Scroll Down for Information on How to Request 1:1 Support from ASTra – FREE for Members of CA H&V
Contact us to talk with a trained Educational Parent Advocate. We help parents learn the laws and strategies specific to children who are Deaf, Deafblind, Deaf Plus, or Hard of Hearing.
Our Chapter Advocates have received specialized training geared toward advocating for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children. The ASTra Educational Advocacy Program is a Deaf and Hard of Hearing educational advocacy program that embodies the mission and vision of Hands & Voices. ASTra stands for Advocacy, Support, and Training. ASTra content is derived from years of direct advocacy experience working with families in schools, attending advocacy training sessions from legal experts, and the Hands & Voices Educational Advocacy Guidebook (©2013). California Hands & Voices was approved and launched ASTra in our state in February 2019.
Many families struggle in their attempts to improve educational programs for their children, and the support they find is usually not experienced with the unique issues facing Deaf or Hard of Hearing kids. The Hands & Voices ASTra website can provide educational advocacy support to families (and professionals) who have questions about special education law and its applicability to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Please visit the Hands & Voices Headquarters ASTra page for some hands on resources and contact us today if you have any question! We want to assist families in helping their children reach their highest potential.
The Hands & Voices ASTra Program is designed to empower parents, promote self-advocacy of students, and build collaboration between families and schools.
While we’re not attorneys, and we can’t give legal advice, we do feel strongly that experienced parents can be great assets to other families new to educational advocacy.
If you would like more information about ASTra services, please contact us today!
CA H&V ASTra Co-Coordinators
Kat Lowrance
Cora Shahid
ASTra 1:1 Support is included in the Annual Membership to California Hands & Voices for Parents.
How to Request Educational Advocacy Support (ASTra)
***To Request an ASTra Advocate fill out the Educational Advocacy Support – Request Form
After you submit the form, a trained Educational Parent Advocate will reach out within 48–72 hours.
If you do not hear from us within 48-72 hours, please contact the Co-Coordinators (above)
You will need to sign and return the ASTra Release of Liability document before services can be initiated. You can upload it within the form or check your confirmation email for email/mail options.
If you have these documents on hand, you can upload them as well:
- Audiogram
- Communication Plan
- Written correspondence with school
ASTra Educational Parent Advocates
- Train and empower parents to advocate for their student
- Meet virtually with parents before and after IEP meetings
- Advocate across educational placement options
- Share helpful resources and support
Languages Provided
- English
- Spanish
- American Sign Language
You Learn More About Educational Edvocacy
Publications:
Hands & Voices Guidebook
Optimizing Outcomes for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Free to download)
CA Communication Plan Worksheet
Hands & Voices Family Support Activities Guide
Videos
Advocacy 101
Hands & Voices ASTra Advocacy Webinar Series
Websites:
Hands & Voices ASTra Program resources
Hands & Voices ASTra Webpage (Spanish)
Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss
Upcoming Level 1 ASTra ASTra Training
This is a One Day/ 8 hour class for parents, professionals and community members to increase knowledge and skills to advocate for their own child, and/or students they work with.
Future Dates: Pending
Bring Level 1 ASTra Training to Your Community!
This one-day event is designed for parents, professionals, DHH students, and community members who work with Deaf/Hard of Hearing students, empowering them to advocate for their educational success.
Level 1 ASTra Training covers essential topics such as:
- Introduction to Special Education and the ABC’s of FAPE and LRE
- Special considerations for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Eligibility for services (Birth to Three & Transition to Preschool)
- Procedural Safeguards
- Assessment and Evaluation
- IEPs and 504 plans
- Tools, strategies for meeting planning
- Deaf Plus/Deaf Disabled considerations
Why Host ASTra Training in Your Community?
- Equip parents, students, and professionals with vital advocacy tools.
- Provide your local community with knowledge to help DHH students reach their full potential.
- Offer guidance on navigating special education services, creating stronger support systems for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students.
Want to Sponsor the Event? By sponsoring, you can help bring this invaluable training to your local area while supporting families and professionals in better advocating for DHH students.
For more information on how to host or sponsor an ASTra Training event in your community,
contact CA H&V ASTra Co-Coordinators
Kat Lowrance
Cora Shahid
Let’s work together to empower Deaf/Hard of Hearing students to achieve their fullest potential.
Meet our Advocates!
(seated): Nancy Grosz Sager, Johanna Wonderly, Patricia Gomez