18th ANNUAL EARLY HEARING DETECTION & INTERVENTION MEETING
March 3-5, 2019 • Chicago, IL
American Samoa Hearing Connections Project (ASHCP)
EHDI American Samoa also known as Helping Babies Hear has helped to create the American Samoa Hearing Connections Project (ASHCP) which is the first ever parent support network in American Samoa for children who are deaf/hard of hearing.
The purpose of the network is to create a parent to parent connection of deaf/hard of hearing babies and children and then bridging them to deaf adults in the community as well as professionals who work with the deaf/hard of hearing population such as deaf educators. Objectives for this project include but are not limited to:
• Identifying families or parents of children/babies who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Once identified, engaging parents/families in being part of the network’s activities, training and community awareness
• Provide training throughout the year for the project
• Evaluation of ASHCP, EHDI and other programs and resources
The goal for EHDI and ASHCP is to activate at least 10 families who will build the foundation for the project and the hope is to increase that number every year until every baby and person identified with hearing loss will be part of this network.
- Challenges in creating a first time parent support group
- Goals and Objectives created to enhance parent engagement
- Outcomes of Goals/Objectives
Poster:
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Presenter: Bethany Toelupe
Bethany Malae Toelupe was born and raised in Aua, American Samoa. She currently serves as the Program Manager for EHDI American Samoa and has been with the program since December 2011. Beth is a graduate of BYU-Provo and Golden Gate University where she earned her BA in International Politics and Master’s in Public Administration. She is married to her husband Robert and together they have 7 children, 2 of which are twins. Beth enjoys spending time with her family, playing the piano and teaching Polynesian dance to her kids.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Dr. Jean Anderson is the EHDI Coordinator for the American Samoa Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program. She previously served as the American Samoa Part C Coordinator and Program Director for the Early Intervention Program. She continues to work closely with the American Samoa Head Start program and the American Samoa Child Care Program. As a Clinical Psychologist she also provides direct services to children and families including psychological evaluation, treatment and consultation.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -