<< BACK TO POSTERS
ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Preparation of Speech-Language Pathologists to Serve Infants and Young Children with Hearing Loss'
Track: 8 - EHDI Workforce Issues
Keyword(s): speech-language pathology, training, interdisciplinary, service provision
Learning Objectives:
  1. Learners will be able to identify the components of an SLP program which optimally prepares students to serve infants and young children with hearing loss and their families as part of an interdisciplinary team
  2. Learners will demonstrate an understanding of professional roles and collaboration between speech-language pathologists and audiologists who utilize a comprehensive model for screening, diagnosis and intervention for children and families.

Abstract:
Since the implementation of newborn hearing screenings, the average age at which a child’s hearing loss is confirmed has decreased from 24-30 months to 2-3 months of age (Harrison, Roush & Wallace, 2003). In 2007, the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing stated that the degree of hearing loss should be identified soon after birth, infants should be fit with amplification by 3 months, and receive services by 6 months. However, ASHA guidelines relay, “there is a shortage of personnel uniquely qualified to provide services to deaf and hard-of-hearing infants and their families” (Johnson 2004). As a result of this discrepancy between needs and resources, the US Department of Education (DOE) has funded a training grant at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for the Preparation of Personnel to Serve Infants and Young Children with Hearing Loss. The grant prepares culturally competent pediatric speech-language pathologists and audiologists for professional roles that enable them to collaborate effectively to facilitate optimal speech and language outcomes for families who choose the listening and spoken language option for their child’s communication. The presenters, who are participating in the grant, will describe the goals of the grant, which promote appropriate interdisciplinary identification, assessment and intervention. This program includes specialized coursework, research opportunities, and varied clinical experiences supervised by auditory-verbal educators and speech-language pathologists (AVT/AVEd, LSLS). Trainees also become familiar with outreach services for families in rural and underserved areas, as well as how to consult with parents, teachers and personnel regarding communication strategies to support spoken language, academic achievement and social development. The training program at UNC is unique given the support of the DOE, however graduate studies or professionals continuing education at any level could explore the possibilities of partnering with local resources to emulate its structure.
Presentation: This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online.
Handouts: Handout is not Available
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
Stacey Platzman - POC,Co-Presenter
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
     Credentials: B.S., M.S. Candidate
      Stacey completed her bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona. She is from Scottsdale, Arizona and is currently a second year Master's student in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Stacey is a trainee on the Preparation of Personnel to Serve Infants and Young Children with Hearing Loss grant funded through the Department of Education. She has also been selected as a Leadership Fellow on the Maternal and Child Health Bureau's LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders) grant.
      ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial - Receives Other financial benefit for Other activities from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Alexanna Kubler - POC,Co-Presenter
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
     Credentials: B.S., M.S. Candidate
      Alexanna completed her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at The Pennsylvania State University. She is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is currently a second year Master's student in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Alexanna is a trainee on the Preparation of Personnel to Serve Infants and Young Children with Hearing Loss grant funded through the Department of Education. She has also been selected as a Leadership Fellow on the Maternal and Child Health Bureau's LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders) grant.
      ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial - Receives Other financial benefit for Other activities from UNC - Chapel Hill.   Receives Other financial benefit for Other activities from UNC-Chapel Hill.  

Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.