Happy New Year, everyone! As we kick off January 2026, I’ve been reflecting on how much our field has shifted since I first started my career. One of the biggest changes I've seen (and the reason I’m so passionate about our focus this year) is the diversity of the students on our caseloads. Currently, 40% of students who are deaf also have an additional disability. 

Whether it’s deafness plus autism, vision loss, or navigating a brand-new culture, many of our journeys alongside students require specialized support that, frankly, many of us (myself included!) were not necessarily trained for initially. If you’ve been feeling like you’re working on an island without the support you need, I want you to know: I see you, and we are changing that together this year. 

Everything I want to share with you today feels a bit random at first, from Canada to AI bots, but they all have one thing in common: they are our new online initiatives for 2026 designed to build your expertise. 

Mastering the "Deaf Plus" Focus

Our primary focus for 2026 and 2027 is honing in on students with additional disabilities, or "Deaf Plus". We are kicking this off with a two-part Masterclass specifically for working with deaf students with autism. We’ll be diving into the tough questions, like how to determine if the deafness or the autism is the primary driver of a specific behavior, and sharing real strategies you can use in the classroom. This isn't just for us, either; if you have a student with autism on your caseload, their parents get a free FRIEND Academy membership so they can learn right alongside you. Later this spring, we’ll also be joined by Ashley Norkus, who will share her personal and professional expertise on supporting our students with dual sensory loss. 

Moving Beyond "One-and-Done" In-Servicing

We’ve all felt that frustration when an in-service just doesn't "stick" because doing it once a year simply isn't effective. For 2026, we are hacking the in-service model by focusing on ongoing, bite-sized pieces of information. To help you with this, we’ve partnered with Triumph Educational Consulting to add high-impact videos to your library. These 10ish-minute videos cover heavy-hitting topics like auditory fatigue, social needs, and the nuances of hearing technology, allowing you to provide consistent support to general education teachers without the burnout of constant retraining. 

Meet Ari, Your New AI Bud

I am so incredibly excited to introduce Ari, our brand-new AI bot designed specifically for The Online Itinerant. Think of Ari as a helpful bubble on your screen; you can tell him about a specific student's profile, like a unilateral loss combined with specific behavioral needs, and Ari will point you directly to the activities and trainings in our library that fit that exact situation. I’m personally training Ari right now to make sure he provides high-quality information, and he should be fully launched and ready for you this spring. 

Expanding Our Community to Canada

The Online Itinerant has officially grown into Canada with a new branch, address, and business. I’ve realized that the needs of our students and the challenges we face with heavy caseloads are virtually the same whether you are in the U.S. or Canada. By uniting these branches, we are creating a space where we can share resources and support each other as one united community rather than staying isolated on our own islands. 

...I’m also open to any and all recommendations for the best poutine :) 

A Global Perspective in Cozumel

Finally, we are looking ahead to a massive initiative: the 2027 Deaf Education Conference and Networking Cruise. This is about more than just presentations; it’s about rejuvenation and global connection. We will be traveling back to Cozumel to visit the CAM School, a special school for children with unique needs, to learn how they support students in a different cultural context. It’s also an opportunity to learn from experts like Tina Childress and Keith Wann in a relaxed environment where we can truly pour into one another. 

2026 is going to be a fabulous year focused on building our skills and walking alongside one another. I know there's a shortage in our field and that you are working incredibly hard; you deserve to be supported and equipped. I’m so excited to see what we can accomplish together. 

TOI Tools & Resources

• Register to catch January & February's masterclasses live or catch the recordings in your library.

• Check out the two new inservice videos in the Teaching Toolbox and send them to your teachers as a refresher this second half of the year. 

• Learn more about the our 2027 conference cruise, VIP guests, and early-bird pricing and talk to your district about considering this if you are interested. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does "Deaf Plus" mean?  "Deaf plus" refers to students who are deaf in addition to having another diagnosis or disability, such as autism, blindness, or other unique developmental needs . 

How do I access the new in-service videos for my teachers?  Members of the Professional Academy can find these 10-to-11-minute videos inside their Teaching Toolbox library.  They are designed to be sent to teachers throughout the year to provide ongoing support . 

Is the Ari AI bot available to use right now?  Ari is currently in training to ensure he provides the best information, but you may see him appearing on our website soon. We expect a full launch in the spring of 2026 . 

What are the dates for the 2027 Conference Cruise?  The cruise is scheduled for January 14 through 18, 2027. 

Can I get a refund if I put a deposit down for the cruise but my plans change?  Yes, deposits for the 2027 cruise are fully refundable until October of 2026. 

What if I can't attend the "Deaf Plus" Master Class live?  As a member of the Academy, you can access the recordings of the training afterwards if you are unable to watch live. You'll find this in your Bonus Trainings/Meetups section of your library.

How can I connect my families to the FRIEND Academy? You can find more information inside your Professional Academy member library here. You'll need to request an email, get permission from parents who are interested, and follow the email directions to forward invitations to your interested families.