2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference
March 13 - 15, 2022
THE ANTONIA BRANCIA MAXON AWARD FOR EHDI EXCELLENCE
Jodee Crace
We would like to nominate Jodee Crace for the 2022 Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence. Ms. Crace is a pioneer when it comes to early intervention in many ways, including being one of the very first Deaf participants to attend the conference. For years, she has worked tirelessly to promote Deaf mentor programs, including being one of only four national trainers for the SKI-HI program, nationally recognized and originating at the Utah State University. She also served as a key representative for the Professional Learning Community for the Involvement of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Professionals moderated by NCHAM. On top of that, Ms. Crace has worked over 20 years as a front-line service provider in Indiana, supporting families on their journeys. Outside of Indiana, Ms. Crace has been a long-time advocate for family resources nationally, including her time on the board of the American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC), being president twice. Ms. Crace also was the chair of the ASDC conference held in Indianapolis. Her involvement in ASDC was personal to her as she is a mother of four sons, one Blind, one Deafblind, and two Deaf.
For an additional example of her deep commitment to early intervention, for nine years, she served on the Joint Committee for Infant Hearing, representing the Council on the Education of the Deaf. In her work on the 2019 position statement, she was instrumental in promoting mental health awareness and services for infants and their families before it was en vogue. She has contributed to the EHDI E-book by NCHAM several times, focusing on the partnership of Deaf community members with professionals. Out of recognition of her service, she was selected as "Person of the Year" by the Deaf People.Com magazine in 2016.
Ms. Crace also has been instrumental in increasing professional development year-round with the unique and interdisciplinary graduate certificate program at Gallaudet University, "Infants, Toddlers, and Families: Collaboration and Leadership" which she has taught in since its inception over 10 years ago. In doing so, she has taught audiologists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, psychologists, parents, and more. More recently, she led the development of a brand new online program for families to learn American Sign Language via ASL Connect|Families before it was the "thing to do", namely before the pandemic. She utilized best practices in global research to develop a complete 12 weeks-long curriculum which has been garnering high praise from underserved families including those that identify as Black, biracial, and people of color.
Ms. Crace is well known for her engaging national-wide presentations to families/professionals on mindfulness and its applications to early intervention. Ms. Crace has been a faithful and active EHDI conference participant from being a presenter/trainer to being a booth representative, attending all but one. People know her as a kind, caring advocate that is approachable and knowledgeable. To summarize Ms. Crace's incredible contributions, she has been a trainer, consultant, Deaf mentor, counselor, writer, advocate, parent of four boys with different abilities, and a friend to all.