2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/11/2025 | 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM | Overcoming Barriers: Effective Parent Navigation for DHH Families | 308
Overcoming Barriers: Effective Parent Navigation for DHH Families
In this presentation, we will define Parent Navigation services, outline obstacles families face through each step of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) journey, explain how the DHH Family Engagement and Education Program addressed these challenges in Georgia and, and discuss how participants can apply a similar approach in their own communities.
Families navigating healthcare systems for children with disabilities often face numerous challenges, including lack of access to transportation, limited resources in rural areas, and lack of or inadequate insurance. Specifically, for DHH families, additional barriers include insufficient education about hearing loss and its impact on literacy, fear, and a lack of awareness of available resources. Parent Navigators assist rural and vulnerable families by offering care coordination, family education, motivational interviewing, navigation support, transportation assistance, and community connections, thereby mitigating the unnecessary burdens imposed by existing systems. During the panel discussion, the DHH Family Engagement Team will highlight the recent expansion of our program, describe the services we offer in collaboration with other service providers, present data demonstrating the need for such initiatives, and share insights and lessons learned that could benefit those interested in establishing similar programs in their states.
- Participants will define Parent Navigation services.
- Participants will outline obstacles families face through each step of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing journey.
- Participants will explain how the DHH Family Engagement and Education Program address these challenges.
Presentation:
3545975_18087StormeyCone.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Sherri Nighbert
(Co-Presenter), DHH Family Engagement and Education Program, Georgia Department of Education, sherri.nighbert@doe.k12.ga.us;
Sherri Nighbert obtained her bachelor’s degree in business communication from College of Charleston. She is also the mother of a child who is deaf and a bilateral Cochlear Implant user who is fully mainstreamed in the local elementary school. Sherri’s career path pivoted after 2 years of her child’s diagnosis to pursue a career in the DHH community with an emphasis on improving family access to resources and increasing support for families traveling their own DHH journey. Sherri successfully co-founded a wrap-around service charity, The Jason Cunningham Charitable Foundation (JCCF) (www.cunninghamcharity.org). For the last 8 years, JCCF has helped over 200 families needing financial assistance for hearing technologies, guidance with audiological and ENT services, early intervention therapy, transportation, and accommodations. From 2018 to 2022, Sherri was the grant manager and lead parent navigator for the new initiative she implemented called Access to Language (www.accesstolanguage.org) through the Atlanta Speech School. Currently Sherri is the Lead Parent Navigator for the DHH Family Engagement Program under the State Schools Division of the Georgia Department of Education and President of the Georgia AG Bell chapter. Sherri is extremely motivated by building Georgia’s DHH community to make sure no parent or child ever feels isolated.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Vicki Hilpp
(Co-Presenter), DHH Family Engagement Program, Georgia Department of Education, vicki.hilpp@doe.k12.ga.us;
Vicki Hilpp holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Kentucky. Vicki entered the DHH world in 2012 as the parent of a newly diagnosed 7-year-old daughter. With many questions and no one to help her understand this new path, Vicki became passionate about helping other families through their own journeys. She joined Georgia Hands & Voices in 2016 as an Advocacy, Support and Training Advocate where she helped parents understand the IEP process and become strong advocates for their student’s academic success. Vicki has also had the pleasure of working as a job coach for youth taking part in Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation employment training and as a Parent Mentor for Special Education in her local school district.
Currently, as a Parent Navigator with the DHH Family Engagement Program in the Georgia Department of Education, Vicki works closely with Audiologists as a technician during diagnostic infant clinics. She navigates families through their initial diagnosis and along each step of their path to connect them with information and resources crucial to supporting their child’s unique needs. As a fellow parent, she relates to the challenges families face and celebrates each success achieved along their journey.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Kimberly Smith
(Co-Presenter), DHH Family Engagement and Education Program, Department of Education, KimberlyW.Smith@doe.k12.ga.us;
Kimberly Smith is a dedicated professional with a strong educational background and a decade of experience in working with children with hearing loss. She holds a bachelor’s degree in ASL/English Interpreting and a master’s degree in Deaf Education, both from Valdosta State University. In 2023, she joined Georgia Mobile Audiology as a Parent Navigator after nearly 10 years in the classroom. In her current role, Kimberly is committed to ensuring that families have the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their child’s future. She educates and empowers families to be strong partners with healthcare and educational providers, advocating for their child’s medical, educational, and social well-being. Additionally, Kimberly assists the audiologist during infant clinics and offers guidance to families, helping them navigate the complexities of caregiving for children with hearing loss.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Azucena Rodriguez-Becerra
(Co-Presenter), DHH Family Engagement and Education Program, Department of Education, Azucena.Rodriguez-Becerra@doe.k12.ga.us;
Azucena De Maria Rodriguez-Becerra holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, as well as a Minor in Spanish. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia. With over 16 years of experience working with children and families as a case manager, therapist, and part-time college instructor, Azucena is a non-judgmental, compassionate, and culturally sensitive social worker who believes in the dignity and worth of every person.
In addition to her professional expertise, Azucena has firsthand personal experience raising a child with a disability, as her 10-year-old daughter was born deaf. Through navigating the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) journey, Azucena has faced the unique challenges of raising a deaf child in a hearing family. This journey has not only presented challenges but has also provided opportunities for growth. Azucena has continued to learn American Sign Language and has connected with supportive people and organizations dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children with hearing loss. In her spare time, she organizes playdates and gatherings for families of children with hearing loss and participates in organizations focused on supporting these children and families.
Currently, Azucena proudly serves families as a Parent Navigator through the Family Engagement Program for the State Schools Division of the Georgia Department of Education. In this role, and with the support of this amazing team, she provides culturally sensitive support to families of children with hearing loss.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Stormey Cone
(Primary Presenter), DHH Family Engagement and Education Program, Georgia Department of Education, scone@doe.k12.ga.us;
Stormey Cone holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education from Valdosta State University, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia. With two decades of experience as a teacher specializing in children with hearing loss, Stormey transitioned from the classroom in 2019 to join Georgia Mobile Audiology as a Parent Navigator. In this role, she played a key part in establishing GMA’s infant tele-audiology diagnostic ABR clinics, which ensured that rural families in South Georgia had access to timely testing and diagnosis.
In addition to her work as an audiology technician during infant clinics, Stormey supported families in navigating the intricate and often overwhelming aspects of the DHH journey. She currently serves as the Director of the DHH Family Engagement and Education Program for the State Schools Division of the Georgia Department of Education. In this capacity, Stormey leads a team of Parent Navigators who provide crucial support to high-risk families with DHH children throughout Georgia, serving as a vital safety net program for these communities.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.