2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/16/2026 | 1:55 PM - 2:25 PM | Not Too Late to Listen: A Deaf Teen’s Perspective on Family Support and Growth | City Terrace 9
Not Too Late to Listen: A Deaf Teen’s Perspective on Family Support and Growth
When a child is identified as deaf or hard of hearing later than expected, families often feel left behind, caught between guilt, confusion, and a scramble for answers. I know this firsthand. My late identification wasn’t just a moment of discovery; it was a turning point that reshaped how my family and I understood communication, connection, and advocacy.
In this presentation, I will share my personal journey of being late-identified and how that experience transformed both my self-identity and my family’s role in supporting me. Rather than focusing on what was “missed,” I’ll explore how families can rebuild trust, seek support, and create new pathways forward. From navigating hearing technology and communication choices to finding community through organizations like Nevada Hands & Voices and the EHDI network, my story highlights how families can still foster growth, confidence, and belonging even when the process begins later.
This session will encourage professionals and families to look beyond early numbers and see the ongoing potential for meaningful engagement at any stage. Because while early identification matters, so does what happens next. Families’ stories—especially those that begin “late”—can guide EHDI systems toward more compassionate, continuous, and inclusive support for all.
- Examine the emotional and practical challenges families face after a late identification of hearing loss
- Explore how family resilience and advocacy can positively shape outcomes for late-identified DHH youth.
- Identify ways EHDI programs can support continued family engagement and awareness beyond the newborn screening stage.
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Presenters/Authors
Alexis Jones
(Primary Presenter), Nevada Hands & Voices, ajsoclab@gmail.com;
Alexis Jones is an 18-year-old Deaf first-year student from Las Vegas, Nevada, attending Rochester Institute of Technology. She is majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Criminal Justice. As a dedicated scholar-athlete, Alexis continues to balance academic excellence with athletic achievement, maintaining a 4.3 GPA while excelling in soccer..
Throughout high school, Alexis served as the Student Council Executive Officer, Vice President of Ambassador Student Leaders, and a member of the National Honor Society. She also held a state leadership position as Secretary of the Nevada Association of Student Councils, where she worked closely with peers and educators to promote student voice and civic engagement. She was also a representative on the CCSD Superintendent Student Advisory Council, Alexis met with district leaders to advocate for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students and advance inclusion in education.
Beyond the classroom, Alexis has presented at multiple local conferences and workshops, and was featured in the documentary Our World in Our Words, alongside other Deaf self-advocates. Since 2019, she has been actively involved with the Nevada Legislature, testifying and meeting with lawmakers to address issues impacting the DHH community.
As a proud member of the U.S. Women’s National Deaf Soccer Team, Alexis continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. She helps lead inclusive “Adapt and Thrive” soccer camps and has joined efforts calling on U.S. Congress for SafeSport reform to protect all athletes from abuse.
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.