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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'American Sign Language- Is It Helpful for Families?' Track: 1 - EHDI Program Enhancement Keyword(s): speech, audiology, early intervention Learning Objectives: Distinguish spoken and sign language milestones as they pertain to language acquisition Understand the current research on linguistic, academic and social outcomes of Deaf/HH children who use different communication modalities Abstract: American Sign Language is becoming popular among our younger generation. Families are more aware of American Sign Language than ever. Parents are inundated with controversy regarding technology, communication modes and educational philosophies. Ninety percent of parents have no exposure or expertise in language acquisition and the education of Deaf/Hard of Hearing children. Often parents who do use American Sign Language are learning it along with their Deaf/HH child. What do we know about American Sign Language (ASL)? Can parents really be expected to communicate in a new modality and learn a second language while raising a young child? We will discuss American Sign Language and whether it has a role in the early intervention of most Deaf/HH children. We will hear from parents and their experiences with trying to incorporate sign language in the home. We will look at the research and discuss whether ASL has a role in developing spoken language in Deaf/HH children. We will analyze the differences between language acquisition and language learning. We will discuss language acquisition best practices that should be considered by every early intervention team. 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
-             ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial - Laura T Petersen - Primary Presenter California Department of Education      Credentials: MA Ed      Other Affiliations: California Department of Education       Laura T Petersen MA Ed, currently provides support to families in California with young Deaf/HH children in her position as Early Intervention Consultant with the California Department of Education. She has worked with families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children as a parent infant specialist at the Hearing Speech and Deafness Center in Seattle and as a behavior specialist at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, a teacher and educational consultant in Northern California. She supports families in navigating the medical and educational approaches, research-based information and resources regarding language acquisition and social-emotional development as they apply to the academic readiness of their children.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial - Michele Berke - Co-Presenter California School for the Deaf      Credentials: Ph.D., Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder; Multiple Subjects and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Teaching Credential; California       Michele Berke has worked for over 30 years in programs within the Deaf community. Her experience includes management of a rest home for deaf and deaf-blind senior citizens, directing Gallaudet University's western regional office, coordinating a US Department of Education funded project to develop an ASL Assessment tool, and teaching college-level Linguistics of ASL courses. Berke currently works at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont as the Student Outcomes Specialist where she is responsible for assessment and data analysis. Her doctoral studies in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Colorado in Boulder focused on exploring the shared reading practices of Deaf and hearing mothers and their pre-school children.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial -