Family & Community
Hands United supports immigrant families with Deaf and hard of hearing children by building language access, strengthening family communication, and reducing isolation through education, advocacy, and community connection.
Our Family & Community programs center families as experts in their own lives and provide tools to navigate education, technology, and daily communication with confidence.
Who This Program Is For
- Immigrant families with Deaf or hard of hearing children
- Deaf immigrants navigating U.S. systems
- Families using ASL and other spoken or signed languages
- Hearing siblings and extended family members
Language & Communication Support
We provide accessible ASL instruction and communication support designed for multilingual families with Deaf and hard of hearing children.
- ASL classes in Spanish and other languages
- English/ASL classes for newly arrived Deaf immigrants
- ASL support for hearing siblings
- 1:1 ASL practice sessions with interpreters
- VRI services for parents and DHH youth
Education & School Advocacy
We help families understand their educational rights and navigate school systems that are often inaccessible to Deaf children and immigrant families.
- IEP advocacy and meeting support
- School resource advocacy
- Connections to Deaf tutors
- Educational rights guidance
- Workshops on transition topics (puberty, substance use, college)
- FAFSA and post-secondary transition support
Family & Community Support
Beyond education and language, families often need practical support and connection to community resources to reduce isolation and stress.
- Spanish-language parent support groups
- Social groups for Deaf youth and young adults
- Assistance filling out paperwork and forms
- Technology support for families
- Connections to low-cost internet and devices
- Advocacy to restore access to essential services like VRS
Program Impact
Through our Family & Community work, Hands United has supported over 330 immigrant families across the United States, providing more than 600 hours of instruction in 7 languages.
Support Family & Community Programs
Community-centered programs are only possible with sustained support. Donations help us provide accessible classes, advocacy, and direct assistance to families who need it most.