2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/10/2025 | 2:25 PM - 2:55 PM | The Sooner, The Better: Parent-to-Parent Support at Initial Hearing Loss Diagnosis Contact | 306/307
The Sooner, The Better: Parent-to-Parent Support at Initial Hearing Loss Diagnosis Contact
For the family of a child newly identified with a hearing difference, talking with another parent can be a lifeline. Benefits include connectedness, affirmation, emotional support, confidence in decision making, and the knowledge that comes with a support parent’s experience “in the trenches.” In fact, some studies suggest that parent-to-parent support may be a vital service not otherwise provided in formal support systems. Unfortunately, support parents aren’t always easy to find and getting connected can take time.
In 2023, 317 infants and toddlers were identified with a hearing difference in Florida. The Florida Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program employs two full-time parent advocates who seek to make the parent-to-parent connection within a week of identification. Each family receives personalized follow-up by a parent advocate. Parent Advocates will describe the hearing loss follow-up and referral process.
- Participants will be able to describe the value of a parent-managed follow-up program for children newly identified as D/HH.
- Participants will be able to identify how an early parent-to-parent connection encourages enrollment in Part C and other programs.
- Participants will identify ways to design a hearing loss follow-up program that meets the specific needs of families of children diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing in their state.
Presentation:
3545975_18253MirandaNerland.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Miranda Nerland
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter), FL Dept of Health, Miranda.Nerland@flhealth.gov;
Miranda Nerland is the parent of a child with CHARGE syndrome and bilateral mixed hearing loss. Ms. Nerland provides parent-to-parent support and referrals to families of children with hearing differences and deafblindness and, as of January 2023, conducts follow-up for newborns diagnosed with CMV. Ms. Nerland also serves as the program lead for Florida's Children's Hearing Aid Program.
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.
Natasha Rich
(Co-Presenter), FL Dept of Health, Natasha.Rich@FLHealth.gov;
Natasha Rich is a parent of a child with Microtia and Atresia and conductive hearing loss. She is a strong advocate for families. Ms. Rich provides parent-to-parent support and referrals to families of children with hearing differences and, as of January 2023, conducts follow-up for newborns diagnosed with CMV. Ms. Rich has 24 years’ experience providing early intervention services.
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.