As the number of multilingual Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students continues to grow, educators and service providers must be prepared to effectively support families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This session will explore current demographic trends, cultural beliefs and perspectives common among Spanish-speaking families, and the impact these factors may have on educational and healthcare decision-making.

 The presentation will also feature a Spanish-speaking parent co-presenter who will share firsthand experiences navigating diagnosis, intervention, and educational services, providing valuable insight into how professionals can better support and empower families.

What will be covered:

• Current demographic trends.
• Cultural beliefs and perspectives common among Spanish-speaking families.
• The impact these factors may have on educational and healthcare decision-making.
• Practical strategies for building culturally responsive partnerships.

**ASL interpreter provided