ASTra
The ASTra program is a deaf and hard of hearing educational support program that embodies the mission and vision of Hands & Voices. The program provides support and materials for parents of children who are deaf and hard of hearing that address the needs of these learners. ASTra content is derived from years of direct experience working with families in schools and attending training sessions from The Hands & Voices Guidebook.
Families may struggle to find educational programming that is a fit for the unique needs of their child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Minnesota Hands & Voices provides educational support and resources to families who need guidance with learning about special education law and creating educational plans for their DHH student.
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 this topic.
Request ASTra Support
To request support or more information, please contact us:
Phone: 218.350.0771 (Voice/Text)
Email: [email protected]
Languages Provided
- American Sign Language.
- Spanish.
- Hmong.
- Somali.
Recorded Training
Individual trainings from the workshop can be viewed with a password. The videos are captioned, ASL interpreted, and voiced.
To obtain the password to these videos, please contact your parent guide.
Additional resources and articles can be found on the Hands & Voices ASTra program page.
PACER Center
PACER Center is another local resource. PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with identified needs from birth to young adults. Located in Minneapolis, it serves families across the nation, as well as those in Minnesota. Parents can find publications, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources designed to benefit all students.
The PACER parent support team have developed a tool called the Parent Homework Sheet. It was developed to help parents understand how the needs of the student, as stated in the special education evaluation report, connect with the goals and support in the student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program). A series of short videos will help parents prepare to discuss their child’s special education services with the IEP team. Also available is a video overview of special education in American Sign Language.
Contact PACER via email, by phone 952.838.9000 or toll free at 800.537.2237.