About the Program

Observe, Understand and Respond: the O.U.R. Children's Safety Project

We don't like to think about it, but our kids who are deaf or hard of hearing are at a higher risk for abuse, neglect and bullying. As children who might not always be able to communicate easily and fluently, or understand the nuances of conversation with neighbors, caregivers, or strangers, they are at an even higher risk of being victims of someone, somewhere... 

If we can stop that cycle with even one child, one family... our efforts are more than worthwhile. 

Hands & Voices HQ and chapters are working closely with researcher Harold Johnson at Michigan State University to understand the scope of this problem, partner with supporting agencies (who often need to learn more about deafness), and teach ourselves how best to Observe, Understand, and Respond to our children. As a result they have a section of articles addressing this issue. To keep them safe. To keep them free to grow up in the innocence of childhood.