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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Presenter Information:
Presenter 1: Name: Kathleen Stremel

Affiliation: NCDB

Kathleen "Kat" Stremel has been working in the area of deaf-blindness for 30 years. Her knowledge and skills are in the area of communication and early language development. She is currently the Project Director for the National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness and is the Co-PI of a research grant on intervention for children who are blind/vision impaired with Cochlear Implants. She had developed numerous assessment, training modules and articles specific to communication and language.
Author Information:
Author 1: Name: Kathleen Stremel
Affiliation: NCDB
Abstract Information:
Title: Facilitating Communication & Language for Children with Cochlear Implants and Vision Impairments
Primary Track: 3-Early Intervention
Keyword(s): Cochlear Implants, Deaf-Blindness, Routines

Abstract:

Whereas this session will be focused on children with cochlear implants and vision impairments, it will be relevant to a range of children, especially those children with multiple disabilities. The objectives for this session are two-fold. First, participants will increase their knowledge and skill in using a Communication & Language Criterion Reference Assessment to determine potential receptive and expressive communication and language targets for children with vision impairments. Second, the participants will increase their knowledge of how to embed these multiple targets in routines and activities in the natural environments and in preschool activities. Each year more children who have dual hearing and vision impairments are being implanted. These children range tremendously in their use of prelinguistic communication and linguistic communication, degree of vision loss and range of cognitive skills. Outcomes for these children are extremely varied. However, research data indicates that the type, intensity and frequency of intervention services to facilitate communication, language and speech are also quite varied. This session will discuss appropriate intervention strategies within home and preschool environments. Information to be presented will be relevant for both professionals and families who need more effective assessment and intervention strategies for children who have cochlear implants and other disabilities. Implications for practice include the following tools that will be shared with the participants: assessments, environmental sound inventories across home and school, fact sheets for practice, and sample routines. DVDs will also be shared to demonstrate actual intervention and child outcomes.
Presentation(s): Not Available
Handouts: Not Available