| ABSTRACT INFORMATION |
| Presenter Information: |
| Presenter 1: |
Name: Irene Leigh
Affiliation: Gallaudet University
Irene W. Leigh, Ph.D., a deaf psychologist, has done high school teaching, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and mental health administration. From 1985 to 1991 she worked at the Lexington Center for Mental Health Services, serving as Assistant Director the last two years. She has been a professor in the Gallaudet University Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program since 1992 and is currently Chair of the Department of Psychology. In addition to numerous presentations, she has published over 50 articles and book chapters, edited Psychotherapy with Deaf Clients from Diverse Groups (1999), and co-authored Cochlear Implants in Deaf Children: Ethics and Choices (2002/2005) and Deaf People: Evolving Perspectives from Psychology, Education, and Sociology (2004). Her next book is: A Lens on Deaf Identities. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and an Associate Editor for the Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education.
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| Author Information: |
| Author 1: |
Name: Irene Leigh
Affiliation: Gallaudet University
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| Abstract Information: |
| Title: |
Reflections on Identity |
| Primary Track: |
6-Family Issues
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| Keyword(s): |
identity, family, deaf, hard of hearing, deaf identity theories |
Abstract: |
When a deaf child is identified as deaf or hard of hearing, early intervention specialists tend to focus on language acquisition, auditory habilitation, and educational approaches while helping the parents or caretakers maintain optimal attachment with the child as they adjust to the child’s needs. How the process of adjustment is handled is very much influenced by the specialists’ perceptions of the developing child’s identity as a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. To enhance their awareness, the presentation will focus on the identity formation process and the family’s role in that process. Various deaf identity development theories based on socialization, racial identity models, and acculturation models will be explained. The presenter will report recent research on associations between deaf identity categories applicable to hard of hearing, oral deaf, culturally Deaf, and cochlear implant users among others and psychological adjustment. The session will conclude with recommendations for specialists as they provide support and psychoeducation to parents. |
| Presentation(s): |
Not Available
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| Handouts: |
Not Available
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