FAQ/Policies

Our Promise...

Our Story

We recognize that Silent Weekend cannot be replaced, as Mike and Maureen stepped away for personal reasons. However, with the help of Mike, we can honor them both by building on what they established and “Continuing the Legacy“. We promise to provide quality learning and teaching environments by creating intentional connections between members of the signing communities.

Our Vision

Language learning is a lifelong experience. We are creating learning and social opportunities for people to thrive as learners and users of ASL to encourage growth.

Our Mission

We believe in investing in signing communities, families, and individuals - providing a space for each community to immerse themselves in educational and social experiences regardless of signing ability.

Key Policies You Need to Know

Language of the Hands Up Conference

The official language of the Hands Up Conference is American Sign Language (ASL). Workshops, presentations, and general communication will be conducted in ASL, no voice interpretations will be provided.
The Fledgling Conference workshops will have different communication expectations.
If you require reasonable accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act, to participate in the Hands Up Conference contact us at conference@handsupcommunications.com. Requests for accommodations must be received before May 1, 2026 – we cannot assure provision of services for requests received after May 1, 2026.
All participants must pay the conference registration fee(s) regardless if dDeaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing, CODA, etc.

Cancellation Policy of the Hands Up Conference

All refund requests must be submitted through the TicketSpice Purchase Protection Program* and claims must be filed directly through their third-party provider. Full terms and conditions of their protection process can be found here: https://www.purchaseprotection.com/terms/
Hands Up Conference is not responsible for filing claims on your behalf and is not responsible for issuing refunds.

*Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Not available for or applicable to events, attendees, or travel outside of the USA. Purchase Protection is a service offered by Purchase Protection LLC. Purchase Protection is not an insurance policy. It is a service that may refund 100% of your event fees, taxes, and dues should unforeseen circumstances prevent attendance. Purchase Protection does not apply to, and will not reimburse, merchandise purchases or charitable donations. Fees for Purchase Protection are charged as a separate transaction. Any changes made to your purchase will not change the amount covered under this agreement.

Add-On & Special Event Policy*

All add-on purchases and special event tickets, including *Meeting with the Masters* and *Improv Night*, are *final sale and non-refundable*. These fees go directly toward compensating our presenters and performers for their time and expertise.

Policy Options (Without Purchase Protection)*

Sell Your Registration*

You may sell your registration to another interested party. We can transfer registration details to the new attendee with an email introduction from both the original registrant and the new attendee. All payment transactions must be handled privately between the buyer and seller.

Convert to Future Event Credit (Coupon Code)*

You may request to cancel your registration in exchange for a one-time-use coupon code equal to your original registration amount. This code can be applied toward a future Hands Up Conference event.

– Requests must be submitted prior to the start of the conference or no later than June 18, 2026

– The coupon code functions as a digital credit tied to our TicketSpice account

– Codes expire two (2) years from the date of issue

– Codes are non-refundable and hold no cash value

– Codes are valid for a one-time use only

– You are responsible for retaining and using your code once it has been issued

– Lost, expired, or unused codes will not be replaced or reissued

– Hands Up Conference and Hands Up Communications are not responsible any loss of funds due to expiration, non-use, or changes to ticketing platforms or vendors

To request a registration transfer or to receive a future event credit, please email conference@handsupcommunications.com

Frequently Asked Questions & Policies

“In the end, the only dumb question is the one you didn’t ask.” – Unknown

Do you have paperwork to offer my employer for reasons why I should go to the Hands Up Conference?

Check out our Justification Letter to offer your employer. The conference’s primary goal is to provide world-class professional development for sign language professionals. Hands Up Communications has contracted with subject matter experts to address the needs of sign language interpreters, American Sign Language instructors, interpreter training instructors, and teachers of the Deaf to name a few.

Your employer can invest in THEIR future by covering the cost of your attendance at the Hands Up Conference – making you a better you!

Justification Letter

Is food provided with my conference registration ticket?

Food is not provided with registration.
We have scheduled mealtimes for you to visit surrounding restaurants or go to the mall’s Dining Pavilion. There is a Chick-Fil-A and Starbucks located on the main lobby floor of The Florida Hotel.
Complimentary breakfast is not provided at The Florida Hotel – please plan accordingly.

When is the last day I can register for the Hands Up Conference?

You will be able to register for the conference at the printed conference prices until Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The cost for day-of-registration is $550.00 per person, this will cover your attendance at the entire conference – but does not guarantee that we will have handouts, conference books, or other conference related materials.

NOTE: You can pay for each day separately (a la carte) or the whole conference.

Do you offer Group/Student Registrations?

Please contact us at conference@handsupcommunications.com to discuss organization, school, or group rates. You can also find more information on our Group/Students tab: https://handsupconference.com/group-students/

Where do I book my hotel? Why should I book through your website?

We have worked with the hotel to get a competitively priced hotel room.
You will be an elevator ride away from the workshops, vendors, and sponsors!
To book a “blocked room” call Florida Hotel & Conference Center at 407-859-1500, space is limited – the hotel is located at 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, Florida 32809 – don’t forget to mention the Hands Up Conference.
Peace of mind – you are so close to all the fun, learning, and shopping.
Check out the link www.handsupconference/hotel for more information and finding the link to book your stay online.

How can I volunteer or get involved?

Become an Ambassador!

Volunteer opportunities will be open in March 2026 as an Ambassador. The Ambassador role includes being behind the scenes, assisting with our check in process, helping attendees with CEUs during workshops, and so much more! Being an Ambassador is more than being a volunteer, it’s being the face, heart, and drive of the conference.

But don’t wait to apply to become an Ambassador! We recommend getting your registration as soon as possible. If selected to become an Ambassador for our 2026 conference, your registration will be refunded in full and will include your hotel stay (with roommates)! Register your ticket now for the best price available in the event you are not selected. Good luck and we look forward to working with you!

Be an interpreter volunteer!

Want to be involved but also want to share your expertise in the interpreting world? We are looking for volunteers to help with English/ASL interpreting, Spanish/ASL interpreting, DeafBlind Interpreting, and DI/CDI interpreting for those who request the services or assisting presenters with mirror interpreting needs.

We believe in access for everyone. Because inclusion isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Join our interpreting team! You will not be required to interpret during the full event. We ask that you commit about 6 – 10 hours of your time. In turn, for your time, you will have complimentary access to the Hands Up Conference. In addition, you can access to our snack room throughout the conference time, as well as a letter of recommendation, free t-shirt, and platform recognition.

Those interested, should contact us at conference@handsupcommunications.com

Will there be an opportunity to provide feedback about the conference and workshops?

At the conclusion of the conference, you will be able to provide feedback on the Conference Survey form in the back of the conference book. Your feedback is very important to us, and we want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete the post-conference survey. The satisfaction and education of each participant is very important to us. All workshops will require all participants to complete an RID CEU evaluation form. However, Fledgling Conference workshops will have a separate evaluation form.

Are there any scholarship opportunities?

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.

Required Information:

Name
Contact Information (email and phone number)
Your ASL journey or background, and why you want to attend the conference

Note:
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.