2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/11/2025 | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | “From Family to School with Heritage Sign Languages Center: Strengthening Connections Among Educational Entities” | 319
“From Family to School with Heritage Sign Languages Center: Strengthening Connections Among Educational Entities”
The Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) law, passed in more than 20 states, aims to ensure that Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) children acquire a strong language foundation, both in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, so they are ready for kindergarten. It addresses the concerns that D/HH children often face delays in language development, which can affect their academic and social progress. By mandating early assessment and providing resources, LEAD-K emphasizes bilingual language acquisition (ASL and English) in the critical early years of a child’s life, from birth to age five. The statistics show that predominantly 95% of parents/caregivers are hearing, which highlights the paramount need to have fluent multilingual and multicultural D/HH mentors/models during this critical period. The Family Language Connector Program (FLCP) under the Heritage Sign Languages Center (HSLC) at Gallaudet University addresses these issues, and one of the key strengths of the FLCP is its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Services are offered at no cost while adopting a multicultural lens, and FLCP also seeks partnerships with Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) providers, school districts, and other educational entities to expand ASL instruction and access for D/HH children to learn alongside with their families.
- Ensure that instruction recognizes families’ traditions, heritage, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and languages.
- Become familiar with applying effective techniques of virtual ASL instruction, including cultural sensitivity, relevancy, and inclusiveness.
- Discuss best practices of bonding, home routines, and child-friendly terminologies in the signing environment.
Presentation:
3545975_18210JerriSeremeth.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Jerri Seremeth
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter), Families Language Connector Program, jerri.seremeth@gallaudet.edu;
Jerri Seremeth is the Family Language Connector Program Liaison, with over 15 years of experience supporting families in learning American Sign Language (ASL) in their homes. Her dedication to fostering communication and inclusion has made her a trusted resource for families seeking to integrate ASL into their daily lives.
Jerri’s extensive background in ASL teaching spans both classroom and online settings, where she has developed effective strategies to engage and empower learners of all ages. In addition to her role as a program liaison, Jerri is an active member of the Maryland ASL Teacher Association and the Deaf Community Center-Frederick, where she continues to contribute to the ASL and Deaf 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.
Claire Decker
(Co-Author), Heritage Sign Languages Center-Gallaudet University, claire.decker@gallaudet.edu;
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with .
Nature: .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Juan Bernal
(Co-Presenter), Heritage Sign Languages Center-Gallaudet University, juan.bernal.mondragon@gallaudet.edu;
Juan serves as a Connector for FLCP and was born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. In addition, he works as an LSM (Mexican Sign Language) Deaf Interpreter and Deaf mentor, providing support to latino families throughout Texas. He is dedicated to empowering these families by ensuring their D/HH children have access to essential cultural and linguistic resources. With a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by culturally diverse D/HH children and their families, Juan strives to bridge communication gaps and foster an inclusive environment.
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.