If you’re a DHH Teacher, Teacher Consultant, Deaf Mentor, ASL Specialist, or DHH

leader who’s passionate about building bright futures through language and

literacy—this is your conference.

Whether you’re local or traveling from afar, the DHH Literacy Launch offers a chance to

break out of the usual routine and into a dynamic space where collaboration, inspiration,

and big ideas come to life.

Get ready to connect with others who do what you do—and leave with new tools, fresh

energy, and a team you didn’t know you were missing.

We bring together professionals who are often spread out or working independently in
the field of Deaf education—like Teachers of the Deaf, Teacher Consultants, Deaf
Mentors, and ASL Specialists. The DHH Literacy Launch creates intentional time for
deep collaboration, peer connection, and shared problem-solving.
It’s your chance to learn, grow, and feel part of a larger community that understands the
unique challenges and joys of this work—all in a one-of-a-kind, camp-style setting in
Grand Rapids, Michigan.

🌞 Hands-Up Mornings: National presenters share 45-minute, high-impact
sessions packed with literacy strategies tailored for DHH learners.
✋ Hands-On Afternoons: Collaborate, plan, and turn ideas into classroom-ready
tools – just in time to kick off the new school year with confidence.
Bonus! We’ve built in a focused strand on Early Childhood DHH and Michigan’s LEAD-K
efforts – because early language matters.

We’re taking professional learning out of the hotel ballroom and into a
one-of-a-kind setting! The conference will be held at Indian Trails Camp in Grand
Rapids, Michigan – a barrier-free, camp-style venue with modern amenities and a
peaceful, wooded vibe that invites connection, creativity, and collaboration.
📍 Address:
0-1859 Lake Michigan Dr NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Get ready for a refreshing atmosphere that feels more like a retreat – and way
less like a stuffy conference room!

Because we believe the how of professional learning is just as important as the
what.
At the DHH Literacy Launch, we’re intentionally moving away from rows of chairs
and PowerPoint fatigue. This camp-style environment is designed to help you
step out of your daily grind and into a space that sparks reflection, creativity, and
connection.
We’re creating an experiential conference – where learning happens not just from
the stage, but around the fire pit, on a nature walk, or during hands-on
collaboration with peers who truly get your work. Our goal? For you to return
home re-energized, reconnected, and ready to lead literacy work with new tools
and a stronger professional network.

The event runs for two full days:
Tuesday, August 19 to Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 8:00am-4:00pm.
We ask that presenters and vendors check in on the evening of Monday, August
18 between 2-5pm. A full schedule and agenda will be sent to participants closer
to the event.

Easy! Head to our Eventbrite page to save your spot:

👉 Click here to register

If you need help with payment or group registration, feel free to contact

us—we’re happy to help! Access Ability DHH

You’re not alone—some districts begin their professional learning during this
same week. But good news: a growing number of leaders are opting to swap
their usual back-to-school PD in favor of sending staff to the DHH Literacy
Launch.
Why? Because this conference is designed specifically for professionals
supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing students—and it delivers meaningful,
targeted learning that many DHH teams don’t usually get during district-wide
training.
We encourage you to talk with your supervisor or administrator. We’re happy to
provide a formal conference overview or letter of support to help make the case!

Registration is $500 for the full 2-day DHH Literacy Launch experience. That
includes:

• Daily light breakfast & lunch and snacks
• All sessions and collaborative workshops
• Conference materials and resources
• Priceless connection with DHH education leaders and peers

Lodging is not included in the registration fee, but we’ve reserved a block of
beautiful riverside suites at the nearby Embassy Suites Grand Rapids
Downtown. These are spacious two-bedroom suites with balconies—and yes,
they’re perfect for roommate pair-ups or solo comfort!
Room rate: $219/night for a two-bedroom suite with balcony and river views
🚐 A shuttle will be available to take you to and from the camp each day for
convenience.
📞 Contact the Embassy Suites to reserve your room at:(616)512-5700
Use Group Code: DHH
Booking through our room block helps keep costs down and makes it easier to
connect with other attendees! The rooms are being held for us until mid-July, and
then will be released if space is needed. If you need additional time to secure
your rooms, let us know and we will work with the hotel.

We’re just minutes from Grand Rapids, Michigan – a fun, easy-to-navigate city
with great food, plenty to explore, and travel options that make getting here a
breeze.
🛬 Flying in? You’ll want to book your flight into Gerald R. Ford International
Airport (GRR)
🚗 Driving in? We’ll send detailed directions and parking info in your confirmation
email.

We’ve got you covered! 🚌

• Daily Shuttle Service: A complimentary shuttle will run between the
  Embassy Suites Grand Rapids Downtown and Indian Trails Camp each
  morning and afternoon – so you can focus on your coffee, not your GPS.
• Driving Yourself? Free on-site parking is available at the camp.

All transportation details, including pickup times and maps, will be included in
your confirmation email in early August.

Embassy Suites downtown offers convenient covered self-parking with in‑and‑out
privileges for $25 per night. Valet parking is not available, but you’ll find EV charging
stations on-site. The parking ramp is attached directly to the hotel for easy access.
If you plan to drive to the venue, be aware:

• The camp at Indian Trails provides complimentary on-site parking.
• A daily shuttle will transport hotel guests to and from the camp.

Pack light but smart! We suggest:

• A notebook or device for planning
• A refillable water bottle
• Chargers or a power bank
• Bug spray, sunscreen, and your favorite pen
• Anything you’ll want for afternoon collaboration time

We’ll send a full packing list before the event to make sure you’re good to go!

Yes, breakfast and lunch are included both days!

Each morning, we’ll kick things off with a light breakfast to help you ease into the

day (coffee, fruit, etc.) Midday, we’ll break for lunch served on-site so you can

stay focused and connected without needing to leave the venue.

Dinner is on your own, giving you a chance to explore the Grand Rapids food

scene or unwind at the hotel, with various food establishments conveniently

located nearby and within walking distance.

Absolutely! We’ve got you.
Please let us know about any dietary needs or allergies when you register, and
we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.

This is pending approval at this time.

Our goal is to center American Sign Language (ASL) throughout the conference.
Many sessions will be presented directly in ASL as part of our commitment to
language access and community connection.
That said, some sessions may be delivered in spoken English with ASL
interpretation provided.
Not fluent in ASL? Don’t worry. Whether you’re an emerging signer or a fluent
user, we welcome everyone and are committed to making the experience
supportive and inclusive for all levels of ASL use. We encourage you to use ASL
when you communicate to the extent you feel comfortable.

Yes! We will provide ASL and/or voice interpretation throughout the conference.
If you have specific language or access needs, let us know when you register.

Reach out to us at info@accesaabilitydhh.com or visit www.accessabilitydhh.com for updates!