Susan joined Hands & Voices after learning of her child's hearing impairment. The opportunity to find a true peer group and the philosophy that there isn't one right communication method appealed to Susan. She learned that Hands & Voices values the unique experience of each family and strives to empower each family by encouraging independent thinking. The sensitivity of members toward one another, the belief that what's right for the child is the right choice, and access to information such as how to prepare for an IEP meeting, are a few reasons why Susan actively promotes Hands & Voices.

Currently Susan is coordinating a weekend experience for families with deaf or hard-of-hearing children, one of many programs sponsored by Iowa Hands & Voices. Susan also attends conferences on childhood deafness, assists with sign language classes, and participates in a Centers for Disease Control parent group.

Susan: "Deafness is a low-incident disability. Pair that with living in the rural state of Iowa, and families with deaf children really don't cross paths often enough. Iowa Hands & Voices brings families together regardless of the level of hearing loss, mode of communication, or choice of amplification strategy. Hands & Voices has been good for me, good for my family, and good for my child."