2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/16/2026 | 3:10 PM - 3:40 PM | Reframing the First Conversations: A Family-Centered Approach to Intake in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention | City Terrace 8
Reframing the First Conversations: A Family-Centered Approach to Intake in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
Over the past two decades, the average age of hearing loss identification has shifted from 2.5 years to 2.5 months, transforming how families first encounter hearing healthcare. Yet intake protocols remain largely action- and information-focused on the toddler years and beyond, often misaligned with families’ emotional readiness as they learn to navigate infant care with additional infant hearing healthcare and educational systems.
Parents—especially those new to both hearing loss and parenthood—frequently report feeling overwhelmed, while their perspectives remain underrepresented in literature, protocols, and training. Addressing intake from the family perspective is critical to improving provider preparation, reducing loss to follow-up, and ensuring equity in EHDI systems.
This presentation will share lessons from analyzing an existing intake process, using both qualitative and quantitative analyses to document the questions, timing, and family experiences during first conversations after diagnosis. Results from 160 families of infants with hearing differences reveal key themes and opportunities for change. Findings highlight strategies to strengthen family advocacy and engagement while equipping providers and trainees with practical tools that meet families where they are. This work positions family-centered intake as a sustainable, replicable model for EHDI programs nationwide, bridging research, system development, and graduate training to improve equitable outcomes for children who are DHH.
- Describe how family perspectives during the intake process influence engagement and follow-up in early hearing detection and intervention.
- Report how themes can be used as opportunities for improving early family-provider interactions.
- Apply strategies for integrating family-centered intake practices into EHDI systems, provider training, and program design to enhance equity and family advocacy.
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
Kristina Blaiser
(Primary Presenter,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 graduate training and implementation of family-centered early intervention. Dr. Blaiser serves on the national American Academy of Pediatrics Provider Education Committee and on the advisory board for the Family Leadership, Language and Learning Center.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Idaho State University, AAP-PEC, FL3, Office of Special Education Programs.
Nature: employee, Advisory Board Member (AAP-PEC, FL3), Grantee.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Kat Ross
(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 -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Marie Martinez
(Co-Presenter,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 -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Idaho State University.
Nature: .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Lesa Coleman
(Co-Author), HATCH lab, lesacoleman@gmail.com;
Lesa Coleman, MS, has provided parent support and advocacy for families with children with hearing loss for many years. Lesa, is mother of six children including two daughters, Corinne and Emily, who have bilateral moderate-profound hearing loss. Lesa is a member of the ISU HATCH Lab family support outreach team and serves on the the Idaho Sound Beginnings Board. Lesa is an Idaho native. She enjoys exploring National Park sites and has a passion for children’s literature.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -