2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/11/2025 | 9:40 AM - 10:10 AM | Language Acquisition and Bridging Part C to Part B: Reliable, Accessible, Outcome-Based Data | 309
Language Acquisition and Bridging Part C to Part B: Reliable, Accessible, Outcome-Based Data
This presentation continues from the “Language Acquisition Data Project” presented at the 2024 EHDI Conference that emphasized the importance of creating reliable, accessible data systems that support language acquisition in early childhood.
Arizona continues to collaborate with one of Arizona’s approved student information system (SIS) vendors, stakeholders, and subject matter experts to create and implement a robust data system for children aged 0-3 receiving Part C Early Intervention services through the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind.
This presentation will highlight the progress that has been made toward building a system with the following attributes:
• Individual and Aggregate Data: Supports both personalized and group-level insights.
• Standardized Assessments: Implementing normed assessments at six-month intervals to track language development.
• Accessibility: Data available to parents, teachers, and policymakers to ensure transparency and engagement.
• Real-Time Decision Making: Enables families, educators, and administrators to make informed, data-driven choices.
• Continuity Across Programs: Tracks students as they transition from Part C to Part B, ensuring seamless support across schools and districts.
In addition, this presentation will explain the rationale behind the decisions made, successes and challenges in implementation, and recommendations for states contemplating this method of tracking language outcomes. The role of the involved contracted subject matter experts, database vendor, agency information technology and the agency and outside stakeholders will be discussed along with plans for the next phase.
- Identify Valid Assessment Components: Understand key elements necessary for effective assessments that monitor language outcomes for varying ages and communication styles.
- Navigate System Interoperability: Gain insights into the complexities of working across different systems and customizing software for specific needs.
- Data Utilization Tools: Learn about developing analytical tools to leverage data for informing Early Intervention providers, policymakers, and families on both individual and aggregate levels.
Presentation:
3545975_18110KendraBenedict.pdf
Handouts:
3545975_18110KendraBenedict.pdf
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Kendra Benedict
(Primary Presenter), Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, kendra.benedict@asdb.az.gov;
Dr. Kendra Benedict is an experienced leader in the education of children who are deaf/hard of hearing. As the statewide director of the Early Learning Program under the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB), she is responsible for the oversight of the deliverly of IDEA Part C and B services to children from birth to age five who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, and deafblind since 2019. With 30 years of experience in the field, Dr. Benedict has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with disabilities throughout their lives. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Arizona, a B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Northern Arizona University, and both principal and teacher certifications from the State of Arizona.
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.
Laura Hocknull
(Co-Presenter), Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, laura.hocknull@asdb.az.gov;
Laura Hocknull is a Supervising Teacher for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind's Early Learning Program. ASDB-ELP provides IDEA Part C services for Arizona children birth to age 3 who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, and deafblind. ASDB-ELP works in partnership with the Arizona Early Learning Program (AzEIP), Arizona's statewide Part C coordinator. Laura holds teacher certification from the State of Arizona, an M.S. in Deaf Education from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD, and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. Laura has served as a Teacher of the Deaf for 30 years. She began her career at the Mississippi School for the Deaf before relocating to Arizona. Laura has been working in early intervention for 26 years. In 2024, Laura, mother to 3 incredible young men, became grandmother to a beautiful little boy, who was diagnosed with hearing differences. While every day is exciting and new, her favorite days are those spent with family.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -