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Last Modified: 02/29/2024

Events & Webinars

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Upcoming Events & Webinars

Event Organization/ Event Type Date

2024 EHDI Conference

NCHAM March 17-19, 2024

Past Events & Webinars

  • Introduction to Evidence-based Hearing Screening Practices for Children Age 0-5 NCHAM Webinar | February 27, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MDT
  • Intermediate Hearing Screening Webinar: Building on Your Experience with Evidence-based Hearing Screening Practices NCHAM Webinar | February 21, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MDT
  • Collaborative Partnerships: Identifying and Supporting Babies and Young Children with Combined Hearing and Vision Loss NCHAM Webinar | February 14, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • Unilateral Is Not Uniform NCHAM Webinar | February 8, 2024 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am MDT
  • Diving into State Data: How the Deafblind Child Count Data Can Help You NCHAM Webinar | January 17, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • Getting Ready To Be Readers: Preliteracy During the EHDI Period NCHAM Webinar | December 7, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • The Power of the Deafblind Technical Assistance Network: What’s in it for You? NCHAM Webinar | November 15, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • Assuming Competence: What to do if you don't know what to do! NCHAM Webinar | November 9, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • EHDI After Newborn Screening: Status of Meeting the Evaluation by 3 months of Age and Intervention Enrollment by 6 months Benchmarks Among 38 states, 2021 NCHAM Webinar | October 19, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • cCMV Public Health and Policy Conference October 8 - 10, 2023 | Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Considerations in Collecting and Documenting Language Outcome Data NCHAM Webinar | September 29, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • Decreasing the Delegating Dilemma — Ensuring Quality Implementation of Programming from every Team Member NCHAM Webinar | September 28, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • Introduction to Evidence-Based Hearing Screening and Evaluation Practices for Children Ages 0–5 NCHAM Webinar | August 23, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MDT
  • Intermediate Webinar: Building on Your Experience with Evidence-based Hearing Screening Practices for Children Ages 0–5 NCHAM Webinar | August 22, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MDT
  • Collaboration between Deaf Mentor Family Services and MN Hands & Voices = Successfully Supported Families NCHAM Webinar | August 17, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • Introduction to Evidence-Based Hearing Screening and Evaluation Practices for Children Ages 0–5 NCHAM Webinar | June 21, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MDT
  • Intermediate Level Webinar: Building on Your Experience with Evidence-based Hearing Screening Practices for Children Ages 0–5 NCHAM Webinar | June 14, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MDT
  • Genetics and New Developments in Screening and Testing for Hearing Loss NCHAM Webinar | May 18, 2023 | 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. MDT
  • 2023 EHDI Conference Conference | March 5 - 7, 2023 | Cincinnati, OH
  • Professional Collaboration in Idaho EHDI Hybrid Workshop | Online chats: Jan 30/ Feb 1, Feb 13/ 15, Feb 27/ Mar 1, Mar 13/ 15, 2023 | In-Person: Boise/ Meridian, March 31st - April 1st, 2023
  • Evidence-based hearing screening and evaluation practices for children ages 0-5: Useful Facts and Practical Tools NCHAM Webinar | February 9, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. MDT
  • Building on Your Experience with Evidence-based Hearing Screening Practices for Children Ages 0–5: Refine Your Skills and Address Your Questions NCHAM Webinar | January 24, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. MT
  • Audiology 101 NCHAM Webinar | January 12, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. MDT
  • Spotlight on the VSV Program NCHAM Webinar | January 10, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MT
  • 2022 MD EHDI Virtual Stakeholders Meeting:
  • It Takes A Village: The Late Onset Hearing Loss Awareness Campaign NCHAM Webinar | November 17, 2022 | 12:00 pm (noon) - 1:00 pm MT
  • Measuring the Impact of Family-to-Family Support: Tools and Lessons Learned from a Learning Community NCHAM Webinar | November 10, 2022 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. MDT
  • Equality Through Direct Referrals to Parent to Parent Support NCHAM Webinar | October 13, 2022
  • Demystifying the EHDI Abstract Submission Process: Be a part of the 2023 National EHDI Conference! NCHAM Webinar | September 27, 2022
  • 2022 CMV Public Health and Policy Conference Meeting: August 21 - 23, 2022 | Ottawa, Ontario
  • Evidence-based hearing screening and evaluation practices for children ages 0-5: Useful Facts and Practical Tools NCHAM Webinar: August 16, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Building on Your Experience with Evidence-based Hearing Screening Practices for Children Ages 0–5: Refine Your Skills and Address Your Questions NCHAM Webinar: August 11, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm MT
  • An Interdisciplinary Approach to Earlier Identification and Intervention of Hearing Loss in Medically Complex Infants NCHAM Webinar: July 21, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Introduction to Evidence-based Hearing Screening and Evaluation Practices for Children aged 0-5 NCHAM Webinar: June 14, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Barriers to and Facilitators of EHDI: Learning from our Past for a Better Future NCHAM Webinar: June 9, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Evidence-based Hearing Screening Practices for Young Children National Association of State School Nurse Consultants and NCHAM/ NTRC Webinar: April 21, 2022
  • Understanding an Adult’s CI Programming Session ACI Alliance and Cochlear Implant Consumer Advocacy Network (CI CAN) Webinar: April 19, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
  • Beyond "How are You?" Getting to the heart of the matter in sessions with families and students Hear to Learn Webinar: April 15, 2022 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MT
  • Promoting Parent Connections and Friendships Hear to Learn Webinar: March 25, 2022 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MT
  • Rally Caps and the Importance of CI Representation ACI Alliance and Cochlear Implant Consumer Advocacy Network (CI CAN) Webinar: March 15, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
  • 2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference Meeting: March 13 - 15, 2022 | Online
  • Introduction to Evidence-based Hearing Screening and Evaluation Practices for Children aged 0-5 NCHAM/ NTRC Webinar: March 3, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Expanding the Scope of EHDI to Include Screening Children up to Three Years of Age NCHAM Webinar: February 15, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Understanding Your Child’s CI Programming Session ACI Alliance and Cochlear Implant Consumer Advocacy Network (CI CAN) Webinar: February 15, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
  • Supporting Children in Extra-Curricular Activities Hear to Learn Webinar: February 11, 2022 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MT
  • Why We Need to Talk about Late Onset Hearing Loss ACI Alliance and Cochlear Implant Consumer Advocacy Network (CI CAN) Webinar: January 18, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
  • Building Play Skills After an Era of Social Distancing Hear to Learn Webinar: January 14, 2022 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MT
  • Introduction to Evidence-Based Hearing Screening and Evaluation Practices for Children ages 0-5 NCHAM Webinar: December 7, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Hearing With Your Brain Hear to Learn Webinar: December 3, 2021 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MT
  • Fostering Joy: Scientific, Professional, & Parental Perspectives NCHAM/ Hands & Voices Webinar: December 2, 2021 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm MT
  • Maryland EHDI Virtual Conference Conference Co-Hosted by NCHAM: November 3rd, 10th, and 17th, 2021 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET
  • What you need to know before starting a Universal CMV screening program: Top 5 Considerations CMV Meeting: November 9, 2021 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm MT
  • Ten Teaching Times Without Toys Hear to Learn Webinar: November 5, 2021 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MT
  • Increased Paternal Linguistic Input to Children with Hearing Aids during the COVID-19 Pandemic NCHAM Webinar: October 21, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Promoting Language and Literacy Through Daily Routines and Activities Hear to Learn Webinar: October 1, 2021 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MDT
  • Plugged in: Continuity of Services NCHAM Webinar: September 21, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Repeat: Introduction to Evidence-based Hearing Screening and Evaluation Practices for Children Ages 0–5 NCHAM Webinar: August 24, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Building 3-D Relationships in a 2-D World NCHAM Webinar: August 19, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Introduction to Evidence-based Hearing Screening and Evaluation Practices for Children Ages 0–5 NCHAM Webinar: August 18, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Creating Authentic Partnerships: Parents and Professionals NCHAM Webinar: August 12, 2021 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm MT
  • Family Support: Proof is in the Data NCHAM Webinar: July 27, 2021 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am MT
  • Supports and Resources for Implementing Pediatric Tele-Audiology NCHAM Webinar: June 10th, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Postponed: Discovering Affordable Technology Access for Families NCHAM/ National Association of the Deaf Webinar: May 27th, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • Building 3D Relationships in a 2D World Hear to Learn Webinar: May 21st, 2021 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MDT
  • Remote Hearing Aid Programming: A Tele-Audiology Simulation Experience University of Nebraska - Lincoln and NCHAM Training: April 22, April 23, April 24, April 28, April 30
  • Understanding Hearing Loss and Audiogram Results Hear to Learn Webinar: April 30th, 2021 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MDT
  • How to Build and Sustain Your Team NCHAM Webinar: April 8th, 2021 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm MDT
  • Coffee Break QI NCHAM Webinar: March 30th, 2021 | 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm MT
  • Idaho EHDI Care Collaboration: Stronger Families through Stronger Interprofessional Partnerships 4 instructional sessions held during the National EHDI Virtual Meeting | Idaho Sound Beginnings in partnership with National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management
  • More than a Bedtime Story: Helping Parents Build their Child's Spoken Language through Literacy Development Hear to Learn Webinar: March 26th, 2021 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MDT
  • 2021 EHDI Conference Virtual Conference: March 1 - 5, 2021
  • Building Your Child’s Vocabulary Hear to Learn Webinar: February 26th, 2021 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MDT
  • Improving Access to Care through Teleaudiology: A Tale of Collaboration Hear to Learn Webinar: February 18th, 2021 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT
  • Listening and Language Everywhere! Hear to Learn Webinar: January 29th, 2021 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MDT
  • Using Deaf Mentors to Support Reading in the Home NCHAM Webinar: December 10th, 2020 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm MDT
  • Self Care Through Time Management NCHAM/ Hands & Voices Webinar: December 8, 2020 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 pm MDT
  • Facilitating Effective Hearing Device Use Hear to Learn Webinar: December 4th, 2020 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MDT
  • Response to Toxic Stress: Supporting Resilience in Young Children and their Caregivers to Promote Long-term Health and Improved Learning Outcomes Hear to Learn Webinar: November 13th, 2020 | 11:30 am - 12:00 pm MDT
  • Socialization Skills for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children NCHAM Webinar: November 10th, 2020 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
  • Eight Reasons to say YES to Early Intervention: Supporting Families During the time of COVID NCHAM/ Hands & Voices Webinar: October 29, 2020
  • Intergenerational Engagement in Early Intervention NCHAM Webinar: October 15th, 2020
  • Transitioning for Emergency Tele-intervention to Ongoing Tele-intervention Sessions Hear to Learn Webinar: September 25th, 2020
  • Trauma and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Understanding the Role of Trauma in the EHDI System | 2020 Maryland EHDI Stakeholders Meeting: September 24th, 2020
  • Trauma and Stress in the Early Years Maryland EHDI–Virtual Stakeholders Meeting: September 17th, 2020
  • State of the State - Maryland EHDI Program; Trauma, ACES and Data Maryland EHDI–Virtual Stakeholders Meeting: September 10th, 2020
  • Congenital CMV Research and Innovations Webinar Series
    • CMV 101 August 31st, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am MDT
    • Making a Difference without Legislation September 1st, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am MDT
    • Universal Congenital Cytomegalorvirus Screening: Experiences of Newborn Saliva Collection from Five Minnesota Hospitals September 2nd, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am MDT
    • Hearing and Congenital CMV: Overview of Screening, Diagnosis, and Interprofessional Care for Infants and Children with cCMV September 3rd, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am MDT
    • Universal Screening: The Ontario Story September 4th, 2020 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am MDT
  • Building Collaborative Relationships for Families NCHAM Webinar: August 27th, 2020
  • Early Intervention intensity for children who are deaf/hard-of-hearing: Beyond EHDI benchmarks NCHAM Webinar: August 20th, 2020
  • The Evolution of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention programs for Infants and Young Children: Past, Present and Future NCHAM Webinar: August 5th, 2020
  • Audiology 101 – Introduction to Audiology for Non-audiologists Working in and Supporting EHDI Activities NCHAM Webinar: July 22nd, 2020
  • Introduction of Family Support/ Role of Families in the EHDI System NCHAM Webinar: July 23rd, 2020
  • Self-Care During "Interesting Times": Beyond the Advice to Eat Better and Get a Good Night's Sleep NCHAM Webinar: July 16th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • A quick search for "self-care" brings up an image of a woman in her 20's, dancing in a field of bright yellow flowers under a bright blue sky, wearing a flowing dress on her lithe, firm body. Another image is that of a hyperflexible man (who can actually pull off "skinny jeans") with his yoga mat, meditating on a rocky outcrop, overlooking an amazing mountainous vista. None of the images in the "self-care search" show images of people wearing a mask to avoid spreading a virus. Nor are there pictures of children pulling on their caregivers' pantlegs, needing attention. None of the pictures show parents communicating with their child who is deaf or hard of hearing; in fact, from the pictures, one gets the impression that "self-care" is incompatible with having children at all!

        No doubt you have heard that eating healthy foods and getting enough rest are important, right?! You also probably know, from lived experience, that these things can be challenging to do during "interesting times" (such as global pandemics or working-from-home + home-schooling + summer-activities-are-canceled + all-the-other-things). Join me - a psychologist with real-life flaws whose flowing dress is currently too tight and whose last solo trip to see mountain vistas was too long ago - to ponder the rationale for prioritizing self-care, to consider what self-care might look like during these interesting times in which we find ourselves, and to explore some realistic options for self-care for "the rest of us."
    • Learning Objectives:

      • Following this presentation, participants will be able to:
        1. Describe two or more brain-based benefits of incorporating self-care into one's regular routine
        2. Identify one "emotional trigger" that disrupts one's own self-care
        3. Generate a two-step plan of action to improve self-care
    • Presenter:

      • Amy Szarkowski, PhD, is a psychologist who currently serves as the Director of The Institute at the Children's Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf. Established in 2019, the mission of The Institute at CCCBSD is to generate and disseminate transformational ideas, practices, and services which advance outcomes for individuals – deaf and hearing – who have developmental or communication challenges and the professionals who engage with them. The work of The Institute at CCCBSD is guided by the desire to have a positive impact and advance the field across three pillars: Professional Excellence, Partnerships & Community Engagement, and Scholarship.

        Dr. Szarkowski is also on the faculty for LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities), through Boston Children's Hospital/Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She is an adjunct Associate Professor at Gallaudet University, where she teaches online in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers and their Families: Collaboration and Leadership Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Program. Dr. Szarkowski holds an appointment as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

        Dr. Szarkowski is proud to serve as a Core Team member for Fostering Joy (#DHHFosteringJoy), a movement to celebrate the joy and wonder that children who are deaf or hard of hearing bring to their families and the professionals who work with them. She has contributed as a member of the scientific advisory to the Hands & Voices' FL3 program (Family Leadership in Language and Learning), now the FL3 Center. She serves on the International Advisory Board for Family-Centered Early Intervention (FCEI), and has been appointed to the Research Committee for the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children.
    • Self-Care During "Interesting Times": Beyond the Advice to Eat Better and Get a Good Night's Sleep Webinar Recording
  • Creating an EHDI System that Partners with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults NCHAM Webinar: July 13th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • The EHDI System is designed to serve families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults are a valuable part of the family journey. This webinar explores guidelines created by the FL3 Center that states/territories can use to increase meaningful participation of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults in the EHDI System. Heidy Nazario and Darcia Dierking will share their experience and guidance in working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults in Minnesota's EHDI system.

        View the guidelines [PDF]
    • Learning Objectives:

      • The goal of this webinar is to utilize the guidelines to:
        • Ensure participation by diverse parents and adults who are D/HH through intentional planning during recruiting, onboarding, and facilitating meetings.
        • Aid parents and individuals who are D/HH to enter the relationship with clear expectations of how they will participate.
        • Foster parent and adult satisfaction in serving in these roles by seeking, valuing, implementing, and gaining feedback about their meaningful and active engagement.
    • Presenter:

      • Stephanie Olson, Co-Director of DHH Infusion, Hands & Voices: Stephanie Olson, a Deaf/hard of hearing adult works on the FL3 Center Team, Hands & Voices and as a Family Consultant for Children's Hospital Colorado. She has been involved in different aspects of the Colorado EHDI system since 2005.

        Karen Putz, Co-Director of DHH Infusion, Hands & Voices: Karen Putz is the Co-Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infusion at Hands & Voices and works with Stephanie on the FL3 Center Team. Karen worked as a Deaf Mentor in early intervention for 15 years. She is the author of multiple books and a parenting course for families with deaf and hard of hearing children.

        Heidy Nazario, DHH Guide Supervisor, Minnesota Hands & Voices: Heidy (pronounced hay-dee) Nazario is a bilingual, Puerto Rican woman who works at Lifetrack as a DHH Adult Role Model since October 2016 and as a DHH Guide Supervisor since January 2019. Heidy is passionate about working with DHH families as she is deaf herself, with a genetic and progressive hearing difference in both ears—and her father and most of his family members are also deaf or hard of hearing.

        Darcia Dierking, AuD, Minnesota EHDI Coordinator: Darcia Dierking serves in an interim role as one of Minnesota's two EHDI Coordinators. She is a pediatric audiologist and works to improve the long-term follow-up of the EHDI system for children who are deaf and hard of hearing after identification.
    • Creating an EHDI System that Partners with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults Webinar Recording
  • Tips & Tools to Support Effective Telepractice Sessions NCHAM Webinar: June 18th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • Telepractice service delivery models continue to expand opportunities for early interventionists, speech-language pathologists, and related professionals to serve families of children with hearing loss. Families often are finding telepractice to be a convenient and necessary service as they explore new ways to access a range of interventions. This webinar will provide insights, tips, and tools that can enhance telepractice sessions to be more effective.
    • Learning Objectives:

      • At the conclusion of this presentation, learners will be able to:
        1. Identify the essential equipment for successful telepractice sessions;
        2. List strategies and techniques that enhance telepractice sessions with young children with hearing loss and their families; and
        3. Describe successful outcomes of effective telepractice sessions.
    • Presenter:

      • K. Todd Houston, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, is a Professor, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), and a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist (Cert. AVT). He is currently a member of the faculty in the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of Akron (Akron, OH) and serves as an SLP and LSLS Cert. AVT for the Cochlear Implant Program at Akron Children's Hospital.

        For more than 20 years, his professional focus has been serving young children with hearing loss and their families who are learning to listen and acquire spoken language as well as providing aural rehabilitation to adults with hearing loss. For the past fifteen years, Dr. Houston has incorporated telepractice into his service delivery and continues to provide direct services each week, both in-person and through telepractice, to young children with hearing loss and their families.

        He has produced three recent books through Plural Publishing: Telepractice In Speech-Language Pathology (2014), Assessing Listening and Spoken Language in Children with Hearing Loss (with Dr. Tamala Bradham, 2015), and Telerpactice In Audiology (with Dr. Emma Rushbrooke, 2016). Dr. Houston continues to publish research articles, book chapters, and other editorials focused on a range of related clinical topics. He also is a sought-after speaker and presenter throughout the United States and internationally.

        Dr. Houston also is a Founding Partner and Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of the 3C Digital Media Network and host of the podcast, The Listening Brain and co-host of the podcast, Telepractice Today.

        Dr. Houston's outreach and podcasts can be accessed at:

    • Tips & Tools to Support Effective Telepractice Sessions Webinar Recording
    • Download the Transcript [PDF]
  • Providing Early Intervention to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Babies during COVID-19 National Association of the Deaf Webinar: June 17th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • The webinar will share best practices on how to provide early intervention (EI) services for deaf and hard of hearing babies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced EI service provider, this webinar will give you different tools and resources to consider. This webinar is also to support families to be better informed on how to ensure that their deaf and hard of hearing baby receives the best services. [NOTE: Spanish interpretation available.]
      • El seminario web compartirá las mejores prácticas sobre cómo proporcionar servicios de intervención temprana (EI) para bebés sordos o hipoacúsicos durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Si usted es nuevo en el campo o un proveedor de servicios de EI con experiencia, este seminario web le brindará diferentes herramientas y recursos para tu consideración. Este seminario web también sirve para ayudar a las familias a estar mejor informadas sobre cómo garantizar que su bebé sordo o hipoacúsico reciba los mejores servicios. [NOTA: interpretación de voz en español disponible.]
    • Presenters:

      • Sarah Honigfeld (Moderator): Sarah is the Director of the Parent Infant Program and Toddler ASL Immersion Program at the Learning Center for the Deaf in Framingham, Massachusetts, where she has been for the past four years. She is a 2017 graduate from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers and Families: Collaboration and Leadership (ITF) Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Program, as well as a 2018 graduate from the Masters in School Counseling from Gallaudet University. Her areas of specialization include family centered services and supporting early language acquisition through language planning. She has been in the field of early childhood and early intervention for over ten years; she enjoys supporting each family in their unique journey of raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.

        Jodee Crace: Jodee carries with her a motto in her daily lives: Adapt. Resilience. Acceptance. Celebrate! This personal motto has carried Jodee throughout her professional career in providing resources for families learning the world of raising their deaf babies and young children. Currently, Jodee coordinates ASL Connect: Families at Gallaudet University as well as coordinating the Deaf Mentor Program in Indiana, where she resides with her family. In addition, she serves as adjunct instructor for Gallaudet University's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers, and Families: Collaboration and Leadership Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Program. Jodee holds a B.A. in American Studies and an M.A. in School Counseling with Deaf Students, both from Gallaudet University. Jodee then began her professional career as a therapist for a mental-health agency in Indianapolis, where she worked with deaf children and their families. From 1992 to 2013 she performed several counseling and early intervention roles at the Indiana School for the Deaf, her high school alma mater. Throughout her career, she has served in a number of roles dedicated to enhancing Early Intervention services for families with Deaf children. She is one of three national trainers for the SKI-HI Deaf Mentor program. Also, Jodee participated on the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, representing the Council on Education of the Deaf. She was instrumental in ensuring that the JCIH Best Practice document reflected a holistic approach for the families and that the ASL is included as a visual language in its publication. For self-reflecting moments, Jodee enjoys walking, reading and being with her family.

        Joseph Lopez III: JoJo was born and raised in Riverside, graduated from California School for the Deaf Riverside attended Gallaudet University. He has a B.A. in Communication Studies and M.A. in Sign Language Education. JoJo lives in New Mexico. He loves swimming, hiking, enjoys drinking coffee, taking pictures of landscaping, and spending quality time with family. Currently, he is working as a Deaf Mentor at the New Mexico School for the Deaf under Early Intervention & Developmental Service Dept. He is also an ASL Instructor at New Mexico State University. JoJo has 10 years of experience in supporting families learning ASL in the homes. He also has six years of experience teaching ASL in the classrooms (and online, too). His favorite part of his job is interacting with family members and the family is able to communicate with their Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing child/ren. Being a Deaf Mentor with the SKI-HI Institute has given him a strong foundation to partner with families learning ASL. He has been strong advocate in his community and is on the Board for Raíces del Rio Grande, New Mexico Mano A Mano, and Council de Manos.

        Kimberly Sanzo: Kimberly is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the founder of Language First, an organization that advocates for ASL-English bilingualism for deaf and hard of hearing children. She has been working at a school for the Deaf for six years, almost exclusively with deaf and hard of hearing children who experienced a period of language deprivation. She is passionate about changing the way that SLPs and other professionals see, understand, and work with deaf and hard of hearing children.

        Dr. Laurene Simms: Laurene is Chief Bilingual Officer at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. After graduating from the Indiana School for the Deaf, Indianapolis, Indiana, she received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and a M.Ed. in Deaf Education from Western Maryland College, Westminster, Maryland. She received a Ph.D. Degree in Language, Reading, and Culture from the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. She has been Professor in Department of Education at Gallaudet University for twenty years. As an ASL and English Bilingual Education consultant and a former elementary teacher, Laurene has hands-on experience in the implementation of a bilingual and multicultural educational environment for diverse Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners with the ages of 0-21 and is an acknowledged expert on the topic of using ASL and English as the languages of instruction.
    • Learn More About Providing Early Intervention to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Babies during COVID-19
  • Supporting and Enhancing Earliest Interactions During COVID-19 Better Hearing and Speech Month Webinar: May 28th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • With babies referring on Newborn Hearing Screenings during the Coronavirus outbreak, there is the need for professionals to find a way to support families while they await follow-up audiological assessment. In this webinar, we will share and brainstorm ideas for deaf and hard of hearing professionals response to families who are unable to determine true hearing levels within the timeframe proposed in the EDHI process. The unknown nature of this pandemic around our country could leave many families in limbo for longer than desired. Knowledge around resources in the event their child receives a diagnosed hearing loss, as well as information on early interactions that lay the foundation for language development could provide some relief for families in this predicament.
    • Presenter:

      • Karen Hopkins is the Director of Statewide Education and Family Services at The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Karen coordinates early intervention and early childhood education services for children birth through age 21 throughout the state of Maine, which includes The Parent Infant Toddler Program. outreach services 0-21 statewide, and the Bilingual Bimodal Preschool Program at MECDHH. She serves on the Hands & Voices HQ Board, Maine Hands & Voices Board, the Maine Newborn Hearing Screening Advisory Board, The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Involvement Learning Community with NCHAM and has served on the National EHDI meeting planning committee. Karen is a Deaf adult who has three children one of whom is hard of hearing.

        Amy Spencer is a speech language pathologist and teacher of the deaf serving families of children in early intervention at The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She has worked in both the preschool and early intervention settings at MECDHH for the past 8 years focusing on informed family choice and ongoing language assessment to assist in developing family language plans that best meet the child and family’s goals.
    • Supporting and Enhancing Earliest Interactions During COVID-19 Webinar Recording
    • Earliest Interactions Parent Handout [PDF]
    • Download the Transcript [PDF]
  • Innovative Delivery of Family-to-Family Support During COVID-19 Better Hearing and Speech Month Webinar: May 22nd, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • Just like all other aspects of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery of family-to-family support for parents and caregivers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing requires creative thinking and innovation to continue to reach families and offer timely support to meet their unique needs during this unprecedented time. Join Lisa Kovacs, Hands & Voices Director of Programs and FL3 Center Director as she shares how parent leaders from Hands & Voices Chapters and Family Based Organizations quickly responded to the circumstances of COVID-19 and the impact experienced by families they serve.
    • Presenter:

      • Lisa Kovacs is the Hands & Voices Director of Programs and the Director of the Family Leadership in Language and Learning (FL3) Center. Most importantly, Lisa is the proud parent of 4 young adult children including her son who is hard of hearing/deaf. Lisa currently serves on the Indiana Special Education Advisory Committee, and the board of the Coalition for Global Hearing Health. Lisa is the 2019 Antonio Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence award recipient. Her professional interest include; Parent Advocacy; Implementation of parent participation and engagement in systems building; Parent to Parent support; Deaf Education Reform; IDEA, ESSA, Part C and Part B Training to Parents, and Parent Leadership Training and Development.
    • Innovative Delivery of Family-to-Family Support During COVID-19 Webinar Recording
    • Download the Transcript [PDF]
  • Newborn Screening: COVID-19 Challenges and Response Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Webinar: May 21st, 2020
  • Partnering with Primary Care Providers and Midwives to Provide Newborn Hearing Screening and Re-screening During COVID-19 Better Hearing and Speech Month Webinar: May 20th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • In 2010 VTEHDI began a collaboration with primary care providers and home-birth midwives to provide hearing screening in their practices. Our program was able to use HRSA and state funding to purchase hearing screening equipment and train key personnel. This program has served us well over the last 10 years and especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. This coffee break webinar will describe the benefits of collaborating with these essential providers.
    • Presenter:

      • Stacy Jordan has a masters degree in Audiology and is the Project Coordinator for VTEHDI.

        Linda Hazard has a masters degree in Audiology and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Social Policy. Linda is the Program Director for VTEHDI and the Director for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Nine East Network.
    • Partnering with Primary Care Providers and Midwives to Provide Newborn Hearing Screening and Re-screening During COVID-19 Webinar Recording
    • Download the Transcript [PDF]
  • Supporting Emotional Health and Resilience During COVID-19 Better Hearing and Speech Month Webinar: May 19th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • You matter! Working in the EHDI system can be an incredibly rewarding and sometimes challenging experience. This has never been more true than during the ever-changing, unpredictable and unprecedented times of the COVID-19 outbreak. Yet, we as providers in the EHDI system are expected to remain the stable force within the turbulent system. At the end of the day our well-being is connected to each other, and the better we are at connecting with each other, the better services we provide, the better we recover from stress, and the better we feel about our work and lives! You are invited to take a 15 minute break to connect and explore how we can support our own mental health and resilience so that we are better equipped to support the mental health and well-being of colleagues and families we serve.
    • Presenter:

      • Elizabeth Seeliger, AuD is the founder of Global Impact Audiology, an international consultation, training and tele-audiology business. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in a variety of settings, guiding and supporting families through the process of hearing screening, diagnosis and early intervention, is the State of WI EHDI Director and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Infant, Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Certificate Program.
    • Supporting Emotional Health and Resilience During COVID-19 Webinar Recording
    • Download the Transcript [PDF]
  • Ensuring Ongoing Access to High Quality Early Intervention Services Through Telepractice: Practical Ways to Provide Support with Technology Better Hearing and Speech Month Webinar: May 14th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • Today's environment has significantly limited, if not completely cut, the number of in-person early intervention services to families with children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing (DHH). However, with teleconferencing technology, these services can continue, retaining the highest level of support and family-focused services. In fact, recent research has shown that telepractice can yield as good as (if not better outcomes) in terms of child language and family support (Blaiser, Behl, Callow-Heusser & White, 2013; Behl et al., 2017). While telepractice can be effective, many providers are scrambling to learn how to put this into effect functionally as fast as possible.

        This presentation will break down key aspects of early intervention services for families of children who are DHH and provide concrete examples of how telepractice can be utilized functionally for service delivery. We will review practical ways for assessment of young children who are DHH, intervention, and family support via telepractice as well as tips for optimizing how to use technology to meet service delivery needs.
    • Learners will:

      1. learn how to translate aspects of an in-person visit to a telepractice session
      2. develop a plan for supporting families via telepractice
      3. list ways assessment can be accomplished via telepractice
    • Presenter:

      • Kristina Blaiser, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Idaho State University. Dr. Blaiser has published and presented nationally and internationally about using telepractice for assessment and intervention services with young children who are DHH. Dr. Blaiser was part of the first NCHAM TeleIntervention Learning Community and co-authored NCHAM's Learning Modules for Providers, Families, and Administrators.
    • Ensuring Ongoing Access to High Quality Early Intervention Services Through Telepractice: Practical Ways to Provide Support with Technology Webinar Recording
    • Download the Transcript [PDF]
  • Real Life Moments at Home During COVID-19: Supporting Language and Communication for Children Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing Better Hearing and Speech Month Coffee Break Webinar: May 13th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • The developmental process of infants and toddlers requires support from parents for cognitive, social, emotional, language (semantics, syntax-morphology, pragmatics, phonology –auditory and visual), pre-literacy and literacy development. This short presentation will share model resources that help families at home with their kids grow in these areas in a hands-on, down to earth, and easily understandable to explain way.
    • Presenter:

      • Janet DesGeorges lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband Joe and is mom to three daughters, including Sara, who is deaf/hard of hearing. She is a co-founder and Executive Director of Hands & Voices Headquarters, a parent support and advocacy organization for families who have children who are hard of hearing/deaf.

        Ms. DesGeorges is the author on the chapter for Family Support in the NCHAM e-Book, the co-author of the book Educational Advocacy for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The Hands & Voices Guidebook, and many other publications. Ms. DesGeorges received a program certificate from the MCH Public Health Leadership Institute in 2011 at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

        As an EHDI systems advocate, Janet believes in the principles and guiding philosophies of Hands & Voices towards a parent-driven, professionally-collaborative approach when supporting families and working towards systemic improvements.
    • Real Life Moments at Home During COVID-19: Supporting Language and Communication for Children Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing Webinar Recording
    • Download the Transcript [PDF]
  • Practical Considerations in EHDI Program Delivery During COVID-19 Better Hearing and Speech Month Webinar: May 12th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • This session will provide participants key concepts for consideration as they look at novel solutions for COVID19 recovery. This presentation will focus on the situations EHDI program coordinators and clinical care providers encounter and the questions that emerge in the delivery of services to infants. We will discuss the hospital inpatient screening, outpatient screening and diagnostic testing and amplification/treatment aspects from birth to diagnosis. We will discuss who may deliver care, how care is billed in inpatient, outpatient and tele-practice settings. Participants will be afforded time to ask questions at the end of the presentation.
    • Presenter:

      • Kim Cavitt, AuD was a clinical audiologist and preceptor at The Ohio State University and Northwestern University. Since 2001, Dr. Cavitt has operated her own Audiology consulting firm, Audiology Resources, Inc. Audiology Resources, Inc. provides comprehensive operational, compliance and reimbursement consulting services to hearing healthcare providers. She is a Past President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), serves as the Chair of the State of Illinois Speech Pathology and Audiology Licensure Board, serves on the Audiology Quality Consortium and serves on committees through ADA and ASHA. Dr. Cavitt is an Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University, a visiting lecturer at Western Michigan University and the Executive Director of the Think Audiology initiative.
    • Practical Considerations in EHDI Program Delivery During COVID-19 Webinar Recording
    • Download the Transcript [PDF]
  • Focused Conversations Hear to Learn Webinar: April 24th, 2020
  • The 'How To' of Human Resources at a Non-Profit Without a Human Resources Department Hands & Voices/ NCHAM Webinar: April 9th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • Being in a leadership role at a non-profit can stretch us into areas of management that we haven't yet had much experience. Building a talented and productive team is vital to the success and sustainability of an organization. Join us as we share information and resources about the art of recruiting, training, and evaluating others. We will examine ways to build and develop a diverse team, how to recognize skills and knowledge through evaluation of the team in order to make the most of each person's strengths and have the ability to identify areas for improvement. This one-hour webinar is the fifth in the Hands & Voices Leadership series. You can find the other recorded Hands & Voices Leadership webinars. We hope you will join us!
    • Speaker Bios:

      • Lisa Kovacs
        • Lisa Kovacs is the Director of Programs for Hands & Voices Headquarters and the Director of the Family Leadership in Language and Learning Center (FL3), a HRSA funded co-operative agreement. Lisa is also a parent of a young adult son who is deaf/hard of hearing. Lisa serves on the Indiana State Special Education Advisory Council and the Coalition for Global Hearing Health Board of Directors. Lisa was recently recognized as the 2019 Antonia Brancia Maxon Award winner for EHDI Excellence.
      • Karen Wisinski
        • Karen Wisinski is the Program Director for MI Hands & Voices and the parent of a child who is hard of hearing. After her career in brand advertising, Karen spent the last 8 years supporting and training others to support families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, consulting with the Michigan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program, and working with a team to create the Michigan chapter of Hands & Voices.
    • The 'How To' of Human Resources at a Non-Profit Without a Human Resources Department Webinar Recording
  • Count Down to Mainstreaming: How to Prepare for the Next School Year Hear to Learn Webinar: March 27th, 2020
  • 2020 EHDI Meeting Meeting: March 8th – 10th, 2020
  • Idaho EHDI Collaborative: Building Empowered Families ISB Care Coordination Project NCHAM Workshop: Part 1 | Online pre-sessions: Once per week January 27 - February 20; Part 2 | On-site workshop February 27-29, 2020
  • Integrating Listening and Spoken Language Strategies for Daily Living Hear to Learn Webinar: February 28th, 2020
  • The Inclusive Experience of One Deaf/Hard of Hearing Child and it’s Positive Impact on the Whole ECHO Web Class: February 26th, 2020
  • Implementing OAE Hearing Screening and Follow-up with Young Children ECHO Web Class: January 27th, 30th, February 3rd, and 6th
  • What Does Listening Look Like? Stages of Auditory Development Hear to Learn Webinar: January 31st, 2020
  • The Path to Successful Collaboration Between EHDI Systems, Parents, and Professionals NCHAM Webinar: January 21st, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • A major goal of the VA EHDI Program has been to maintain strong parent engagement within the EHDI Systems. In 2010, the VA EHDI program had minimal parent engagement and has since focused on major systems change to increase parent engagement. The VA EHDI Program is a national leader when it comes to engaging families in all its programmatic initiatives. In fact, the VA EHDI Advisory Committee elected a parent of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing as a co-chair for the first time in 2018. This presentation will highlight the following: 1) collaboration of the VA EHDI Program with CFI at VCU in developing the 1, 3, 6 Family Educator project, which provides one on one parent support to interested families, 2) The supportive relationship formed between the VA EHDI Program, CFI at VCU and the Virginia Hands and Voices in ensuring family engagement activities are available in different regions of the state for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, and 3) the planning and preparation by VA EHDI, CFI at VCU, and Virginia Hands and Voices in bringing the first CARE Project to Virginia. This will be an interactive session to expand on the parent and professional collaboration in the VA EHDI Advisory Committee, the Learning Communities, and presenting EHDI information together at various conferences statewide. This session will serve as a guideline on how Virginia was able to improve parent engagement in the EHDI systems and maintain the parent and professional collaborations to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate interventions and may be helpful to other EHDI programs looking to do the same.
    • Learning Objectives:

      1. Understand Virginia's Extensive Family Engagement model.
      2. Learn about the planning and preparation in bringing the first CARE Project to Virginia.
      3. Identify the key components of the 1, 3, 6 Family Educator project, which provides one on one parent support to interested families.
    • Bios:

      • Daphne Miller, Virginia EHDI
        • Daphne Miller is currently the Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Health. The VA EHDI Program ensures all infant's hearing is screened at birth and if children are diagnosed with hearing loss they are referred to Early Intervention. Daphne has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has worked with families and children over 15 years. In her spare time she enjoys binge watching shows, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Daphne resides in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and daughter.
      • Deepali Sanghani, Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program
        • Deepali Sanghani is the Follow-Up Coordinator for the Virginia EHDI Program. Deepali has a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Masters in Public Health. In her role with VA EHDI, she works closely with families of children diagnosed with a hearing loss. In her spare time Deepali enjoys reading, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Deepali resides in Richmond Virginia with her husband and two daughters.
      • Irene Schmalz, Center for Family Involvement @ VCU
        • Dr. Irene Schmalz received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Maryland. She taught both undergraduate and graduate classes at George Washington University, University of Maryland, and George Mason University. In addition, she taught 2nd grade and was a Math Resource teacher for five years. Since 2007, Dr. Schmalz has been involved with Virginia's Guide By Your Side Program at the Center for Family Involvement at Virginia Commonwealth University. In her role as a Family Guide and Program Coordinator, she has supported over 400 families just learning of their child's diagnosis of a hearing loss. In 2013, Dr. Schmalz received the Hamilton Relay Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award and 2018 she was nominated for the EHDI Family Leadership Award.
      • Terese Urban, Virginia Hands & Voices
        • Terese ‘Teri’ Urban lives with her husband and their three children in Montpelier, Virginia. Her oldest child (eight) was identified at birth with bi-lateral sensorineural hearing loss. Her daughter's loss has been progressive and she now utilizes bi-lateral cochlear implants and sign language to access information. Teri’s passion for bringing deaf/hard of hearing children together and providing resources for families began in Vermont when she successfully resurrected Hands & Voices. After relocating to Virginia in December 2016, she continued her leadership efforts as Chair for Virginia Hands & Voices. Teri is a member of the Virginia EHDI Advisory Committee, Vice Chair of the Hanover County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee and serves as the Chair of the Curriculum/Accessibility Subcommittee for the Hanover County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee. She is involved in local and national committees that focus on the overall success of deaf/hard of hearing children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring her new home state and being outdoors.
    • The Path to Successful Collaboration Between EHDI Systems, Parents, and Professionals Webinar Recording
  • Documentation and Tracking: Essential Elements for Implementing Evidence-based Hearing Screening and Follow-up Practices with Children Birth to Five Years of Age ECHO Webinar: January 14th, 2020
  • Coffee Break QI Webinarette NCHAM Webinar: December 17th, 2020

    • Description:

      • Please join us for our next 30-minute Coffee Break QI webinarette on December 17th. These quarterly webinars are designed for EHDI Programs to be able to share with their peers an improvement strategy or product they have developed. Not all topics covered during these webinarettes will include QI, but it is encouraged. The first 10-15, we will hear from an EHDI Program/s and the second 10-15 will be open to Q&A.
      • For the webinarette, we are excited to hear from Tara Carroll, the South Carolina EHDI Coordinator. Tara will share a number of strategies used, such as financial incentives and monthly calls, to improve timely, complete & accurate data reporting with hospitals and 3rd party screening companies to ultimately increase diagnosis by 3 months, and overall reduce lost to follow-up and documentation.
      • So, grab a cup of coffee (or beverage of your choice), sit back, relax, and meet with your EHDI friends!
      • Coffee Break QI webinarette recording
  • Understanding Your Leadership Style and the Value of Mentoring NCHAM/ Hands & Voices Webinar: December 12th, 2020

    • Webinar Description:

      • The advantage to understanding your leadership style is that you understand your strengths and weaknesses. Your style defines your values and perspective. The key to relating well to others is, ultimately, first being able to relate well to yourself. Leaders need to understand themselves in order to lead. Understanding yourself helps you better understand and work with others. And that type of self-knowledge makes a difference. Mentoring is another vital element of leadership development. Mentors can attribute to leadership skill-building by providing information on a one-on-one basis in real-time and help to focus leaders on achieving their goals. This relationship provides benefits to both the leader and the mentor.
      • This one-hour webinar, the fourth in the Hands & Voices Leadership series, will focus on leadership styles and mentoring. This training will provide examples of leadership styles that will allow the participants to determine their own leadership style as well as insight on those that they work with. The value of mentorship, tips and ideas on how to find diverse mentors from the continuum of parent and DHH Adult perspectives, and how to be a mentor to others will also be discussed.
    • Speaker Bios:

      • Amanda Hvass – Hands & Voices of Oregon, GBYS Coordinator & Parent Guide
        • Amanda is a mom to three boys- one of which is Deaf plus. Amanda's son, Ollie, has been a persistent catalyst for her learning and career. His life has drawn her to the unique needs of Deaf and hard of hearing children as well as children with developmental delays (jointly or separately!). She's worked for Hands & Voices of Oregon since 2013 and is currently their program coordinator for Guide By Your Side. She spends time advocating for children in the local school district as well as at state levels. Amanda is a certified coach of Allenbaugh Associates. She works with teams in strategizing best practices for production as well as healthy relationships- through a strengths-based approach. She enjoys playing with her kids, volunteering at their school, running, and wine with friends. Contact her at amanda@handsandvoicesor.org.
      • Molly Martzke – Hands & Voices, Director of Strategic Initiatives
        • Molly lives in Green Bay, WI with her husband Paul and their three children, two sons and a daughter. Her oldest son and daughter are deaf. Molly's role with Hands & Voices allows her to be involved in developing projects that support the vision and short-and long-term plans of H&V. This includes coordinating all aspects of the Annual H&V Leadership Conference, coordinating the new Leadership-to-Leadership Program and acting as a Co-Director of the H&V Family Leadership in Language and Learning Project (FL3).
    • Understanding Your Leadership Style and the Value of Mentoring webinar recording
  • Meeting the Needs of Family-to-Family Support: Anytime, Anywhere NCHAM Webinar: December 10th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • Parent-to-parent support is an essential component in a family's Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) journey. Yet, families are often isolated in early intervention services outside of specialized LSL programs, and have limited contact with other families who understand the decisions and challenges they face. Hearing First's Family-to-Family Support Community provides an online connection point for LSL families who are navigating each step of their child's journey, from screening to diagnosis, hearing aid fitting to post amplification/CI activation and language facilitation. The community enables families across the LSL journey to seek support when they need It most from experienced families who offer hope, encouragement, insight and guidance. Through stories and sharing experiences, members of the family support community are finding LSL services, setting high expectations, gaining key LSL knowledge to support their children and recognizing their own capacity to facilitate their child's listening and spoken language outcomes. As an online community, families can access valuable family to family support no matter where they live in order to connect with other families anytime, anywhere.

        In this webinar, elements of establishing and maintaining a vibrant online Family Support Community including content topics, engagement strategies and analytics data will be shared.
    • Participants Will:

      1. Identify 4 needs of families on the hearing loss journey.
      2. Describe the elements of a family support community to meet the needs of families newly diagnosed.
      3. Define the role of the community in the broader digital ecosystem designed to support family wellbeing, knowledge and empowerment.
    • Participant Bios:

      • Teresa H. Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, CEO of Hearing First, an educational endeavor of the Oberkotter Foundation, supports families and professionals on the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) journey through Awareness, Education and Community. With more than 30 years’ experience in Auditory-Verbal practice, consulting, and presenting, Dr. Caraway served as the Founding President of the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language and Co-Founder and Executive Co-Director of Hearts for Hearing. She served on the Board of Auditory-Verbal International and was a founding board member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. The author of numerous articles and book chapters, Dr. Caraway is driven for all children who are deaf or hard of hearing to reach their full potential.
        • Disclosure:
          • Relevant Financial Relationships:
            • Dr. Caraway is an employee of Hearing First.
          • Relevant Non-Financial Relationships:
            • Holds LSLS AVT Certification from the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language
            • Member of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
            • Holds Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology
            • Member of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; American Cochlear Implant Alliance
      • Marge Edwards, M.S., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, Programs Leader of Hearing First, an educational endeavor of the Oberkotter Foundation. As a parent of two successful children with hearing loss and practicing as a Listening and Spoken Language specialist, Marge knows firsthand what is possible for children born with hearing loss today when families receive appropriate support. Marge has provided early intervention services to families for 10 years and has offered professional training for the delivery of telepractice services to families of children with hearing loss. Marge is dedicated to assuring that every family who desires a listening and spoken language outcome for their child has access to accurate information, access to quality audiology and early intervention services and support from families like them who have chosen an LSL outcome for their child.
        • Disclosure:
          • Relevant Financial Relationships:
            • Marge Edwards, M.S., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT; employee of Hearing First
          • Relevant Non-Financial Relationships:
            • Holds LSLS AVT Certification from the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language
            • Member of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
            • Holds Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology
            • Member of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; American Cochlear Implant Alliance
    • References

      • DesJorges, J. (2016) Chapter 14 Family support & cultural competence in the NCHAM ebook, A resource guide for early hearing detection and intervention. 1-12.
      • Henderson, R.J., Johnson, A., & Moodie, S. (2014). Parent-to-Parent support for parents with children who are deaf or hard of hearing: A conceptual Framework. American Journal of Audiology, Vol. 23, 437-448.
      • Henderson, R.J., Johnson, A., & Moodie, S. (2016). Revised conceptual framework of parent-to-parent support for parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing: A modified Delphi study. American Journal of Audiology, Vol. 25, 110-126.
      • Joint Commission on Infant Hearing (2013). Supplement to the JCIH 2007 position statement: Principles and guidelines for early intervention after confirmation that a child is deaf or hard of hearing. Pediatrics, 131, e1324-1349. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-0008.
      • Moeller, M.P., Carr, G., Seaver, L., Stredler-Brown, A. & Holzinger, D. (2013). Best practices in family-centered early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing: An international consensus statement. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 18, 429-445. doi: 10.1093/deafed/ent034
    • Meeting the Needs of Family-to-Family Support: Anytime, Anywhere webinar recording
  • Strategies and Steps for Completing Hearing Screenings with Children Who are Difficult to Screen ECHO Webinar: December 5th, 2019
  • Self Care and Family Balance While Negotiating a Child’s Special Needs Hear to Learn Webinar: November 22nd, 2019
  • Implementing Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Hearing Screening and Follow-up: Self-Guided Learning Curriculum Webinar ECHO Webinar: November 5th, 2019
  • The Basics: Five Fundamental Principles to Support Early Development NCHAM Webinar: October 29th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • This presentation will illustrate the five key principles of early intervention identified by Dr. Ronald Ferguson as “The Basics.” Originally designed to help eliminate inequities that hold back poor and minority children from achieving, “The Basics” are very similar to the principles and strategies we use to develop early communication skills in children who have hearing loss. Application of these five fundamental principles to our work with children who are deaf/hard of hearing and their families can help these children to develop the foundations for social interaction, language, and literacy. “The Basics” is a simple yet powerful tool for caregivers and professionals alike.
    • Learning Objectives:

      1. Identify at least two barriers that might lead to children being unprepared for kindergarten.
      2. Identify the five basic principles that caregivers and professionals can use to support a child’s early growth and development.
      3. Discuss the rationale for using these five principles during the early years.
    • Presenter Bios:

      • Dr. Christina Barris Perigoe has recently retired from her position as Associate Professor and Coordinator of the graduate program in Speech and Hearing Sciences (Deaf Education) at The University of Southern Mississippi. She is a certified teacher, teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing, speech pathologist and listening and spoken language specialist. She is an international presenter and co-edited The Volta Review monographs, “Multiple Challenges: Multiple Solutions” (2004), and “Professional Preparation for Listening and Spoken Language Practitioners” (2010). She has also published in the areas of early intervention, auditory-verbal therapy, listening assessment, and speech assessment and intervention for children with hearing loss. Dr. Perigoe is a founding member of the Ling Consortium, dedicated to continuing Daniel Ling’s vision that children with hearing loss can learn to listen and speak.
    • The Basics: Five Fundamental Principles to Support Early Development webinar recording
  • Interpreting my child’s test results to friends, family, or professionals Hear to Learn Webinar: October 25th, 2019
  • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Hearing Screening Equipment Resources ECHO Webinar: October 22nd, 2019
  • Intermediate Level OAE and Pure Tone Webinar ECHO Webinar: October 15th, 2019
  • Parents' Role in the Interdisciplinary Team for Their Child's LSL Development Hear to Learn Webinar: September 27th, 2019
  • Families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Thrive with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adult Role Models NCHAM Webinar: September 24th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • Families need every type of resource available and that includes the support from experienced deaf and hard of hearing adults. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is excited to share more information about how families can obtain these opportunities. Direct resources will be shared such as programs, funding, organizations, apps, and conferences. For instance, the NAD recently launched a National Families Campaign that focuses on providing information to families. A panel of diverse deaf and hard of hearing adults will also be featured. Come and learn how your deaf or hard of hearing child can thrive more with adult role models!
    • Learning Objectives:

      1. Families will learn more about available deaf community resources and support and where to find them.
      2. Families will understand the importance of including deaf and hard of hearing adults in their deaf or hard of hearing child's life.
      3. Families will obtain positive information about strong future opportunities for their deaf and hard of hearing child.
    • Presenter Bios:

      • Howard A. Rosenblum is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). In this capacity, he oversees the operations of the NAD to carry out its mission of preserving, protecting and promoting the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. He also serves as the Legal Director overseeing the staff lawyers as well as policy advocacy and litigation work within the NAD Law and Advocacy Center. Mr. Rosenblum has twenty-seven years of experience as a disability rights attorney including: seven years overseeing and directing the NAD Law and Advocacy Center; nine years as a Senior Attorney at Equip for Equality, a nonprofit organization designated as Illinois' Protection and Advocacy entity; and ten years before that with a private law firm. His legal practice has been in the areas of disability rights and special education. He is the primary author of the American Bar Association Guidelines on Court Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People and the sixth edition of the NAD Legal Rights: Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People. He has provided numerous workshops nationally and internationally on the Americans with Disability Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. He currently serves as the legal advisor to the World Federation of the Deaf. In 2010, he was appointed by President Obama to serve on the U.S. Access Board and was reappointed in 2014. Mr. Rosenblum received his law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law (1992), and his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona (1988).
      • Tawny Holmes Hlibok is the Education Policy Counsel at the National Association of the Deaf, and in this role, she provides policy consultation on local, state, national, and global levels. She brings experience to the job, having taught deaf students of all ages, from early intervention home visits to post-secondary programs. In addition to her advocacy work, she coordinates the NAD Education Advocates program. Tawny also teaches at Gallaudet University, focusing on sign language rights and advocacy. She graduated from the Alabama School for the Deaf, obtained her BA degree in Deaf Studies and Sociology from Gallaudet University, and an MA in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University. She then received her JD degree from the University of Baltimore Law School. In her free time, she enjoys reading and keeping in touch with her four Deaf godchildren: Avant, Leilani, Oriana, and Talon.
    • Families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Thrive with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adult Role Models Webinar Recording
  • Coffee Break QI NCHAM Webinar: September 17th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • Please join us for the second, 30-minute Coffee Break QI webinarette on September 17th. These quarterly webinars are designed for EHDI Programs to be able to share with their peers an improvement strategy or product they have developed. Not all topics covered during these webinarettes will include QI, but it is encouraged. The first 10-15, we will hear from an EHDI Program/s and the second 10-15 will be open to Q&A.

        For the September Coffee Break QI, we are excited to hear from Po Kwan Wong, the Hawaii EHDI Coordinator, and Dr. Lynn Iwamoto, the Hawaii AAP Chapter Champion, who will share a QI project they conducted. The focus of the project was to improve follow up rates on newborn hearing evaluation by educating healthcare providers through online education modules that focused on increasing physician confidence in discussing the screening process and follow up with parents.

        So, grab a cup of coffee (or beverage of your choice), sit back, relax, and meet with your EHDI friends!
    • Coffee Break QI Webinar Recording
  • Vestibular Assessment for Children with Hearing Loss NCHAM Webinar: August 27th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • Vestibular loss is associated with sensorineural hearing loss. The greater the degree of hearing loss, the more likely vestibular loss will be present. Vestibular loss is associated with gross motor delay, reduced dynamic visual acuity (i.e., blurred vision during head movement), and even reduced reading acuity. Vestibular evaluations are important in children with hearing loss. Diagnosis of vestibular loss allows for early intervention services to avoid further consequences. There are a variety of vestibular assessments that may be performed on infants and children. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of vestibular testing, the impact of vestibular loss on gross motor development, visual acuity, and reading acuity as well as current intervention recommendations in infants and young children.
    • Learning Objectives:

      1. Identify appropriate vestibular assessments for children based on their age.
      2. Identify modifications to testing for children.
      3. Describe consequences of vestibular loss in young children.
      4. Describe appropriate recommendations for early intervention services for children with vestibular loss.
    • Vestibular Assessment for Children with Hearing Loss Webinar Recording
  • Self-Guided Learning Curriculum on OAE Screening ECHO Webinar: August 22nd, 2019
  • Developing Evidence-Based Hearing Screening Services for Children Birth to Three Years of Age: Building State and Community-level Partnerships ECHO Webinar: August 21st, 2019
  • Self-Guided Learning Curriculum on Pure Tone Screening with Children 3 -5 years of age ECHO Webinar: August 20th, 2019
  • Gearing up for another year of screening ECHO Webinar: August 19th, 2019
  • Family Engagement in Systems Leadership Hands & Voices/ NCHAM Webinar: August 8th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • Systems change often occurs because those passionate and close to an issue bring about change. When family members with lived experience from a variety of backgrounds are involved in systems change, it brings about a greater understanding and knowledge of challenges and opportunities when interacting within the system. Family engagement into the systems at the state/territory and national levels has become a priority. Systems such as Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), Early Intervention, Education, and Medical are often required to have family representation on advisory boards and committees.

        This one-hour webinar, the third in the Hands & Voices Leadership series, will focus on family engagement in systems leadership through the topics of: family leadership representing diverse family experiences, family leadership in systems from diverse and cultural populations, systems and legislative advocacy. Hands & Voices hopes you will be able to join us in this Leadership webinar.
    • Family Engagement in Systems Leadership Webinar Recording
  • Implementing Evidence-Based Hearing and Vision Screening Practices for Children Birth through 5 Years of Age ECHO Webinar: July 29th, 2019
  • Building a Foundation for Success with Visual Language (with a focus on professionals) Webinar: July 25th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • For families who use visual language with their deaf child, there’s so much more to learn than just vocabulary. Many parents learn to converse well with their adult peers and teachers, but they quickly find that communicating with a young child is a completely different challenge. Young children don’t watch, look away too soon, or worse - give you a blank stare! In this webinar, we will examine intentional language teaching strategies that professionals can teach families to implement, which help their young children learn to communicate from the earliest stages. This will include strategies that apply to all modalities (cued, signed, spoken) as well as visual strategies that apply specifically to signed language. Next, we will explore how professionals can support families to define and evaluate success for their individual child. Finally, we will discuss how professionals can guide families through changes that are needed if they’re not seeing the expected progress.
    • Learning Objectives:

      1. State 5 or more intentional language teaching strategies for children using visual language (with or without spoken language).
      2. Explain how to define and evaluate success for an individual child.
      3. State 3 or more modifications that can be implemented when a child is not being successful.
    • Building a Foundation for Success with Visual Language (with a focus on professionals) Webinar Recording
  • Building a Foundation for Success with Visual Language (with a focus on families) Webinar: July 18th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • For families who use visual language with their deaf child, there’s so much more to learn than just vocabulary. Many parents learn to converse well with their adult peers and teachers, but they quickly find that communicating with a young child is a completely different challenge. Young children don’t watch, look away too soon, or worse - give you a blank stare! In this webinar, we will learn intentional language teaching strategies that families can implement to help their young children learn to communicate from the earliest stages. This will include strategies that apply to all modalities (cued, signed, spoken) as well as visual strategies that apply specifically to signed language. Next, we will explore how to define and evaluate what success means for your individual child. Finally, we will discuss what actions families can take if they’re not seeing the expected progress.
    • Learning Objectives:

      1. State 5 or more intentional language teaching strategies for children using visual language (with or without spoken language).
      2. Explain how to define and evaluate success for an individual child.
      3. State 3 or more modifications that can be implemented when a child is not being successful.
    • Building a Foundation for Success with Visual Language (with a focus on families) Webinar Recording
    • Download the transcript [PDF]
  • The Parent Perspective of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Guides, Mentors, and Role Models in the EHDI System NCHAM/ Hands & Voices Webinar: June 26th, 2019
  • Using Remote Microphone Systems to Improve Listening and Learning for Young Children who are Hard of Hearing Webinar: June 20th, 2019
  • Planning Evidence-Based Hearing Screening Practices for Children Ages 0–3: Introductory Level Webinar for Early Head Start Programs ECHO Webinar: June 18th, 2019
  • An APP to Guide and Help Parents Follow Through the Entire EHDI Process Webinar: May 23rd, 2019
  • Cytomegalovirus and Hearing Loss Hear to Learn Webinar: May 22nd, 2019
  • El Citomegalovirus y la Sordera Oir para aprender Webinar: May 22nd, 2019
  • The Role of Periodic Early Childhood Hearing Screening in Promoting Early Language Development  Better Speech and Hearing Month Coffee Break Webinar: May 7th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • This webinar is being offered in recognition of May as the Better Speech and Hearing Month.

        Research indicates that by the time children enter school, at least 6 in 1000 have permanent hearing loss. Newborn hearing screening is able to identify approximately half of these children (3 in 1000), but what about the other half who experience late onset or progressive hearing loss or who were missed by newborn screening efforts?

        Each day in the life of a young child with an undetected hearing loss is a day without full access to language. When hearing loss is not identified early, the resulting language deficits can become overwhelming obstacles to literacy, educational achievement, socialization, and school readiness. The availability of a technology called otoacoustic emissions (OAE) hearing screening means that early care and education providers can be trained to incorporate evidence-based hearing screening across any number of service settings. Taking only a few minutes to complete, OAE screening is increasingly being used in Early Head Start and Head Start programs, Part C and Part/619 programs, and even as a part of well child visits provided by some health care providers. Unfortunately, despite the compelling evidence of the efficacy of OAE screening for identifying children who may be at risk for permanent hearing loss, this is not yet uniform practice in any of these settings where it is still not entirely uncommon to find out-of-date subjective hearing screenings being done, or, in some cases, no hearing screenings at all during the early childhood period.

        While monitoring and promoting language development during the early childhood years is widely championed by most early care and education providers, knowledge and skills for implementing evidence-based objective hearing screenings has lagged behind, and so have the identifications of some children who have hearing loss.
    • After participating in this session, participants will be able to:

      1. Describe how OAE screening works and why it is the recommended method for young children.
      2. Discuss how periodic early childhood hearing screening corresponds with the aims and requirements of various publicly funded early childhood programs like EHDI, Head Start, Part C and Part B 619 programs.
      3. Access free online resources for establishing evidence-based hearing screening practices including program development and training resources.
    • 2019 Better Speech and Hearing Month Coffee Break Webinar Recording
  • Implementing OAE Hearing Screening and Follow-up with Young Children ECHO Web Class: April 22nd, 25th, 29th, and May 2nd
  • Auditory Skills and Language Development - a parent's role Hear to Learn Webinar: April 24th, 2019
  • Habilidades auditivas y desarrollo del lenguaje - una perspectiva desde los padres Oir para aprender Webinar: April 24th, 2019
  • Building your Skills in Nonprofit and Conflict Management NCHAM/ Hands & Voices Webinar: April 11th, 2019
  • How to make reading time a meaningful moment with your child? Hear to Learn Webinar: March 27th, 2019
  • ¿Cómo poder hacer del tiempo de lectura, un momento unico y especial con su niño? Oir para aprender Webinar: March 27th, 2019
  • 2019 EHDI Meeting March 3rd – 5th, 2019
  • ECHO Webinar: Implementing Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Hearing Screening and Follow-up: Self-Guided Learning Curriculum ECHO Webinar: Tuesday, February 19, 2019. 2-3 pm ET
  • Putting Parents in the Driver’s Seat:  Empowering Parents with Tools to Facilitate Their Infant/Toddler’s Spoken Language Development Hear to Learn Webinar: February 13th, 2019
  • Colocando a los padres en el asiento del conductor: Brindando herramientas a los padres para facilitar el desarrollo del lenguaje hablado en su niño con perdida de audición Oir para aprender Webinar: February 13th, 2019
  • Strategies for developing listening and spoken language Hear to Learn Webinar: January 23rd, 2019
  • Estrategias para desarrollar habilidades auditivas y del lenguaje hablado Oir para aprender Webinar: January 23rd, 2019
  • Building Empowered Families: A Workshop for Pediatric Audiologists NCHAM Workshop: February 22nd and 23rd, 2019. Online Instruction is required before attending on-site training from the weeks of January 21st through February 12th.
  • We Listened! Collaborative Development of a Newborn Screening Prenatal Fact Sheet NCHAM Webinar: January 17th, 2019

    • Webinar Description:

      • The 2013 supplement to the 2007 Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) Position Statement highlights the importance of families working in partnership with professionals to address the needs of their newborns and infants. Consequently, a parent member of the NC-EHDI State Quality Improvement (QI) Team recommended that NC-EHDI develop a prenatal education tool for families containing key information about newborn hearing screening so that prior to the birth admission, families would be knowledgeable about the in-patient hearing screening process and the importance of prompt, additional testing if the infant does not pass the initial hearing screening. The QI State team, comprised of key stakeholders and two parent representatives researched materials developed by other state EHDI programs and elected to create a prenatal fact sheet that encompassed all newborn screenings being performed in N.C. including metabolic, critical congenital heart defect, and hearing screenings. The NC Newborn Screening Fact Sheet was developed in collaboration with parents, a pregnant woman, and professional partners from the NC DPH Newborn Screening Program, the NC State Laboratory and the NC DPH Women's Health Branch. This prenatal fact sheet educates families about the reasons for the different screenings, how the screenings are performed, when they can expect to receive the results, and, it provides links to additional resources. The content, language, images and layout were selected to make the document easy to understand, visually attractive, culturally sensitive and accessible for individuals at an 8th grade reading level. Realistic images showing babies having the screenings performed were used so that families would know what the screening processes look like.

        This presentation will discuss the importance of the collaboration of parent partners with health professionals and key stakeholders in the development of a newborn screening educational fact sheet for pregnant women and their families.
    • Learning Objectives:

      1. Participants will be able to discuss the importance of engaging parents and key stakeholders in the development of EHDI educational materials
      2. Participants will be able to list the important components of an EHDI prenatal educational material.
      3. Participants will be able to describe features of accessible print materials
    • We Listened! Collaborative Development of a Newborn Screening Prenatal Fact Sheet Webinar Recording
    • Download the transcript [PDF]

More Past Events & Webinars