| Title: |
'Importance of Deaf Mentors in EHDI Programs' |
| Track: |
1-EHDI Program Enhancement
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| Audience: |
Primary Audience:
Secondary Audience:
Tertiary Audeince:
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| Keyword(s): |
deaf mentor, parents, EDHI program |
| Learning Objectives: |
identify advantages of having deaf mentors and understand how EHDI programs can successfully include deaf mentors
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Abstract: |
More often than not, the first deaf or hard of hearing person a parent meets is his/her child who has been recently identified as having a hearing loss. Although audiologists, social workers, speech language pathologists, and other EDHI program-related professionals may provide resources regarding technology, educational opportunities, and intervention strategies, they often cannot describe the experience of being deaf or hard of hearing. For parents to make fully informed decisions to maximize their children’s potential, they need to be able to understand the unique issues their children will face across their lifetimes. Deaf mentors provide a first-hand account of what it means to be deaf or hard of hearing, enabling parents to realize it is more than just a diagnosis; it is a life-long experience. Parents are also reassured by exposure to successful, professional deaf adults who can answer their questions candidly. Such issues include, but are not limited to, self-esteem, socialization, identity, overcoming adversity and stereotypes. Mentors should be accomplished deaf or hard of hearing adults specifically trained to work with parents of newly-identified deaf and hard of hearing children. In addition to presenting the advantages of having deaf mentors, this workshop will further explore how EHDI programs can successfully include deaf mentors. |
| Handouts: |
Handout is not Available
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