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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Deaf Mentor Programming: A New Generation' Track: 4 - Early Intervention Keyword(s): Deaf Mentors, Deaf Adults in Early Childhood Learning Objectives: Describe some key components of successful Deaf Mentor Programs Identify some benefits of involving deaf adults in early intervention programs Describe new changes in the SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Program to address the needs of children and families today Abstract: Over twenty years ago the SKI-HI Institute developed the Deaf Mentor Program. The program was evaluated and proven to be highly effective based on parent report and child development and progress. The program was implemented in several programs around the country. In recent months, the program has been reviewed and is undergoing changes and updates to meet the needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families today. In this presentation we will describe the face of Deaf Mentor Programs around the country and the successes these programs have experienced, and sharing the components that are essential to an effective Deaf Mentor Program. We will be highlighting new improvements that are coming to SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Programming in 2014 and will describe the Deaf Mentor Training process. Rationale for involving adults who are deaf or hard of hearing into early intervention programs will be reviewed and the value of Deaf Mentor Programs from parents perspective will be shared for those who are considering establishing a Deaf Mentor Program. 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
Paula Pittman - Primary Presenter SKI-HI Institute      Credentials: Ph.D. Director, SKI-HI Outreach      Other Affiliations: Director, Utah Parent Infant Program, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind       Paula Pittman has been involved in the education of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families for 30 years. She was one of the developers of the original Deaf Mentor Program at the SKI-HI Institute and is the director of outreach for the SKI-HI and Deaf Mentor Programs. She is currently the director of the Utah Parent Infant Program at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind and serves families in that program as a Parent Advisor as well.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial - Jodee Crace - Co-Presenter American Society for Deaf Children      Credentials: M.A. School Counseling with Deaf Students; SKI-HI Parent Advisor and Deaf Mentor Certifications      Other Affiliations: Gallaudet University, American Society for Deaf Children       Jodee Crace has a Master's in School Counseling with Deaf Students and has been in the Human Development career for 27 years ranging most of the life span from community-based mental health service to Early Education and Family Support service. Currently she is a Deaf Mentor in Indiana and co-teaches with The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers and their Families: Collaboration and Leadership Interdisciplinary Certificate Program. She is actively involved with the American Society for Deaf Children board and the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Stacy Abrams - Co-Presenter New Mexico School for the Deaf      Credentials: Master's Degree in Special Education/Disabilities and Risk Emphasis       I grew up bilingual. I graduated from Gallaudet University.then I graduated with a Master's Degree from University of California at Santa Barbara. Currently I am PhD student. Former Teacher of the Deaf. Currently the Deaf Mentor Program Coordinator at New Mexico School for the Deaf. Also a proud Deaf mom of two bilingual Deaf children.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.