Music Education and Deaf Education from Flagler College and his Master of Education in Special Education from Florida Gulf Coast University. He is a trained vocalist and pianist and has performed with a traveling performing arts college group based in California. Puckett serves the profession in many ways. He is an adjunct at the College of Florida Keys, instruction Exceptional Students Education (ESE) courses at the undergraduate level.

Cody is a Florida ambassador for the Division of Visual and Performing Arts (CEC). He acts under the Divers Learners Committee as an FMEA member. He services partnerships through Polk County Schools as a board member for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Advocate Coalition and as a Fine Arts Council Member. He has continued to empower students of all ages and abilities from K-12 and beyond. He has presented at state conferences in Florida and nationally, while his professional work focuses on neurodiversity and accessibility in music environments. Mr. Puckett passionately believes in accessible music in all classrooms for all students.

Diana Cobble

M.S., Lil’ Hands Up Program Lead

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. She serves as the advisor for the college’s ASL Honor Society chapter, earning their 2025 Club Advisor of the Year award. 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

Child of Deaf Adults (CODA)

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.

Jenny Erin Stafford

Florida Certified Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher

Jenny Stafford has taught in both Florida and South Carolina, accumulating 22 years of experience. In South Carolina, she worked at the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind for 9 years, serving as both an elementary/middle school reading teacher and a middle/high school math teacher. In Florida, Jenny spent 4 years working with DHH students before transitioning to ASL teaching in various high schools across multiple counties. She is currently an ASL teacher at Davenport High School in Polk County.

Throughout her career, Jenny has had the privilege of watching countless students thrive academically and achieve their dreams in both school and the real world. In addition to her teaching, she’s actively involved in Deaf ministry and has traveled on mission trips to visit Deaf schools in Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Honduras. Jenny is excited to work with your Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and support their educational success.

Ebel Velez

Youth Pastor

Ebel Velez serves as a Youth Pastor while also managing several social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. As a Deaf administrator and photographer for American Sign Language (ASL) Deaf Chat.

Ebel is currently completing his four-year Pastoral Certification. His passion is to serve both the Deaf and hearing communities, with a vision to promote unity and connection.

Stephanie Rodriguez

American Sign Language interpreter

Stephanie Rodriguez is an American Sign Language interpreter with experience serving in both educational and church settings. Stephanie is passionate about fostering communication, building connections, and creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and welcomed.

Parents: Lil’ Hands Up Conference While the kiddos play - what will YOU learn?

Lil Hands Up Conference FAQ

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.

What is the Lil' Hands Up Conference?

Lil’ Hands Up is a special program within the Hands Up Conference created for children ages 4-12 and their families – focusing on children in hearing families, child(ren) of Deaf adults (CODAs), grandchildren of Deaf adults (GODAs), and siblings of dDeaf adults/adolescence (SODAs).

It offers an immersive learning experience where kids can meet other children with hearing parents, learn, grow, and make connections. It was created so parents have the opportunity to attend workshops led by professionals in the field of working with children with hearing loss to better understand their child’s needs, rights, and communication options.

Who can attend?

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 with the expectation that you will attend the workshops.

Will there be enough child care providers?

Yes. We have adult volunteers and college students, 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.

Where and when does the conference take place?

Lil’ Hands Up is held alongside the Hands Up Conference, taking place annually during the summer. 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. Hotel stay is not included in registration. We encourage you to book your stay through our Hotel page for discounted rates on our room blocks. Book early to secure your spot!

What will the children be doing during Lil' Hands Up?

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
Advocacy lessons

Will there be Deaf adults working with the kids?

YES! We currently do have Deaf individuals volunteering for Lil’ Hands up for the full conference, in addition to 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.

Will my child be immersed in ASL?

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.

Do I have to stay with my child, or can I attend my own sessions?

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 child with hearing loss.

Children are not allowed to join you during the workshops as we want to respect other registrants and parents in their learning unless they are 13+. We expect all parents who register their child(ren) in the Lil’ Hands Up Conference program to attend the workshops during those times.

What kinds of workshops are offered for parents?

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.

How do I register for Lil' Hands Up?

Registration is available HERE. https://handsupconference.ticketspice.com/hands-up-conference Please sign up early, as space is limited to 30 children. You do not need to bring your child to register or attend the parent/Fledgling workshops. Just register yourself and we are happy to meet you!

Please note*** – child must be potty trained, regardless of age. Ages 4-12 only. Any child under the age of 4 or not potty trained will not be able to attend. Parents are still encouraged to come but please plan your child care accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.

Is there a fee to attend?

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 parent registrations and the Lil’ Hands Up Program will go towards the children’s program. Registration does not include travel, hotel accommodations, or meals; but the optional ASL Improv Night on Saturday evening (rated PG13) is included if registered under the Lil’ Hands Up Conference for registered parents/family members.

Thursday – Sunday FULL WEEKEND rate:

Adults ages 13+: $75 plus processing fee
Child(ren) ages 4-12: $50 plus processing fee

Spanish Saturday – SATURDAY ONLY:

Adultos anos 13+: $40 más una tarifa de procesamiento
Ninos anos 4-12: $30 más una tarifa de procesamiento

What should we bring?

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.

Will meals be provided?

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 Dining Pavilion located in the mall, surrounding restaurants, or easy access to Uber Eats/Door Dash deliveries.

The following workshops will be taught in:

Spanish and American Sign Language

Celebrating the Beauty of Deaf Culture | 1.5 hours

Hector Castillo-Beltran & Juan J. Fumero Carrion

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. This professional studies program is approved for .15 CEUs at the some level for all interpreters.

Overcoming Stigmas and Misconceptions in the Hispanic Community in Relation to Deafness | 1.5 hours

Gredder Castillo-Beltran

In this session, participants will explore the cultural dynamics and challenges faced by Deaf individuals within Hispanic communities. The workshop will address misconceptions, stigmas, and historical factors that contribute to misunderstandings about deafness. By fostering open dialogue, participants will be encouraged to rethink cultural biases and explore strategies to advocate for inclusivity within their communities. Participants will discuss attitudes toward cultural beliefs and challenges while receiving tools to foster understanding and support. This professional studies program is approved for .15 CEUs at the some level for all interpreters.

The Importance of Parents Involved and Engaged in Advocacy: Building Confidence and Recognizing Strengths for Their Child’s Future | 1 hour

Hector Castillo-Beltran & Juan J. Fumero Carrion

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. This professional studies program is approved for .1 CEUs at the some level