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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Early Hearing Orientation Visits: Presenting Unbiased and Consistent Information about Early Intervention Services for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children Across the State of Georgia ' Track: 8-Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance Audience: Primary Audience: Secondary Audience: Tertiary Audeince: Keyword(s): parent education, unbiased information, communication choices, matches, options, early intervention Learning Objectives: Participants will gain knowledge in Georgia’s 1. EDHI program including following up and referral for intervention 2. Early Hearing Orientation Specialists 3. Early Hearing Orientation Visits Abstract: What is Georgia’s EDHI program including following up and referral for intervention? What does a family do after the diagnosis that their child is deaf/hard of hearing? How do families get unbiased information so they can begin to navigate through all of the information/resources regarding early intervention? This presentation gives detailed flowchart of Georgia’s EDHI program and explains how Early Hearing Orientation Visits have come into play since 2001. After diagnosis, referrals are made through a single point of entry to the Early Hearing Orientation Specialists (EHOS). These EHOS are professionals with background in Deaf Education, Audiology, and/or Speech Pathology who are experienced in Early Intervention services for the deaf and hard of hearing. They are trained to deliver information in an unbiased manner. This idea developed from a state needs assessment. The purpose of these visits is to provide all families with the same information regarding the importance of early intervention, communication choices/ options/matches, as well as programs, services, and resources available throughout the state. The “Pathway to Communication” DVD is viewed together with the EHOS during this visit. Families are given a packet in English or Spanish and Spanish Interpreters are utilized if necessary. The EHOS visits give families information and resources so they can make informed decisions on what early interventions match the family’s and the child’s needs. The EHOS visits also inform all parents about Georgia Hands and Voices and connect parents directly to those who request. This model can easily be adapted and modified to meet the needs of other states. Handouts: Handout is not Available
SPEAKER INFORMATION
PRESENTER(S): Dr. Alice Stanley - Georgia PINES      Credentials: Program Coordinator for Georgia PINES *BA in Foreign Language and Literature, M. ED & Ed. S in Special Education concentrating in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing *Ed. D. in Child and Youth Studies *National Board (NBPTS) Certification in 2000       Dr.Stanley started her career as a D/HH teacher 33 years ago. She was a summer classroom instructor at Kendall Elementary School at Gallaudet in 1978. From 1980-2004, she worked for Clayton County Schools as a resource and itinerant teacher, Department Chair of D/HH Program, Special Education Coordinator for High School Mild Disability Programs and County–wide K-12 Deaf/HH and VI Programs, and as a staff development instructor. From 2006-2008, she worked for Georgia State University as a Practicum Supervisor for its master program (D/HH). She worked for GA Pines from 1989- 2001 as a Parent Advisor (PA). After retirement from the Clayton County Schools (2004), she worked as a PA again. In 2008, she became SKI-HI Coordinator for GA PINES. She is trained as a PA in SKI-HI, INSITE and VIISA programs and is a certified SKI-HI State Trainer. She has completed the Professional Preparation for Cochlear Implant in June, 2009. Dr. Sarah Rank - Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Public Health      Credentials: UNHSI Coordinator, Office of Maternal and Child Health       Dr. Sarah Rank is a Licensed Audiologist AuD. She was in private practice in LaGrange, Georgia for 7 years. In 2009, she became Georgia's State Coordinator of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention. Dr. Rank is also trained as a SKI-HI Parent Advisor and is the mother of two children. Melissa Lawson - Georgia PINES      Credentials: M.S. Education of Deaf/Hard of Hearing, B.A. Communicative Disorders       Mrs. Melissa Lawson has worked in the field of Deaf Education since 1985. She has worked as a Parent Advisor for Georgia PINES since 1999. In addition, Mrs. Lawson has served families as an Early Hearing Orientation Specialist since 2001. She became a SKI-HI State Trainer for Georgia in 2007 and serves as a mentor for new parent advisors with Georgia PINES. Mrs. Lawson completed the Professional Preparation in Cochlear Implants program in June of 2009.   AUTHOR(S):