There are numerous workshops, seminars, and classes both in Missouri and nationwide that cover many topics relevant for parents of deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Below is a sampling of such workshops that have occurred in the past - many of these are annual or biennial and will be repeated in the future.
Conventions
National conventions for following organizations held every two years on even years
National conventions for following organizations held every two years on odd years
Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Meeting and Convention - usually late March or early April in Kansas City or St. Louis
Missouri Show-me Symposium is an annual conference covering deaf topics, although it primarily is sign language oriented.
The following web site lists upcoming conferences: upcoming conferences
Workshops - Training
Sign language classes are typically offered at local community colleges, churches, and adult education programs. Sign language tutoring can also be covered for parents under their child's IFSP for First Steps or IEP for their local school.
Central Institute for the Deaf periodically offers a workshop Cochlear Implants in Children: Rehabilitative Techniques. While targeted for audiologists, teachers, and SLPs, the workshop may be beneficial for parents.
Formal academic programs in Missouri in education of the deaf are offered by Central Institute for the Deaf (Washington University), Southwest Missouri State University, and Fontbonne.
The Network of Educators of Children with Cochlear Implants (NECCI) offers a curriculum workshop for working with children with cochlear implants. The workshop has been offered several times a year in the past at various locations around the country.
Auditory-Verbal International offers regional AVI Ling Conferences at various locations around the country.
Correspondence Education
John Tracy Clinic offers free Distance Education courses for parents of deaf and hard of hearing babies and preschoolers, as well as parents of young deaf-blind children. Families receive lessons and videotapes offering information on language, auditory learning, speech and child development. John Tracy Clinic staff responds to parents' reports with personal letters of encouragement. The Courses are available in English and Spanish. For more information, contact Maura Martindale at mmartindale@johntracyclinic.org. John Tracy Clinic