Description
Please note: Registration is not yet open for this event. It will open in May 2026.
Join us for a two-day training on the Visual Communication and Sign Language (VCSL) Checklist. Learn how to use this standardized and comprehensive assessment tool to track and support American Sign Language (ASL) development in children who are deaf or hard of hearing from birth to age five. Hands-on practice and real-world examples will support understanding how to use this observational checklist to collect meaningful data on language growth in natural environments. You’ll also learn how to use VCSL data to inform meaningful family support, guide early language development, and shape effective interventions that truly meet a child’s communication needs. Come ready to elevate your impact on early ASL development!
Please note: This training is in ASL. It is a hands-up and voice-off training. Interpreters will not be provided.
The VCSL is a Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Michigan recommended assessment.
Audience
This workshop is intended for Michigan early intervention and school personnel working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, are ages 5 and younger, and who use American Sign Language to communicate. All workshop participants must meet the following criteria from Gallaudet:
- Demonstrate ASL fluency by scoring a 4 or above on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI)
- Have a master’s degree in education or a related field; a bachelor’s degree with experience can be considered
- Actively work with children who are DHH, ages five and younger
Additional Workshops
Interested in trainings for other LEAD-K Michigan recommended assessments? Check out the events below.
May 19: Making Sense of MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDIs)
July 14 and August 18: Communication Matrix Training
September 11-12: American Sign Language Expressive Skills Test (ASL-EST) Training
Required Technology
To access this event, participants must have reliable internet access and a computer with a camera.
Online Event Expectations
This live webinar will be held via Zoom. Participants do not need to have a Zoom account to participate in the webinar, although you might be prompted to download a plugin when joining. Please review Zoom Tips and Shortcuts for Participants [PDF] before the event.
Participants are expected to be respectful and courteous to others during this event. MDE RDHH reserves the right to mute, turn off video, and/or remove participants who do not adhere to this expectation.
AI bots (e.g., transcribers/notetakers) and similar unapproved services pose privacy and security risks and violate the State of Michigan Data Classification Standard (1340.00.150.02) and Acceptable Use of Information Technology Standard (1340.00.130.02). Unapproved attendees, including bots, will be removed from MDE-hosted meetings that require registration.
Accessibility Accommodations
It is important for participants to request any accessibility accommodations at least three weeks prior to the event. Outside agencies our office contracts with to provide accommodations cannot guarantee services if requests are made in less than three weeks.
Description
Join us for a two-day virtual training on the American Sign Language Expressive Skills Test (ASL-EST) offered by Northern Signs Research. The training will incorporate a combination of pre-recorded presentations, online learning, and practice sessions to cover the following topics:
- ASL-EST Overview
- Signed Language Acquisition
- ASL Grammar
- Narrative Development
- Test Administration and Scoring Procedures
Completion of all components of this training meets certification requirements for use of the ASL-EST.
The ASL-EST is a Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Michigan recommended assessment. This training will include all ASL-EST assessment materials. Materials will be mailed to participants ahead of the training.
Audience
This workshop is for Michigan school personnel who work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, are ages 5 and younger, and use American Sign Language to communicate. All workshop participants must be fluent in ASL, as all presentations and practice sessions are delivered in ASL (no interpreter will be provided). This is a voice off, hands up event.
Prerequisites
In advance of the workshop, participants will be required to view a series of prerecorded videos totaling 130 minutes. Following the workshop, participants are required to complete and submit a full ASL-EST analysis of a video-recorded child’s narrative. Submissions will be evaluated and must be completed accurately to meet certification requirements for ongoing use of the ASL Expressive Skills Test.
Credits
SCECHs are pending for this workshop.
Workshop Requirements
All workshop participants must be fluent in ASL, as all presentations and practice sessions are delivered in ASL (no interpreter will be provided).
In advance of the workshop, participants are required to view a series of prerecorded videos totaling 130 minutes. Following the workshop, participants are required to complete and submit a full ASL-EST analysis of a video-recorded child’s narrative. Submissions will be evaluated and must be completed accurately to meet certification requirements for ongoing use of the ASL Expressive Skills Test.
Additional Workshops
Interested in trainings for other LEAD-K Michigan recommended assessments? Check out the events below.
May 15: Confidently Administering the American Sign Language Receptive Skills Test (ASL-RST)
May 19: Making Sense of MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDIs)
July 14 and August 18: Communication Matrix Training
Online Event Expectations
To access this event, participants must have reliable internet access and a computer with a camera.
Participants are expected to be respectful and courteous to others during this event. MDE RDHH reserves the right to mute, turn off video, and/or remove participants who do not adhere to this expectation.
AI bots (e.g., transcribers/notetakers) and similar unapproved services pose privacy and security risks and violate the State of Michigan Data Classification Standard (1340.00.150.02) and Acceptable Use of Information Technology Standard (1340.00.130.02). Unapproved attendees, including bots, will be removed from MDE-hosted meetings that require registration.
Accessibility Accommodations
It is important for participants to request accessibility accommodations before registration closes.
Description
Join us for a sweet afternoon at our Ice Cream Social with Dad! This event is all about spending quality time together, sharing laughs, and enjoying delicious frozen treats. Children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their dads (or other adult male role models) can relax, connect, and enjoy time together. Come for the ice cream and stay for the smiles!
Audience
This event is for Michigan children who are deaf or hard of hearing, along with their dads (or adult male role models) and siblings.
Accessibility Accommodations
It is important for participants to request accessibility accommodations at least three weeks prior to the event. Outside agencies our office contracts with to provide accommodations cannot guarantee services if requests are made in less than three weeks.
Description
Please note: Registration is not yet open for this event. It will open in May 2026.
This interactive workshop explores the social historical forces that have shaped deaf and hard of hearing experiences and how these influences continue to inform personal identity, relationships, and self perception. Participants will examine the ways in which education professionals’ preconceived notions can impact classroom dynamics, student engagement, and access to equitable opportunities.
Through discussion, reflection, and scenario based learning, attendees will develop practical strategies for fostering cultural humility, supporting students’ self advocacy skills, and addressing systemic barriers that reinforce the status quo. At the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable tools and a deeper understanding of how to create learning environments that honor deaf cultural experiences and empower students to thrive.
Please note: This workshop will be a fully immersive event presented in ASL by both presenters and the audience.
Audience
This event is for educational interpreters who have current/updated credentials and serve students, grades K-12, in Michigan who are deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) or deafblind. Interpreter training program (ITP) students and current BEI-certified interpreters who are interested in taking the EIPA to become educational interpreters are also invited to attend.
Credits
MI CEUs and RID CEUs are pending.
Payment Note
It is recommended that each person register themselves and forward their confirmation email to the person responsible for payment. Payment can be made separately from completing the registration form and is due by the registration deadline.
Contact [email protected] with any questions regarding registration payments.
Accessibility Accommodations
It is important for participants to request accessibility accommodations at least three weeks prior to the event. Outside agencies our office contracts with to provide accommodations cannot guarantee services if requests are made in less than three weeks.
Description
The Communication Matrix is an assessment tool designed specifically for children who are communicating at early, pre-language levels. While many other assessment tools measure formal language development, the Matrix assesses early communication behaviors such as body movements, facial expressions, gestures, and other simple symbolic communication for children who are not using formal language.
This two-part training will focus on using the Communication Matrix with children ages 0-3 who are deaf or hard of hearing with additional complex needs.
Part One will focus on the design and administration of the Matrix, including the online version. Part Two will focus on using the Matrix results to inform intervention and develop strategies to promote communication development. Case studies will be reviewed to help participants practice applying the tool in real-word early intervention settings. To fully understand how to move from assessment to intervention planning, attendance at both sessions is recommended.
The Communication Matrix is a Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Michigan recommended assessment.
Audience
This two-part workshop is intended for Michigan early intervention and school personnel who work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, ages 0-3. Those working with children ages 4-5 may also find this workshop helpful.
Credits
SCECHs are pending for this workshop.
Additional Workshops
Interested in trainings for other LEAD-K Michigan recommended assessments? Check out the events below.
May 19: Making Sense of MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDIs)
September 11-12: American Sign Language Expressive Skills Test (ASL-EST) Training
Required Technology
To access this event, participants must have reliable internet access and a computer with a camera.
Online Event Expectations
This live webinar will be held via Zoom. Participants do not need to have a Zoom account to participate in the webinar, although you might be prompted to download a plugin when joining. Please review Zoom Tips and Shortcuts for Participants [PDF] before the event.
Participants are expected to be respectful and courteous to others during this event. MDE RDHH reserves the right to mute, turn off video, and/or remove participants who do not adhere to this expectation.
AI bots (e.g., transcribers/notetakers) and similar unapproved services pose privacy and security risks and violate the State of Michigan Data Classification Standard (1340.00.150.02) and Acceptable Use of Information Technology Standard (1340.00.130.02). Unapproved attendees, including bots, will be removed from MDE-hosted meetings that require registration.
Accessibility Accommodations
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and live captioning will be provided during this event. It is important for participants to notify us of any additional accessibility, communication, or other accommodation needs at least three weeks prior to the event. Outside agencies we contract with to provide accommodations cannot guarantee services if requests are made after June 23, 2026.
Description
Students from across the state who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) are invited to come together for a fun-filled two-night event. Students will have an opportunity to connect and learn from each other’s unique experiences while participating in traditional camp activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, climbing the rock tower, conquering the challenge course, and building their archery skills. We will also play sports and games that will create lasting memories and friendships. Come rain or shine! Don’t miss out on this Camp Tuhsmeheta adventure!
Audience
This event is for students in Michigan who are DHH and will be ages 10-17 when camp is held.
Accessibility Accommodations
To meet the safety and health needs of all camp participants, we require notification of any accessibility accommodation needs at least three weeks prior to the event. Due to the nature of activities provided at Camp T, additional staffing may be required to adjust activities for individual students. If notification is not provided in advance, this may result in alternative options for participation.
Description
The MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDIs) capture parents’ knowledge of their child’s emerging language skills. Used with children ages 8-37 months, the MB-CDIs can assist school personnel and families in identifying steps toward building a full foundation of language. University of Colorado - Boulder’s Early Language Outcomes Lab will offer an overview and special considerations of the assessment to equip you to guide families in documenting their child’s vocabulary and communication growth.
The MB-CDIs are Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Michigan recommended assessments.
Audience
This workshop is for Michigan school personnel and early interventionists who work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, ages 8-37 months.
Additional Workshops
Interested in trainings for other LEAD-K Michigan recommended assessments? Check out the events below.
May 15: Confidently Administering the American Sign Language Receptive Skills Test (ASL-RST)
July 14 and August 18: Communication Matrix Training
September 11-12: American Sign Language Expressive Skills Test (ASL-EST) Training
Required Technology
To access this event, participants must have reliable internet access and a computer with a camera.
Online Event Expectations
This live webinar will be held via Zoom. Participants do not need to have a Zoom account to participate in the webinar, although you might be prompted to download a plugin when joining. Please review Zoom Tips and Shortcuts for Participants [PDF] before the event.
Participants are expected to be respectful and courteous to others during this event. MDE RDHH reserves the right to mute, turn off video, and/or remove participants who do not adhere to this expectation.
AI bots (e.g., transcribers/notetakers) and similar unapproved services pose privacy and security risks and violate the State of Michigan Data Classification Standard (1340.00.150.02) and Acceptable Use of Information Technology Standard (1340.00.130.02). Unapproved attendees, including bots, will be removed from MDE-hosted meetings that require registration.
Accessibility Accommodations
American Sign Language interpreters and captioning will be provided. It is important for participants to request any accessibility accommodations at least three weeks prior to the event. Outside agencies our office contracts with to provide accommodations cannot guarantee services if requests are made after April 28, 2026.
Description
This eight-week online class is for school personnel and adult family members who have beginner American Sign Language (ASL) skills and support the education of students in Michigan who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). The class will focus on several technical aspects of ASL, including structure, grammar, classifiers, multiple meanings, and technical signs.
This class typically has a wait list. Please ensure your schedule allows you to attend all eight sessions before registering.
SCECHs are pending.
Audience
This class is for school personnel and adult family members in Michigan who have taken an MDE RDHH beginner ASL class in the past two years. Attendees must be able to log into and participate in this class individually; it is not conducive to group participation.
If cost is a barrier, please contact us at [email protected].
Required Technology
This class will be conducted online via Zoom; participants do not need to have Zoom, but they must have internet access and a computer with a camera. (Tablets and smartphones are not conducive to learning the content of this class.) Instructions will be provided beforehand on how to access the class. Please review Zoom Tips and Shortcuts for Participants [PDF] before the class begins.
Online Event Expectations
Participants are expected to be respectful and courteous to others during this class. We reserve the right to mute, turn off video, and/or remove participants who do not adhere to this expectation.
AI bots (e.g., transcribers/notetakers) and similar unapproved services pose privacy and security risks and violate the State of Michigan Data Classification Standard (1340.00.150.02) and Acceptable Use of Information Technology Standard (1340.00.130.02). Unapproved attendees, including bots, will be removed from MDE-hosted meetings that require registration.
Payment Note
It is recommended that each person register themselves and forward their confirmation email to the person responsible for payment. Payment can be made separately from completing the registration form and is due by the registration deadline.
Contact [email protected] with any questions regarding registration payments.
Accessibility Accommodations
It is important for participants to request accommodations at least three weeks prior to the online event. Outside agencies MDE RDHH contracts with to provide accommodations cannot guarantee services if requests are made in less than three weeks.