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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Presenter Information:
Presenter 1: Name: Debra Nussbaum

Affiliation: Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center

Debra Nussbaum is Coordinator of the Cochlear Implant Education Center at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University. Since graduating in Audiology from George Washington University, she has worked at the Clerc Center since 1977. She has developed numerous resource materials and presents nationally and internationally on the topic of auditory and speech skill development for deaf children who also use sign language, and on educational considerations for students with cochlear implants.
Presenter 2: Name: Debra Cushner
Affiliation: Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center-Kendall School

Debra Cushner is a Parent-Infant Teacher at the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University. Since graduating with an M.A. from Gallaudet University in Multiple Disabilities and a B.A. from Syracuse University in Special Education, she has worked at KDES since 1980. Since 1981 she has focused on designing and implementing early childhood programs and has presented in a variety of venues on this topic.
Author Information:
Author 1: Name: Debra Nussbaum
Affiliation: Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
Author 2: Name: Debra Cushner
Affiliation: Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center-Kendall Demonstration Elementary School
Abstract Information:
Title: An ASL/English Bilingual Parent-Infant Program at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
Primary Track: 3-Early Intervention
Keyword(s): Early Intervention, Bilingual, Language, Communication

Abstract:

This presentation will discuss the rationale behind why an ASL/English Bilingual approach should be considered as a strong option for families of newly identified deaf and hard of hearing children. It will address the crucial need of establishing early language foundations through a child’s strong sense, vision, while evaluating the role that audition may have for supporting development of spoken English through either hearing aids or cochlear implants. The presentation will discuss considerations for designing a program that looks at the whole child in relation to language and communication development, cognitive development, social emotional development, literacy development, and identity development. The presentation will share the components of the Parent-Infant Program (PIP) at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. It will discuss how the PIP program partners with diverse families to guide them in understanding the complex issues that impact on language and communication development so they may make informed decisions for their child and can actively participate in the language development process. Video clips of specific strategies incorporated into the PIP program to support development and use of both American Sign Language and English will be shared.
Presentation(s): Not Available
Handouts: Not Available