While Teacher Appreciation Week has passed, we want to take another moment to celebrate the incredible professionals who support students who are deaf and hard of hearing—Teachers of the Deaf, Educational Audiologists, Educational Interpreters, Cued Speech Transliterators, Spoken Language Facilitators, and so many others whose work happens behind the scenes but makes a lasting impact every single day.
Your work is deeply specialized, but even more than that, it is deeply human. You are not only providing access to language and instruction—you are opening doors to connection, identity, and opportunity. You meet students where they are and help build bridges to where they want to go, often navigating complex communication needs with creativity, patience, and unwavering commitment.
You collaborate, problem-solve, advocate, and adjust—sometimes moment by moment—to ensure that students have meaningful access to their education and their world. That kind of work doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves, but it changes lives in profound ways.
Thank you for the expertise you bring, the care you show, and the persistence you demonstrate. We hope you had a wonderful week, and please know that you are truly appreciated all year round for being steady guides in your students' journeys. The difference you make extends far beyond the classroom.
With deep appreciation,
Antwan, Neena, and Virginia
New
Resource Spotlight: A Guide to Visual Supports
STEMIE (Supporting Transformative Inclusive Practices in Early Education) developed A Guide to Visual Supports, an evidence‑informed resource to help teams:
- Support routines, schedules, and transitions
- Increase communication and participation
- Promote inclusion and reduce challenging behavior
Access this guide, as well as a visual supports checklist, visit the STEMIE website.
Reminders
Summer Institutes 2026
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Office of Exceptional Children Regional Summer Institutes! Again, the OEC is offering regional institutes throughout the state. These institutes will center around four main topics: The Diverse Learner, Policy and Procedures, Classroom Management, and Specially Designed Instruction. Please reference the Summer Institutes Guide for information around the institutes offered, registration, payment, and much more. Registration ends on May 22, 2026. At this time, participants will only be able to register for the sessions in their region, but once sessions fill up, there will be an option to be added to a waiting list. After May 1, 2025, any seats still available will open to all participants, regardless of the region where they are employed. Also, to ensure that we fill all available seats, the OEC will share registration lists periodically through the weekly update, as well as send an email to all registered participants during the week of May 26, 2026. Registered participants must respond to the email by May 29, 2026 confirming attendance to hold their seat.
Call for Proposals: 75th Conference on Exceptional Children
The call for general conference proposals for the 75th Conference on Exceptional Children opened April 3, 2026, and closes on July 17, 2026. This year’s theme is Brilliant Past. Bold Future: 75 Years of Exceptional Children, and will be held in Greensboro, NC, November 4-6, 2026. The goal of the conference is to highlight evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Please note that PSU staff, employed or contracted, are required to submit a signed District Level EC Administrator Signature form during the submission process. Additionally, the OEC is unable to reimburse any costs associated with presenting. Questions regarding the call for proposals may be directed to ECConfProposals@dpi.nc.gov.
New ASL Events from NC Relay
ASL Talent Show at the NC Sign-a-Thon
Calling all skilled performers! Showcase your talent at the 2026 NC Sign-a-Thon and be a part of an unforgettable event - Saturday May 2 or Saturday May 30. See flier for more details!
Sign-a-Thon - Winston-Salem
NC Relay is hosting an amazing ASL showcase featuring signed music, captivating storytelling, stunning visual performances, and so much more on Saturday May 30 from 12:00-4:00 in Winston-Salem. See flier for more details!
American Sign Language Storytelling Time for Children
The Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is offering a series of ASL Storytelling time for children through Zoom with a Deaf storyteller. Please see the event flier for more information.
Helen Keller National Center Summer Youth Vocational Program - 2026
Empowering Youth Through STEAM, Surfing, and Self-Discovery
Dates: July 6 to July 31, 2026 | Location: Helen Keller National Center, New York
Ready to discover what you're capable of? HKNC's Summer Youth Vocational Program (SYVP) helps youth explore careers through hands-on work experience at multiple job sites.
You'll dive into STEAM projects, experience activities like adaptive surfing, and develop self-advocacy skills, all while discovering your strengths. SYVP is about exploration and possibility, giving you the confidence and skills to shape your own future.
Program Highlights:
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STEAM Activities: Engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math projects
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Adaptive Surfing: Combine physical activity with social-emotional learning, self-determination, and career awareness
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Motivational Speakers: Hear inspiring stories from DeafBlind leaders and changemakers
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Self-Empowerment & Advocacy Workshops: Build confidence, communication, and self-advocacy skills
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Work Experience: Participate in real-world job tasks and workplace readiness training
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Camp-Ability with Lauren Lieberman: learn to set goals by exploring the outdoors through inclusive adventure and nature-based learning
Contact your Regional Representative if you are interested in learning more!
View Downloadable Flier
Technical Assistance: Acceptable Use of AI for Special Education Teachers and Related Service Providers
The Office of Exceptional Children is pleased to announce the release of Technical Assistance: Acceptable Use of AI for Special Education Teachers and Related Service Providers.
This new guidance provides practical directions on how artificial intelligence (AI) can be responsibly and effectively integrated into special education practice. It outlines appropriate and ethical applications of AI tools to support individualized education program (IEP) development, instructional planning, data analysis, and communication, while maintaining strict adherence to student privacy, professional judgment, and legal compliance.
Developed to complement the NCDPI Generative AI Implementation Recommendations and Considerations for PK–13 Public Schools, this new guidance highlights the Human–AI–Human (H–AI–H) framework, ensuring that educators remain central to all decisions regarding student learning and support.
The OEC encourages all special education administrators, staff, and related service providers to review this guidance as part of ongoing efforts to use technology in ways that enhance, not replace, professional expertise and individualized care.
The OEC will be providing Technical Assistance (TA) on this guidance at the upcoming EC Conference with planned TA occurring during the EC Administrator Institute and in a 90-minute session during the general conference.
For questions, please contact: Josh Barton, Joshua.Barton@dpi.nc.gov.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
SSAT/DHH Canvas Hub
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Canvas Hub
Office of Exceptional Children: Professional Development Calendar
NCDPI Calendar of Events in Calendar View
NCDPI Calendar of Events in List View
Upcoming Professional Development
There is no upcoming professional development offered at this time.
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