2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
NEW FOR 2027: The EHDI Conference will be held Monday–Wednesday.
3/19/2024 | 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM | Unlocking Potential: Collaborative Strategies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education | Capitol 3
Unlocking Potential: Collaborative Strategies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
The presenters will highlight the critical partnership between a Special Education Advocate and a Behavior Therapist in designing education plans equipped with essential behavior modifications for children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, particularly when language deprivation is a challenge. D/HH children face unique educational obstacles, and the absence of language exposure during critical developmental stages can lead to behavioral issues and hinder academic progress. This collaborative approach begins with a comprehensive assessment of the child's needs, encompassing communication skills, emotional well-being, and educational history. The Behavior Therapist employs their expertise to evaluate and address behavioral challenges, while the Special Education Advocate assesses the child's existing Individualized Education Plan and ensures that it aligns with the therapist's recommendations. The partnership is grounded in effective communication, allowing for exchange of information regarding the child's progress, challenges, and evolving needs. Together, they set clear, measurable goals that are tailored to the child's unique circumstances. The IEP, under the advocate's guidance, reflects these goals and secures the child's rights, ensuring that the necessary accommodations and modifications are in place. Furthermore, the advocate ensures that school districts understand and fulfill the child's unique needs. Collaboration extends to training and support for teachers, caregivers, and parents on implementing effective behavior modifications and communication strategies. Regular progress monitoring ensuring that interventions remain effective. Legal and ethical considerations, particularly adherence to laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, are maintained to safeguard the child's rights. In cases of challenges or disputes, the advocate and therapist work collaboratively to find resolutions. This collaborative approach stands as a powerful mechanism to equip deaf and hard of hearing children with the education plans and behavior modifications needed to overcome language deprivation and unlock their full potential, ensuring their academic/personal success.
- Participants will gain an awareness of language deprivation can lead to behavioral challenges and hinder academic progress.
- Participants will learn about the key roles and responsibilities of Special Education Advocates and Behavior Therapists in assessing the needs of D/HH children and designing effective education plans with behavior modifications.
- Participants will gain insights into the legal framework, particularly the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and ethical considerations that guide the partnership between Special Education Advocates and Behavior Therapists.
Presentation:
View Presentation File
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
3478265_16406AndreaMarwah.docx
Presenters/Authors
Andrea Marwah
(Primary Presenter), IL School for the Deaf Outreach, andrea.marwah@illinois.gov;
Andrea Marwah received her B.A. in Psychology from North Central College. Since her daughter’s diagnosis of hearing loss in 2002, Andrea has devoted her career to educating parents and professionals about the ADA, IDEA, and effective advocacy for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. She is a sought-after presenter both locally and nationally, speaking on topics such as special education rights and advocacy, the impact of deafness and hearing loss (especially when combined with other disabilities), socialization and Theory of Mind, and best practices for supporting children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Andrea currently works for the Illinois Department of Human Services – Illinois School for the Deaf as an outreach trainer and consultant for families and professionals serving children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. She also serves as a parent advocate, helping Illinois families secure appropriate educational supports and services for their children, and collaborates closely with the Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (IL EHDI) Program. In addition, Andrea lead the Illinois chapter of Hands & Voice for 16 years. She continues her work with the organization as the IDEA Liaison for the Guide By Your Side Program, providing unbiased information, one-on-one advocacy, and IDEA support to families. She is also a national trainer for the Hands & Voices ASTra Program, a member of the Hands & Voices Speakers Bureau and a member of COPAA (Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys). Andrea serves on numerous local and national committees and previously completed six years of service on the Advisory Commission on Disabilities in her hometown of Naperville, Illinois. She lives there with her husband, Ajay, and they are the proud parents of three young adult children—Samantha, Julia, and Andrew.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Illinois Hands & Voices.
Nature: travel expenses covered.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Kari Taylor
(Co-Presenter), Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side, ktaylor.gbys@gmail.com;
Kari Taylor was born deaf to deaf parents. After being placed for adoption to hearing parents soon after birth, it was not until age 4 that her hearing loss was identified. Raised in an oral communication home,
she was exposed to sign language immediately entering preschool. She is a Behavior Analyst that specializes in providing behavioral support for kiddos who are deaf/hard of hearing and/or have vision losses. Kari is part of the IL Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side Team as a Deaf/Hard of Hearing Guide. She hopes she can share her experiences as a DHH adult with many families as possible. She currently lives in Sycamore, IL with her family (3 daughters are CODA).
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -