2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/10/2025 | 10:05 AM - 10:35 AM | Supporting Families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Through the Understanding of Best Practices | 321
Supporting Families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Through the Understanding of Best Practices
Family support is a key aspect of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) systems for children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing (e.g., Hands & Voices, 2017); however many families are unaware of the resources that exist or how to apply this information in their daily lives, particularly when certain aspects of “best practice” aren’t embedded into systems. Henderson et al. (2016) discussed a conceptual framework that includes family well-being, knowledge of resources and skills, and empowerment for families to make informed decisions regarding their individual child and family needs. This presentation will demonstrate how one state’s family support program utilized current best practices in family-centered early intervention to create systematic support for families.This presentation will highlight how data was collected to better understand the common questions and experiences of families who have children who are D/HH in the state of Idaho, and how asynchronous models are utilized to provide families with information and resources. We anticipate sharing these models (newsletters, training modules) that will be helpful for Early Hearing Detection Intervention systems and providers.
- Describe common aspects of the parent experience throughout the newborn hearing screening, audiological testing, identification, and early intervention.
- List many of the recommendations in the 2017 A Parent’s Guide to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Intervention Recommendations and why this document is helpful to parents and providers.
- Give examples of opportunities for system improvement
Presentation:
3545975_18208KatRoss.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Kat Ross
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter,Author,Co-Author), Idaho State University, kathleenross2@isu.edu;
Kat Ross is a parent of a child who has a hearing difference. She is a Family Support Ambassador for HATCH Family Support at Idaho State University. Her passion for empowering other parents with information and resources keeps her engaged in the EHDI system and striving for positive outcomes for all children who have a hearing difference in her home state of Idaho.
Before joining the HATCH Family Support team, Kat was the Executive Director of Idaho Hands and Voices when legislation for pediatric hearing aid insurance coverage was accomplished in Idaho. She also worked in the Boise School District in several roles at elementary schools. Prior to moving to Idaho and starting a family, Kat worked as a marketing associate and executive assistant at a private wealth management firm in San Francisco.
Kat holds degrees in Early Childhood Education (AA Cuesta College), General Studies, and Psychology (BA Columbia College).
In her free time, Kat loves to travel, camp, cook, and relax with her family and mini Goldendoodle.
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.
Kristina Blaiser
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Idaho State University, Kristina.Blaiser@isu.edu;
Kristina Blaiser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is
a Professor of Speech-Language Pathology in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and directs the HATCH (Helping Adults Talk to Children) Lab at Idaho State University. Dr. Blaiser has extensive experience leading early childhood education programs and evaluating the outcomes of children who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. Her research interests include program evaluation and graduate training related to assessment and early intervention practices of children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing. Dr. Blaiser’s recent work has focused on using telehealth to support families in early intervention. Kristina is the Coordinator for ASHA SIG 9: Hearing Loss and Hearing Disorders in Childhood.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Grants for Other activities from OSEP.
Nonfinancial -
• Has a Professional
(Board)
relationship for Board membership.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Office of Special Education Programs funding.
Nature: Coordinator of SIG 9, Special Projects Chair on CECDCD, Advisory Member of AAP-PEC, Advisory Member of FL3.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Miranda Nelson
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Idaho Sound Beginnings, miranda.nelson@dhw.idaho.gov;
Miranda Nelson is the Program Coordinator for Idaho’s EHDI program, Idaho Sound Beginnings. Originally from Boise, Idaho, Miranda has a BS in Psychology from the University of Idaho and a background in government programs from working at the Idaho Department of Labor in state and federal programs such as the workforce innovation and opportunity act.
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.
Marie Martinez
(Co-Author), Idaho State University, janemartinez@isu.edu;
Marie is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and behavior analyst who serves early intervention populations. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Rehabilitation and Health Sciences at Idaho State University. Her research explores the impacts of family support and caregiver coaching on language outcomes for young children.
Marie has presented at various national conferences focused early intervention curricula, professional development programs, and caregiver training. She is passionate about bridging the gap between research and practice by providing caregivers with evidenced-based speech, language, and behavior strategies that they can use during daily routines. As a mother of a young child learning to communicate, Marie enjoys integrating these strategies into the precious moments she spends caring for her son.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Idaho State Universiy.
Nature: Employed Part-time by ISU
Recieved grant funding through the Idaho Hearing Education and Aural Rehabilitation (IHEAR) training program.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Lesa Coleman
(Co-Author), Idaho State University- HATCH Lab, lesacoleman@isu.edu;
Lesa Coleman is a Family Support Ambassador for Idaho State University's HATCH Lab and the mother of 6 children; 2 of these cute girls, Corinne and Emily, have moderate-profound hearing loss. Through the years, Lesa benefited from meeting many wise parents and professionals who gave great help and comfort along the hearing loss journey. Lesa has been involved with hearing loss family support for many years. She has helped with the Idaho EHDI System, Hands & Voices, and Cued Language, and was happy to be on the team that helped bring Hearing Aid legislation to Idaho.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -