Description
Please note: Registration is not yet open for this event. It will open in May 2026.
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 15: Confidently Administering the American Sign Language Receptive Skills Test (ASL-RST)
May 19: Making Sense of MacArthur Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDIs)
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
Join us for a fun-filled opportunity for families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing. This event will feature interactive activities to learn about literacy and community resources as well as opportunities to connect with other families. The whole family is welcome—don’t miss this unique experience! A light dinner will be provided.
MDE RDHH and Northwest Education Services are collaborating to host this special event.
Audience
This event is for families in Michigan raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
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
Unlock the power of interactive reading for children who are deaf/hard of hearing (DHH)! Looking for fresh, effective ways to make reading time truly engaging? Join us for a dynamic presentation featuring 15 proven principles for reading aloud with children who are DHH, adapted from strategies used by parents who are DHH themselves. Discover how bilingual engagement in American Sign Language (ASL) and English can transform literacy development, and learn practical techniques like expressive signing, storytelling variation, roleplay, and real-world connections. These research-backed strategies don’t just make reading fun—they build a strong foundation for language and literacy success.
Audience
This webinar is for adult family members of children in Michigan who are DHH.
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. Attendees must also be able to log into and participate in this event individually. This event is not conducive to group participation.
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 (e.g., American Sign Language interpreter, captioning) 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
Calling all students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), in kindergarten and above!
You are invited to take part in the first statewide art showcase hosted by the Michigan Department of Education Resource for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (MDE RDHH) that celebrates creativity, imagination, and your unique artistic expression.
Choose an already established piece of art and recreate it in your own way. You can make an exact copy or add your personal flair, and you may use the same materials as the original or try something new. Painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, and more are all welcome.
Watch the promotional video: Join Us for Masterpiece Reimagined!
Artists of all experience levels are encouraged to participate. Whether this will be your debut as an artist or you have been creating art for years, your work belongs here.
All artwork must be completed and submitted to MDE RDHH prior to the event. On the day of the event, student artwork will be showcased in a formal gallery style presentation. Participants are encouraged to dress up for the event to celebrate and enjoy the gallery experience.
An optional art class led by local artists/teachers will be offered, providing an opportunity to learn new techniques and gain creative insight.
Recreate. Reimagine. Make it yours!
Audience
This event is for students in Michigan who are DHH, in kindergarten and above, and their families.
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
Addressing the diverse needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) within an itinerant model presents unique challenges, particularly in rural settings. Join us for a full day of collaboration and learning focused on strategies to meet diverse needs and ensure the least restrictive environments for students who are DHH. Be ready to engage and learn collaboratively as we share insights and best practices.
This event is offered in collaboration with Northwest Education Services.
Audience
This event is for school personnel working with students in Michigan who are DHH. DHH Consortium students are also invited to attend.
Credits
This workshop has been approved for up to 5.0 SCECHs.
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
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
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
Ready to deepen your understanding of the American Sign Language Receptive Skills Test (ASL-RST)? Join MDE RDHH and Northern Signs Research for a dynamic one-hour virtual workshop packed with insights! Discover the key components, learn best practices for administration, and gain the confidence to use this assessment effectively.
The ASL-RST is a Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Michigan recommended assessment.
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.
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
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 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:
- Test Overview (American Sign Language Expressive Skills Test)
- 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.
Prerequisites
All participants must be fluent in ASL. All presentations and practice sessions are delivered in ASL with no interpreters.
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.
Credits
This event has been approved for 8.0 SCECH credits.
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.
March 20: Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals – Preschool (CELF-P3) Training
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)
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 accessibility accommodations before registration closes.
Description
Join us for this overnight event for women who are raising children who are blind or low vision (BLV) and/or deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). Surrounded by the beauty of the woods at Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T), moms will appreciate a time to slow down and connect through conversation, laughter, and shared experiences. Participants will have an opportunity to enjoy a walk in the woods, play games, make s’mores by the campfire, and build community with other women on similar mothering journeys. We hope to see you there.
Audience
This event is for women in Michigan raising children who are BLV and/or DHH.
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.