Welcome to Guide By Your Side of Oregon
We are a parent-led program with Parent Guides located throughout the state who support families in their local community. Our services are free to families who have children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We offer support that is non-biased and we believe that “what works for your child is what makes the choice right!”
What We Have to Offer:
- Help exploring language access & technology options
- Family-to-family connection (for parents & children)
- Relevant Trainings
- Support in IFSPs, IEPs, and 504s
- Local events (both in-person and virtual)
- Trained parent advocates by your side
- An active, parent-only Facebook community
- In-person support at doctor and Early Intervention visits
- Our popular Annual Family Camp
Amanda Hvass
GBYS Program Coordinator
Get to Know Me
Hi! I’m Amanda Hvass, your Lane County Parent Guide and Guide By Your Side Coordinator. When my child was first diagnosed as being severe-profoundly deaf I thought the audiologist was just stressing that he was “really, really, really, deaf”. I had no idea “severe-profound” was an actual medical term. The news hit hard, as I was trying to figure out what this would mean to my very musical and loud family. Low and behold, there are many ways to enjoy one’s life here on earth. My husband and I have been raising three boys, which includes our son Ollie. He has been one of our best teachers. Born with other disabilities and a life-threatening medical emergency, Ollie kept us on our toes! However, life has mellowed in many ways and we’re now navigating his life with more confidence than the beginning. His communication needs have morphed and changed over the years. It has all been possible with friends, family, and the Hands & Voices community- we’re so thankful!
Email me: amanda@handsandvoicesOR.org
Turi Hoaglin
Portland Metro Parent Guide
Get to Know Me
Hi My name is Turi Hoaglin and I have a very fierce, strong, independent, daughter who just happens to be Deaf. Although this has been an unexpected journey full of twists and turns, it has been very rich indeed. The lifelong friendships I have gained because my daughter is Deaf I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’m here to teach you to be the best advocate you can for child and coach you along the way. When I’m not mentoring you can find me out walking, digging in my garden, or playing with my alcohol inks creating art. It is my privilege to walk beside you wherever you be on this unexpected but often magical journey.
Email me: turi@handsandvoicesOR.org
Lauren White
Southern Oregon Parent Guide
Get to Know Me
Hi! My name is Lauren White and my family lives in Medford. I am the Southern Oregon Parent Guide for Hands & Voices of Oregon and I really love meeting other families is our community who have children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. I learned early on in my son’s journey that parent to parent support is the most powerful tool I can have! My son is Bauer and he is Deaf+. Bauer uses ASL and some English to communicate and is an active boy! He is in the Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at school and he loves to kayak, ski, scooter, and play Lego. My favorite part of my job is hosting events to bring Southern Oregon families together. Outside of work, I also love to ski, kayak, run, bike, and cook.
Email me: lauren@handsandvoicesOR.org
Stephanie Lucas
Central Oregon Parent Guide
Get to Know Me
Hi! I’m Stephanie Lucas, The Hands and Voices Parent Guide for Central and Eastern Oregon. Our journey into the d/hh community started with a “cold” when I was one week from my due date with our second daughter. After several months of medical appointments, we discovered that I had contracted CMV which resulted in progressive hearing loss for Riley. She started out as a single sided deaf kiddo using a BAHA, and her hearing loss progressed. She now uses a CI on one side and Hearing Aid on the other – we’ve run quite the gambit of devices! I am passionate about teaching her about Deaf culture which includes learning ASL and meeting other d/hh adults and kiddos – it’s what brought me to Hands and Voices! I am here to support parents in their journey – however it may look – and use our story to share about the difference that family support can make. I’d love to hear your family’s story!
Email me: stephanie@handsandvoicesOR.org
Hands & Voices of Oregon does not discriminate on the basis of communication modalities, age, race, religion, gender identity, gender, or immigration status. All are welcome.