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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Impact of Hearing Loss on the Family ' Track: 8-Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance Audience: Primary Audience: Secondary Audience: Tertiary Audeince: Keyword(s): listening to and empowering families Learning Objectives: 1. Professionals will learn how to really listen to families and the pitfalls in making judgements. 2. Parents can learn how to better work with professionals. 3. Professionals will better understand the importance of family empowerment and how that impacts the role of the parents. Abstract: This presentation will be presented from the parent perspective of someone who has already traveled the journey of learning their child has a hearing loss. The presentation will begin with the emotions that families face when they learn of their child’s diagnosis. Together we will explore why families need support, types of supports families need, and the uniqueness of each family. This session will also discuss how to “really” listen to families, the pitfalls of making judgments, and the importance of empowering families early by helping them understand their role in this journey. Handouts: Handout is not Available
SPEAKER INFORMATION
PRESENTER(S): Lisa Kovacs - Hands & Voices      Credentials: Parent      Other Affiliations: Indiana State Department of Special Education Advisory Council, National Deaf Education Summit Committee, American Academy of Pediatrics EHDI Task Force       Lisa lives in Greenwood Indiana with her husband Brian and 4 children. Her son has Auditory Neuropathy. Lisa is one of the founding board members for Indiana Hands & Voices and has been with the organization for over 8 years. She is currently the Program Coordinator for Guide By Your Side(GBYS). She is also the Director for GBYS Hands & Voices Head Quarters. She has extensive training in Educational Advocacy and Parent Support. Lisa serves on several councils and committees; Indiana Department of Education Special Education Advisory Council, National Deaf Education Summit Committee, and American Academy of Pediatrics EHDI Task Force. Lisa has a passion for training parents and helping them recognize their strengths and abilities in order to make informed decisions for their child and family. Lisa wants to see that all children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing have the opportunity to reach their full potential.   AUTHOR(S):