2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/16/2026 | 11:25 AM - 11:55 AM | Statewide Language Outcome Tracking: Challenges and Collaborative Solutions | River Terrace 3/Deck 3
Statewide Language Outcome Tracking: Challenges and Collaborative Solutions
Many early intervention and EHDI programs recognize the value of collecting language outcome data but often struggle with how to implement an effective statewide system. This presentation highlights two state models that successfully established processes for collecting and documenting language outcomes. Although each state used a different approach, both relied on strong cross-agency collaboration to achieve their goals. Presenters will discuss the challenges encountered, the strategies used to overcome them, and lessons learned along the way. By exploring these models, participants will gain practical insights to guide the development of effective and sustainable language outcome data collection and documentation systems within their own states.
- Describe two existing models for collecting and documenting language outcomes statewide
- Identify potential partners that can facilitate the collection of language outcomes
- Propose strategies to address common challenges/barriers to implementing statewide collection of language outcomes
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Presenters/Authors
Allison Sedey
(Primary Presenter,Author), University of Colorado-Boulder, Allison.Sedey@colorado.edu;
Allison Sedey is a speech pathologist, audiologist, and researcher. She is currently the director of the Early Language Outcomes Lab (ELO) at the University of Colorado-Boulder and is the assessment and accountability coordinator for the early intervention outreach program at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind. Dr. Sedey received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studied language acquisition in children who are deaf/hard of hearing as well as in children who have Down syndrome. For the past 30 years, she has served as the director or project coordinator on a variety of grant-funded research projects examining predictors of language outcomes in young children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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No relevant financial relationship exists.
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No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
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No relevant financial relationship exists.
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No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Nicole Swartwout
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Parent-Infant Program at the ND School for the Deaf, nicole.swartwout@k12.nd.us;
Nicole Swartwout, M.Ed., Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Early Childhood Special Educator, is the Parent-Infant Program and School Age Outreach Director for the North Dakota School for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. She has been working in early intervention for 24 years. In addition, Nicole is an adjunct professor for Deaf Education courses at Minot State University.
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Shelby Hintze Jepperson
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), University of South Dakota, Shelby.Jepperson@usd.edu;
Shelby Hintze Jepperson currently serves as an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of South Dakota's School of Health Sciences, Master of Public Health program. She holds a Master of Public Health degree, is certified in public health, and is a Ph.D. candidate in Health Sciences. She has worked on South Dakota EHDI projects as part of the SD EHDI Collaborative since 2017 and currently serves as the Project Director of the HRSA EHDI grant for South Dakota.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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• Receives Grants for Other activities from US HHS HRSA.
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No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
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Financial relationship with .
Nature: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provided financial support for this work as an award totaling $235,000. The contents are those of the author(s), they may not reflect the policies of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. .
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No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Jerusha Olthoff
(Co-Author), ND EHDI / NDCPD / MSU, jerusha.olthoff@minotstateu.edu;
Jerusha Olthoff, MSM, is the ND EHDI Program Director. She has worked with the program for the past 18 years. She began her career with the ND EHDI program as a data/follow-up coordinator and became the Program Director in 2015.
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Liz DeVelder
(Co-Author), University of South Dakota, Liz.DeVelder@usd.edu ;
Liz DeVelder is the Language Specialist for the South Dakota EHDI Collaborative. She is a Speech Language Pathologist with the University of South Dakota.
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Kami Van Sickle
(Co-Author), South Dakota Services for the Deaf (SDSD), kami.vansickle@sdsd.sdbor.edu;
Kami Van Sickle serves as the Director of South Dakota Services for the Deaf (SDSD) and has dedicated 20 years to the field of deaf education. She is passionate about setting children who are deaf and hard of hearing up for success by ensuring they and their families receive the support, resources, and services they need to thrive. Outside of work, Kami enjoys spending time with her husband and their three daughters, cheering the girls on in their many activities, and enjoying the outdoors together as a family.
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