Events with Community Groups

We donate and run various crafts and activities for events that local community groups run. In addition to enriching the event, we get to meet families who might want to know about research.

In the past, we've donated art supplies and a student volunteer to make terracotta turtles with CT Hands & Voices, we've joined apple picking with a handout on how to turn making apple sauce into a language activity with NY Hands & Voices, and we've coordinated a scavenger hunt at a Hartford Yard Goats game (which came in extra handy during a rain delay!) with our local AG Bell chapter.

Resource Generation

Just give us a topic area and we will take it from there! Students in our lab create all of our handouts and infographics. The materials are reviewed at three levels: by our research scientist, by a subject matter expert, and then finally by our principal investigator. Check out our current resources!

Celebration of the Four Seasons

The HELLO Lab invites families — including those with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing — to join us for our annual community celebration that we host and organize with various community organizations from across Connecticut. This year’s Celebration of the Four Seasons brought together families to enjoy seasonal crafts, themed activities, and valuable resource sharing. It’s a joyful event that builds connections, supports families, and celebrates the beauty of all four seasons. Stay tuned for our next yearly event!

Play & Learn

For groups that interact directly with families, we can discuss what topic you think would be the most valuable to learn about. While families learn from subject matter experts, the children can play with a sensory-engaging craft nearby.

NECHEAR

We work closely with NECHEAR. We help them manage their clinical database and they share information to families about the work we do in the lab!

Language First

We are proud to partner with Language First with the goal of educating and raising awareness about American Sign Language (ASL)/English bilingualism and the importance of a strong first language foundation for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children. Language First, in particular, offers resources, handouts, events, and intervention activities to help make family-centered work as evidence-based as possible.

Connecticut Hands & Voices

We value our collaboration with CT Hands & Voices, a parent-driven nonprofit that supports Connecticut families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with them to participate in and table at their annual Family Beach Day. CT Hands & Voices provide peer support, resources, advocacy, and work closely with schools and professionals to help children reach their full potential.

Alexander Graham Bell

We are honored to join forces with the Connecticut Chapter of AG Bell  in supporting students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This year, we were excited to host a College Visit Day for six high school AG Bell members who are exploring their path to higher education. AG Bell is committed to connecting local families through social events and educational workshops, creating opportunities to engage with both professionals and peers.

Yale New Haven Children's Hospital

We value our partnership with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital in bridging research and clinical care for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Our collaboration supports evidence-based practices that directly benefit families in clinical settings. Through this collaboration, we hope to improve the everyday communication experiences of children and their families.

Connecticut Association of the Deaf (CAD)

We work alongside the Connecticut Association of the Deaf to support the language, learning, and communication needs of families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. CAD is a statewide nonprofit committed to advancing the rights and well-being of individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing living in Connecticut. CAD proudly promotes, protects, and preserves the quality of life for its members through advocacy, education, and community outreach.

Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT)

We are excited to work with Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT). DRCT is the state's Protection and Advocacy agency, working to protect the legal and civil rights of people with disabilities. They provide free legal advocacy, investigate abuse and discrimination, and push for systemic change through policy work and public education.