New Conference Offers Educational Strategies to Enhance Services to Deaf and/or Hard-of-Hearing Students

RIVERSIDE – More than 17,000 students attending California’s public schools are considered Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing (DHH)—including 1,163 in Riverside County.

To enhance future educational experiences for DHH students by equipping the educators who serve them each day, the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) is hosting Fields of Possibility: Where Deaf Education Takes Root—a free, one-day professional development summit in partnership with California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR), on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RCOE Conference Center (4280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501).

The day will feature student performances, breakout sessions, DeafEdx format with multiple speakers, and Q & A. Extended opportunity events in the evening will include a professional networking experience, and ASL Night: The Art Within, an American Sign Language arts activity.

“This first-of-its-kind event will offer educators evidence-based strategies, innovative practices, and collaborative insights, while providing inspiration for attendees to cultivate growth, connection, and empowerment,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “We welcome anyone who works with Deaf children in a school setting in California to join us and ensure that our exceptional students are receiving the exceptional educational service they deserve.”

The target audience for the free event includes:

"We are proud to partner with RCOE to co-host this unique professional learning opportunity focused on Deaf Education. With more than 17,000 Deaf students served across California, including over 1,000 in Riverside County, this conference brings together educators to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their practice, and better understand how to meet the diverse needs of the students they serve each day,” said California School for the Deaf, Riverside, Superintendent, April McArthur. “Through student performances, DeafEdx-style speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and opportunities for collaboration, our hope is that participants leave inspired, informed, and equipped with practical strategies to make an even greater impact in their classrooms and school communities.”

Registration for the day is free and includes breakfast and lunch. Registration will be limited to the first 300 attendees and will close on Friday, March 6, 2026. Register online today.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple support levels. Contact Erica Aguiar, Administrative Assistant, at eaguiar@rcoe.us for sponsorship information.

About the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)

RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County. Learn more about the programs and services of RCOE at www.rcoe.us.

About California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR)

California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) is a free, public California state school serving approximately 400 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students from 12 counties across Southern California. CSDR provides a bilingual ASL–English educational program from early childhood through high school, offering a full continuum of academic, residential, and support services designed specifically for Deaf learners. CSDR offers standards-aligned academics, college and career preparation, and access to specialized services that support language development and student achievement. Students participate in a wide range of athletic programs, including competitive interscholastic sports, as well as clubs, student organizations, and leadership opportunities that promote civic engagement, collaboration, and self-advocacy. Through academics, sports, arts, and extracurricular involvement, CSDR prepares students with the skills, experiences, and leadership foundation needed for postsecondary success and lifelong learning. To learn more about CSDR, go to www.csdcubs.com and follow them via @csdriverside.