<< BACK TO AGENDA

ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Presenter Information:
Presenter 1: Name: Todd Houston

Affiliation:

Dr. K. Todd Houston is an Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology in the Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education at Utah State University where he continues to develop auditory-based intervention and educational opportunities for children with hearing loss who are acquiring spoken language. He also serves as Director of the Graduate Studies Program in Auditory Learning and Spoken Language, an innovative personnel preparation program for graduate students in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Deaf Education. Prior to joining the faculty at Utah State University, Dr. Houston was the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell), located in Washington, DC.
Author Information:
Author 1: Name: Todd Houston
Affiliation: National Center for Hearing Assessment & Intervention
Abstract Information:
Title: Personnel Preparation: An Integrated Model of Training in Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Deaf Education
Primary Track: 3-Early Intervention
Keyword(s): personnel preparation, integrated training, competencies

Abstract:

Due to vast improvements in universal newborn hearing screening, an infant with hearing loss can be screened, diagnosed, fitted with amplification and referred for early intervention services within a few weeks of age. Research has demonstrated that if this process is successful, most children with even severe and profound hearing loss can begin kindergarten or first grade with language levels comparable to their hearing peers. While this scenario is possible for an increasing number of children, the greatest barrier to success for these children is the lack of well-trained and highly qualified pediatric audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and teachers of the deaf who have the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate family-centered services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with hearing loss. Furthermore, advances in hearing technology, such as digital hearing aids and cochlear implants, has further complicated the situation. Data from some states indicate that parents are increasingly obtaining this advanced technology for their children with hearing loss, and they also are pursuing auditory-based intervention and educational programs that will allow their children to develop spoken language. Utah State University has recognized these issues within the fields of early intervention, Deaf Education, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and has developed the Graduate Studies Program in Auditory Learning and Spoken Language. The Program provides a specialization of coursework and practicum experiences focused on the acquisition of spoken language in young children with hearing loss. This presentation will provide an overview of this pre-service training model and will describe the specific competencies obtained in auditory learning and spoken language.
Presentation(s): Not Available
Handouts: Not Available