2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/15/2026 | 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Seeing Language: How Vision Shapes Communication and Literacy | Clearwater
Seeing Language: How Vision Shapes Communication and Literacy
Vision plays a vital role in language acquisition, communication, and literacy. From infancy, children rely on visual input to build vocabulary, interpret gestures, and engage in joint attention—foundational skills for language development. As learners grow, visual processing supports reading, comprehension, and written expression. When vision is impaired, however, language may develop along different pathways, requiring intentional support through auditory, tactile, and multi-sensory strategies. This presentation will explore the relationship between vision and language, highlight the impact of visual impairments such as cortical visual impairment (CVI), and share practical strategies for educators, clinicians, and families to foster communication and literacy in children with vision challenges.
- Explain the role of visual input in early language acquisition and communication.
- Identify how vision influences vocabulary development, reading, and literacy skills.
- Recognize how visual impairments or cortical visual impairment (CVI) may impact language development.
Presentation:
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Angel Perez
(Primary Presenter), Florida and Virgin Islands Deafblind Collaborative, perez.angelea@ufl.edu;
Dr. Angelea Perez earned a Master of Arts degree in Visual Impairments from the University of Alabama, Birmingham and a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Texas Womans University. She received a Ph.D. in Vision Science with a concentration in visual psychophysics and sensory disabilities. Dr. Perez is also trained in the Orton and Gillingham approach for dyslexia. Dr. Perez received honors as a Helen Keller Fellow and a Fellow of the National Leadership Consortium for Sensory Disabilities. Her areas of interest include technology, clinical research, and life-long learning.
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.