Deaf History Month (March 13 - April 15) is a time to honor the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Deaf community. From groundbreaking innovations in education to powerful advocacy efforts, this month reminds us of the importance of access, inclusion, and empowerment.

At BEGINNINGS, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive—and we’re here to help families navigate their journey. Our Parent Educators provide:

👂 Guidance on communication options—American Sign Language (ASL), Cued Speech, Listening & Spoken Language, and more!
📚 Support for navigating school systems—Understanding IEPs, 504 Plans, and ensuring access to services.
🤝 Advocacy and emotional support—Helping families build confidence in making informed decisions for their child’s future.

By learning from Deaf history, we continue to build a future where all children with hearing loss have the tools, resources, and support to succeed. 💙

📢 Need support? Our Parent Educators are here for you! Connect with us to learn how we can help. 

April 7 through 13, BEGINNINGS supported National Public Health Week, which recognizes the importance of access, advocacy, and health equity—especially for families raising children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. 🏥✨

Public health isn’t just about medical care; it’s about ensuring every family has the resources, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. For parents of children with hearing loss, this means:

👂 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention
📚 Navigating Health & Education Systems
🤝 Building a Strong Support Network

At BEGINNINGS, we are committed to empowering families with the tools and knowledge to advocate for their child’s health and education. Because when families are supported, communities grow stronger! 💪💙

Learn more about National Public Health Week and how public health impacts us all. 

This April, we are honored to share the inspiring story of the Otero family, who welcomed their miracle baby, Nael Emil Otero, into the world on April 22, 2024. His name, Nael, meaning “A gift from God,” couldn’t be more fitting.

Born at just 30 weeks and weighing 3 lbs 8 oz, Nael’s arrival was met with both joy and uncertainty. He spent his first 43 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, where he fought bravely to grow stronger each day. Through sleepless nights and tearful prayers, his family held tightly to their faith and hope—until the day they finally brought their little warrior home.

That homecoming was a moment of pure celebration. After weeks of waiting and longing, the Oteros were able to wrap Nael in love, surrounded by the support and joy of everyone who had been cheering him on. It was a dream fulfilled.

Their journey took a new turn when Nael was identified with bilateral hearing loss. Though unexpected, this diagnosis opened doors to a new kind of understanding, resilience, and community. The Oteros were soon enveloped by a network of professionals, teachers, interpreters, and caring individuals who offered guidance and encouragement. With their help, the family discovered that children with hearing loss can thrive and lead full and joyful lives.

Nael’s mother beautifully shares, “As a mother, I can honestly say that I am not alone. I am surrounded by a large family that supports me—my husband, our children, teachers, coordinators, interpreters, and many more—each of whom walks this journey with us.”

As we reflect on the spirit of Easter—a time that symbolizes new life and fresh starts—Nael’s story reminds us that even in the most uncertain moments, there is beauty, strength, and hope waiting to bloom.

We are honored to spotlight the Otero family this month and grateful for the opportunity to share their journey. Nael continues to inspire everyone around him with his resilience, joy, and the unwavering support of those who walk alongside him.

Get ready for a fun, family-friendly event that you won't want to miss! 🎉

We’re thrilled to invite you to the Greensboro Community Connections on Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Steel Hands Brewing Company (1918 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27403).

✨ What’s Happening at the Event?
🎶 Enjoy live music by The Craig Vaughn Experience, 🍔 delicious food and drinks, 🤩 an exciting silent auction, and 🎉 family-friendly fun—all in one incredible event! It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as well as the professionals who support them. Come learn about valuable resources, exchange ideas, seek advice, and share your journey. 💙🤝

BEGINNINGS families—don’t miss out! We’re offering a 20% discount on your tickets. Email Joanna Chantemerle to receive your exclusive code.

By becoming a sponsor, you’ll not only gain visibility for your business but also make a direct impact on families across North Carolina. Sponsorship levels include:

⭐ $250 – Friend of BEGINNINGS Sponsor
🥉 $500 – Bronze Sponsor
🥈 $1,000 – Silver Sponsor
🥇 $2,500 – Gold Sponsor
🏆 $5,000 – Platinum Sponsor

Your support helps BEGINNINGS continue providing critical resources, referrals, and advocacy to families navigating hearing loss.

Calling all organizations! Want to share your services and resources with families from across North Carolina? For $500, you’ll get a dedicated table at the event plus free admission for two participants—the perfect opportunity to showcase what you do while supporting a great cause.

Don't miss out on this exciting afternoon of connection, community, and celebration! 

📅 April is here, and so is the North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Events Calendar! 🌸🎉

Looking for ways to connect, learn, and engage with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community this month? NC DSDHH has events across the state this month! From workshops and advocacy opportunities to social gatherings and resources, there's something for everyone.

📢 Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and join us in celebrating #DeafHistoryMonth and beyond!

Spring into Connection and Fun! Spring is here, and with it comes fresh air, blooming flowers, and endless opportunities to make joyful family memories.

For families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, this vibrant season brings both exciting possibilities and unique considerations—and BEGINNINGS is here to help you embrace it all!

Here are a few tips to make springtime more accessible and enjoyable for your child:

 BEGINNINGS is here to support your family every step of the way, ensuring that your child has the tools and resources they need to fully participate in all the joys this season brings.

Whether through providing guidance on communication strategies, connecting you to resources, or helping you advocate for your child’s needs, BEGINNINGS is your partner in making this spring a memorable one for your family. 

When local Raleigh author Hannah Jessen Conway learned that her second son was deaf, she knew she wanted to write an inclusive children's book featuring a deaf boy with cochlear implants. 

Last October, Love Sounds Like was published, just a few weeks after her son Shepherd heard sound for the first time through his cochlear implants. Love Sounds Like is a rhyming read-aloud that features a heartfelt conversation between a mother and son as they discover that love is much more than a sound – you can smell, see, taste, and touch it, too! 

Hannah is passionate about creating stories that affirm the experiences of Deaf or Hard of Hearing kids and their families while also resonating with all little readers. In honor of Deaf History Month, Hannah is offering a discount on her book to all BEGINNINGS families on her website in April. Use the coupon code DHH to get a discount and free shipping on signed paperback or hardback copies of Love Sounds Like! May it encourage you and your kiddos as they see themselves represented in the story. 

This month, BEGINNINGS is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Joan Burton, a dedicated and dynamic Parent Educator since August 2018, who brings energy, compassion, and deep expertise to every family she supports.

Joan’s path into Deaf Education began at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees. She launched her career in Randolph County, where she taught for 17 years in various roles—including Deaf Education, Regular Education, and ESL. During that time, she also earned a master’s in Instructional Technology from East Carolina University. 

Even early in her career, Joan knew where she wanted to be. “I learned about BEGINNINGS early on and always said, ‘That is where I want to end up.’ It took me a few years, but I’m right where I belong,” she shared.

In her role as Parent Educator, Joan is especially passionate about helping families understand the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. She takes pride in empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to advocate effectively for their children’s needs. Since joining our team, she has deepened her understanding of educational law, become a more intentional listener, and refined her ability to support families in voicing their concerns with confidence.

While Joan may be known among her colleagues for her love of running, many may not realize just how impressive her athletic feats truly are. She has completed four marathons, two relay races, and is gearing up to run her first ultra marathon (50K) this April. To celebrate her 50th birthday, she has her sights set on hiking Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon. She is a proud member of several run clubs and finds joy in staying active and spending time outdoors.

Her favorite motto, Carpe Diem, reflects the way she approaches both her professional and personal life—with passion, purpose, and enthusiasm.

Joan's typical day might include hours on the road (which she actually enjoys), responding to referrals, connecting with families, providing guidance, and staying up to date on best practices through reading and webinars. Some days are calm, while others are non-stop—but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

One of the things Joan values most about working at BEGINNINGS is the collaborative spirit. Even with colleagues spread across the state, she finds it easy to reach out through chat, video, or text to share ideas or seek advice. That sense of connection and shared purpose strengthens her work and supports the families she serves.

Joan is a valued part of the BEGINNINGS team and her drive, heart, and dedication inspire all of us. We are grateful for the many ways she makes a difference every single day.

🌟 A huge THANK YOU to Dr. Amy Becker, Shannon Horton, and Lisa Sigurdson from ECU Health - Audiology for welcoming Wilma Rivera, Emilio Gonzalez, and Rhonda Jones! 

Their hands-on guidance with hearing aid checks and screenings provided valuable experience—just like the incredible support you provide to children and young adults every day. 🎧💙 We appreciate all you do to make a difference!

Cabarrus County Schools recently hosted a Family Resource Night, bringing together families and organizations to share valuable resources and support. BEGINNINGS was thrilled to be part of this fun-filled evening! 🎉

Bilingual Parent Educators, Gheydis Paredes and Cristina Mickens, connected with parents and caregivers, sharing how BEGINNINGS supports families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. From advocacy to educational guidance, we're here to help! 👐💬

A huge thank you to Cabarrus County Schools for organizing such a meaningful event! 💙👏

Diane Doak
Executive Director

This month, BEGINNINGS received a piece of mail that brought back a flood of memories for many of us. It was a simple note accompanying a legacy donation from the family of Diana Lee, a much-loved member of the BEGINNINGS family. It truly touched my heart that they wished to honor her in this way, especially because Diana dedicated her life to supporting families with children experiencing hearing loss. In many ways, BEGINNINGS is a living legacy to her.

Diana was a parent of a child with hearing loss at a time when there were limited services available. But that didn’t stop her from researching how to best educate her son. She shared her knowledge with other parents and pursued her B.S. in Education and M. Ed. in Deaf Education. After moving to Charlotte, she implemented the first in-home early intervention program with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. During that time, she connected with other passionate parents, and together they founded the parent support group BEGINNINGS For Parents of Hearing Impaired Children in 1982. In 1987, the group applied for and received non-profit status, becoming what is now known as BEGINNINGS For Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Inc. She also helped write our first parent manual and create our first video. Diana served on our Board of Directors for 10 years, and during her tenure, they secured our contract with the state to provide services to families in North Carolina.

My memories are also filled with personal connections with Diana. When my family moved to Charlotte in 1990, she was the first person to help me find services for my then 2-year-old son. We often ran into her at support group meetings, at the audiologist's office, and at school-based meetings. It wasn’t until I applied for a parent educator position and received a directory for the Board of Directors that I realized Diana was involved with BEGINNINGS. It was confirmation that BEGINNINGS is my life’s work.

I am deeply grateful for all that Diana contributed to BEGINNINGS and to families of children with hearing loss. I’m also thankful to Diana’s family for their generous legacy gift, as well as to all the current and past volunteers and employees at BEGINNINGS for helping to create and grow our living legacy to Diana and all the families who came before us.

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