Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) News and Updates

Behavioral Health Initiative Wellness Day and Interpreter Training

July 23, 2022
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Comfort Suites Conference Center
725 Paradise Lane, Johnson Creek, WI 53038

Join the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) for an information-filled wellness day and interpreter training to help us kick off the Behavioral Health Initiative (BHI).

This day-long event will feature a keynote address with Alex Abenchuchan of The Daily Moth, three workshop sessions, a training opportunity specifically for sign language interpreters, and exhibits from community agencies and organizations.

Registration

Registration for the BHI Wellness Day is open now! Space is limited, so register early. 

There is no cost to attend this event, but you must register in advance. All registrations must be submitted by July 15, 2022. There will be no registration at the conference center. 

Please register each person in your party individually so that we have accurate counts for seating and accommodations.

Accommodations

Lunch is included and will consist of a build-your-own sandwich and salad bar in order to accommodate a variety of dietary needs. 

American Sign Language interpretation and CART captioning will be provided. Additional accommodations requests must be received by July 8, 2022. Please contact the ODHH BHI coordinator to request additional accommodations.

COVID-19 precautions will be determined and posted prior to the event based on current community spread status and DHS requirements.

Schedule of Events

Presentation Descriptions

Keynote Address: Understanding What is Going On in the World Through Accurate News Can Contribute to Good Health

Presenter: Alex Abencuchan, Host of "The Daily Moth"

Every day we are presented with many different kinds of information from the TV, newspapers, and the internet. On topics related to health and well-being, it is especially important to process and filter the information that is out there and make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones. 

Workshop Session 1

Deeper Dive into the Behavioral Health Initiative (BHI)

Presenter: Stacie Heckendorf, MS, BHI Program Coordinator

In this workshop, participants will learn about the BHI for individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind. Find out more about the materials, resources, and trainings being developed for community members, clinicians, and interpreters to help close the gap in health equity here in Wisconsin.

Why You Should Know About CBD and Cannabinoids for Health and Wellness Lifestyle

Presenter: Alex Matsche, founder and CEO of CBD Technologies, LLC.

During this presentation, participants will learn about the history of hemp, the difference between hemp and marijuana, scientific studies, the health benefits of CBD and cannabinoids, and much more!

Workshop Session 2

Wisconsin Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness (WCESIL)

Presenter: Carleigh Olson, MPH, CHES, WCESIL Program Coordinator

This presentation will provide an overview of the WCESIL and will focus on what the coalition has accomplished so far and where the coalition is headed next. The presenter welcomes new ideas and partnerships from participants. There will be time built into the presentation to have a conversation and brainstorm how the coalition can make an even greater impact in our state.

Luv2Hear: Hearing Loss, Confidence Found, Stigmas Shattered, Purpose Bound

Presenter: Pamela Martin, founder and director of Luv2Hear

In this workshop, Pamela Martin will share her journey in creating her support group, Luv2Hear. She will also discuss ways to eradicate the stigmas associated with hearing loss.

Workshop Session 3

Welcome to Medicare

Presenter: Jennifer Koehn, Disability Benefit Specialist for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind

In this presentation, participants will learn about the basics of Medicare coverage, options for private health and prescription drug coverage, and public benefits that can hep with Medicare costs. 

Introduction to Yoga with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Presenter: Paul Mross, E-RYT 200 certified yoga instructor

This workshop will explore the benefits of yoga. Participants will focus on fall prevention and how yoga can be effective in increasing balance and strength with easy and healthy yoga habits that can be woven into daily life. This workshop will be very interactive and engaging.

Interpreter Training Workshops

Content and the Discontents: Broadening the Definition of Professional Development for Interpreting Practitioners

Presenter: Robyn Dean, PhD, CI/CT

This three-part series workshop is designed to do what workshops do best—raise awareness. Participants will consider how education activities within the field are designed and the degree to which they result in "learning" and the practitioner's development. The lens through which participants will consider analyzing traditional education activities in light of interpreting practice is Proctor's formative, normative, and restorative functions in professional development.

In part one of the series, participants will consider how new knowledge (or skills), once they are introduced, can factor into a practitioner's development plan.

In part two of the series, participants will explore how interpreters understand their work experiences beyond the traditional binary frame to create more meaning from their practice.

In part three of the series, participants will reframe calls for setting boundaries and better self-care through the lens of restorative activities. Participants will address how some restorative activities can bring about a sense of closure and how restorative acts can factor into a practitioner's development. 

Please do not respond to this email. If you have questions, please contact the Behavioral Health Initiative Program Coordinator. For more information about the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Web Site.