Carter Hears

Across states. Across roles. One shared purpose. 🧡

Two weeks later, we’re still reflecting on the connection, collaboration, and inspiration we experienced at the 30th Annual National Hands & Voices Leadership Conference in Westminster, Colorado.

From meaningful conversations with people from across the country to sharing ideas, resources, and a whole lot of heart, this gathering was a beautiful reminder that the work of supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing children is bigger than any one organization, state, or role.

We were especially proud of Carter Hears! Director of Communications and Access, Rylina Dey and Language Facilitator, Aileen Pagan-Welch for publishing their white paper, 𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘺: 𝘈 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, that will be highlighted through the Hands & Voices newsletters, extending this important conversation beyond the conference walls.

We’re grateful for the people who continue to challenge us, collaborate with us, and remind us why this work matters.

Different states. Different roles. One shared purpose: creating better possibilities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

✨ We need a Trilingual Trifecta! ✨

Three languages. Three ways to connect. One incredible opportunity to make a difference in Deaf Education. 🧡

At Carter Hears!, we believe communication is about more than words, it’s about connection, access, belonging, and making sure every Deaf and Hard of Hearing student has the opportunity to be understood.

We’re looking for a talented professional who can bring their skills, heart, and passion to our growing Team with Heart. If you’re fluent in ASL, English, and Spanish and ready to put those languages to work in meaningful ways, we’d love to hear from you!

Your language skills could be the connection someone has been waiting for. 🧡

📣 Ready to join the Team with Heart? Check out our open position and apply today!

Today, we celebrate the beauty, importance, and power of sign languages around the world. 🤟🧡

Sign languages are more than a way to communicate—they are deeply connected to identity, culture, community, and connection.

On this International Day of Sign Languages, we celebrate the richness and diversity of sign languages and recognize the importance of protecting, promoting, and supporting linguistic access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.

Because connection matters. Communication matters. And every person deserves to be understood. 🧡

Happy First Day of Autumn! 🍂🧡

A new season brings a chance to pause, reflect, and appreciate the growth that comes with change.

As the leaves begin to turn and the seasons shift, we are reminded that growth doesn't always look the same. Sometimes it is bold and visible. Sometimes it happens quietly, little by little, until one day we look back and realize just how far we've come.

Here's to a season filled with connection, growth, meaningful moments, and plenty of reasons to be grateful. 🍁🧡

Happy Fall from our Team with Heart to yours!

Today, we join the global community in celebrating International Week of Deaf People! 🧡

This week is an opportunity to celebrate Deaf individuals, Deaf communities, languages, cultures, achievements, and the incredible contributions Deaf people make every day.

At Carter Hears!, we believe connection begins with truly connecting, understanding, and valuing one another. We are proud to stand alongside the Deaf community and remain committed to helping create spaces where Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals are supported, included, and empowered.

This week—and every week—we celebrate the beauty, strength, and diversity of the Deaf community. 🧡

✨ 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

As we begin International Week of Deaf People, we recognize 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 “𝐃𝐨𝐭” 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬. A Deaf poet, educator, performer, and pioneer whose work helped shape sign language poetry in both the United States and the United Kingdom. 🤟

👁️ Through poetry in ASL, BSL, and English, Dorothy demonstrated the richness of signed languages and the power of expressing stories, ideas, and experiences visually.

💬 Her legacy continues to remind us why access to language matters. When Deaf and Hard of Hearing children have meaningful opportunities to develop and experience language, we open doors for learning, connection, self-expression, and belonging.

💙 At Carter Hears!, we celebrate the Deaf individuals who helped pave the way while continuing to strengthen language access and opportunities for the next generation.

Today, Carter Hears! recognizes Yom Kippur and extends our warm wishes to all those observing this sacred day.

Yom Kippur is a meaningful time for reflection, forgiveness, and renewal. It offers an opportunity to pause, reflect on the past, and move forward with intention.

To all those observing, we wish you a meaningful Yom Kippur and a peaceful day of reflection.

G'mar Chatimah Tovah.

This image says so much about what we believe—and why we do what we do. 🧡

At Carter Hears!, we know that meaningful change doesn’t happen by simply maintaining the status quo. It happens when people are willing to listen, learn, challenge assumptions, and imagine something better.

We believe in a future where Deaf and Hard of Hearing children are surrounded by opportunity, connection, representation, and people who see their potential without limits.

Because access matters. Identity matters. Representation matters. And every child deserves the opportunity to become whoever they are meant to be. 🧡

This is the work that brings us together. This is what continues to move us forward.

This is our Team with Heart. 🧡

✨ 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞... 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭?

We’re taking you behind the scenes to meet the leadership team that helps bring the heart, ideas, connection, and creativity of Carter Hears! to life. 🧡

Meet 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬, 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 & 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲!

The person behind many of the systems, connections, communications, and behind-the-scenes details that help keep Carter Hears! moving forward. 💻🧡

Jerne brings creativity, heart, and a whole lot of dedication to everything she does. She believes that the details matter... but so do the people behind them. Whether she’s helping create a better process, finding new ways to connect our team and community, or bringing an idea to life, she is passionate about helping Carter Hears! continue to grow while staying true to what makes us who we are: a Team with Heart. 🧡

There’s plenty more to discover in her graphic, including a few fun facts you might not know about her. 😉

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing more of the people behind our Team with Heart, one leader at a time.

💬 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧? 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬!