2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/11/2025 | 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM | Reaching families where they are at: Effectiveness of text-based supports | 303
Reaching families where they are at: Effectiveness of text-based supports
Despite the majority of babies born in the United State now receiving a newborn hearing screening, CDC data shows us that 1 in 4 infants who fail the newborn screen are missed either because of loss to follow-up or loss to documentation. This means that many families lack access to services for their young child who is diagnosed with a hearing loss. This is particularly true for families who live in rural/remote areas or use languages other than English. It is important for professionals and professional organizations to consider these challenges and come up with alternative, innovative ways to reduce the number of families that are lost in these systems. Technology can be an important way to distribute information and increase access to families who might otherwise get lost in complex systems. Not only can technology be a low-cost, high-impact solution, it can reach families from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The HEAR program is a specialty track within Bright by Text’s (BBT) larger network, specifically designed for families of children ages birth to 3 years with suspected or confirmed hearing loss. BBT partnered with the HATCH lab and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to identify content that was most important for families who have questions about hearing and hearing differences to access information and resources. From these questions, messages and content were developed that provide a mix of information (with helpful links to resources) and encouragement, delivered once per week for 6 months. The program is provided for free and available in English & Spanish. To date, 432 families have signed up for the HEAR track through BBT. Presenters will go over the content creation process for HEAR, collaboration done with Hatch lab parents, HEAR survey data and future directions.
- The participant will list how questions/topics were developed for Bright By Text.
- The participant will describe the importance of alternative ways of reaching families who have children identified with hearing differences.
- The participant will identify ways to share Bright By Text with their community.
Presentation:
3545975_18239ReginaZappi.pdf
Handouts:
3545975_18239ReginaZappi.pdf
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Kristina Blaiser
(Co-Presenter), 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.
Regina Zappi
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), rzappi@asha.org;
Regina Escano Zappi, AuD, CCC-A is an Audiologist and Associate Director for Audiology Practices at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) where she focuses on pediatric audiology initiatives. She received her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Washington and completed her externship at Boston Children's Hospital. Prior to starting at ASHA, Regina worked as a pediatric/clinical audiologist in hospitals across the east coast. Regina is a member of the EHDI-PALS advisory group, ex-officio to ASHA SIG 9: Pediatric Hearing and Hearing Disorders and staff audiologist rep for the AAP EHDI Provider Education Center advisory group.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Nature: Salaried Employee.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.