Nebraska Hands & Voices
About Nebraska Hands & Voices
For Nebraska families navigating hearing loss, Nebraska Hands & Voices offers something practical and human: a place to connect with other parents who have been there. Through parent-to-parent support, advocacy training, family gatherings, and educational events, it helps families find information and support without being pushed toward one communication choice over another. That matters when the work is as personal as helping a child communicate, learn, and be understood.
What sets Nebraska Hands & Voices apart is its clear non-biased approach to communication modes, paired with real parent support from people who understand the day-to-day reality of raising a child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing. It also brings families, professionals, and adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing together across the state, so the support does not stay inside one room or one perspective.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Guide By Your Side (GBYS) parent support
Parent guides support families as they navigate hearing loss and connect with other families who have lived experience.
ASTra advocacy support and training
Advocacy Support & Training services that help families with IEPs, IFSPs, special education questions, laws, and educational planning.
O.U.R. Children’s Safety Project
A community of learners focused on child safety, prevention, and action steps to support children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Family meet-ups and new family Zoom meetings
Virtual and in-person gatherings that connect families for parent-to-parent support and shared experiences.
Educational events and trainings
Workshops, webinars, boot camps, and conferences for parents and professionals working with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Nebraska Hands & Voices supports families that have children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing without bias toward communication modes or methodologies, and provides resources, networking, and information to improve communication access and educational outcomes for their children.
Who they serve
Nebraska families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, along with parents, caregivers, and family support partners.
Our story
Nebraska Hands & Voices is the Nebraska chapter of the National Hands & Voices organization. It has operated as a nonprofit since 2013.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Nebraska Hands & Voices’s services.
Families can connect through Zoom meetings for new families, parent-to-parent meet-ups, ASTra office hours, and parent guide support. For information, contact questions@handsandvoicesne.org or ASTra@handsandvoicesne.org.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
“What works for your child is what makes the choice right.”™
My passion since having Ensley is to be connected and to help other families feel supported along their journey.
GBYS has filled that gap for my family, and I would like to help as many other families as I can.
I am passionate about continuing to learn more and helping other new parents navigate and embrace hearing differences.
I became involved with Hands and Voices after realizing quickly how isolating the diagnosis process can be without support especially living in rural Nebraska.
Events
Zoom Meetings for New Families
multiple datesRecurring Zoom meetings that welcome new families and offer connection and support.
ASTra office hours
recurringOne-on-one Zoom sessions with an ASTra advocate for help with IEPs, IFSPs, goals, needs, concerns, and strengths.
IEP Bootcamp - Omaha
September 27, 2025A hands-on boot camp for parents to learn about the IEP process.
Nebraska’s Conference on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
March 28-30, 2025A conference for parents, guardians, and professionals working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in Nebraska.
Chick-Fil-A Parent Meet Ups
multiple datesParent-to-parent support gatherings for families.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Nebraska Hands & Voices has shared.
Current needs
- Parent Guides, especially someone whose child has been affected by congenital CMV and has a hearing difference
- Responses to the needs survey to help plan future events
Volunteer opportunities
- Serve as a Parent Guide
- Join the volunteer board
Recognition & press
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who does Nebraska Hands & Voices support?
It supports Nebraska families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, along with parents, caregivers, professionals, and adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing who collaborate with the chapter.
How can a family connect with support?
Families can join Zoom meetings for new families, attend family meet-ups, contact a Parent Guide, or use ASTra office hours for help with education-related questions.
Does the organization favor one communication mode?
No. It supports a range of communication modes and methodologies without bias, including Auditory Verbal, Auditory Oral, Cued Speech, American Sign Language, Signed English, Simultaneous Communication, and Total Communication.
What is ASTra?
ASTra stands for Advocacy Support & Training. It helps with special education planning, including IEPs, IFSPs, laws, regulations, and related educational questions.
What is the O.U.R. Children’s Safety Project?
It is a community of learners focused on child safety, prevention, and action steps that support children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Similar nonprofits
Other deaf & hearing impaired centers nonprofits in NE.