by Cora Shahid, California H&V
Life is full of transitions (and that can be scary at times). Johanna Wonderly recently announced she is stepping aside as the ASTra Coordinator in California, serving from the start of the program until February 2023. We are incredibly grateful for her passion in improving outcomes for all Deaf/Hard of hearing (DHH) children and their families. She has been a role model to advocates in the state and beyond. The California H&V team wishes Johanna the best in the next chapter of her life!
In the nonprofit world, these transitions can also allow opportunities for new parent leaders to emerge. California Hands & Voices invited seven new ASTra Advocates from throughout the state to participate in the Level 1 and Level 2 Training in February 2023. Three of our new team members are Spanish-speaking, which will help to fill a critical need in California. One new advocate is a DHH adult who will support families who use American Sign Language. We are thrilled to expand the program and serve even more families in 2023 and beyond.
The Hands & Voices ASTra Program is designed to empower parents, promote self-advocacy of students, and build collaboration between families and schools. California Hands & Voices is thankful for our entire team for embodying this vision every single day.
We want to assist families in helping them to become better advocates for their children. California families can request support from our ASTra team by visiting our website, and selecting the dropdown menu Family Support. We hope to hear from you soon.