Please review the information below:

• Parent Newsletter

• Inclement Weather Policy

• Free Smoke Alarms

• Genetic Testing

If the Tulsa Public Schools are closed due to weather conditions, Happy Hands will be closed until at least 10 a.m.  We will try to open if roads are passable and staff can get in.  Parents need to call Jan Pride by 9 a.m. at 296-9411 to find out if Happy Hands will be able to open.

Also remember, DHS requires that we provide outside time for children daily as long as weather permits.  This means that we will go outside for short periods of time even if it is cold outside.  Please send appropriate outside clothing for your child!  Research shows that fresh circulating air in the winter months is one of the best defenses against airborne illnesses!

Fire Protection Publications and Able Tech have a new program that installs free smoke alarms for Oklahomans with disabilities to increase fire safety and awareness. Parents or guardians can complete an application form and must provide proof of disability.  After turning in a completed application, a fire professional comes to the house and installs fire alarms.  They will also help create a fire escape plan, discuss fire safety strategies and provide a printed safety guide, CD/audio tape or VHS/DVD for future use. 

FPP and Able Tech have created materials especially for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.  Happy Hands is participating in a pilot program of fire safety education for hearing impaired preschoolers.  FPP and Able Tech have supplied us with some wonderful curriculum materials for the school and they will provide your family with fire safety information as well.  Miss Jan has been involved with this group and they are wonderful.  They want your family to be safe!

Contact Oklahoma Able Tech at (888) 885-5588.

If you would like more information on free genetic testing to determine the cause of deafness in your child, we have received some information from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.  You can contact Kathleen Arnos, Ginger Norris, Katherine Welch, or Sarah Burton in the Biology Department at Gallaudet University, (877) 651-5258 for more information.  There is a past Happy Hands parent who has participated in this research and has been very satisfied.  See Miss Jan in the office for more details.