2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
DUKE ENERGY CONVENTION CENTER
3/07/2023 | 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM | Embracing Diversity Though Language and Culture | DECC 203/204
Embracing Diversity Though Language and Culture
Many children who are diagnosed with hearing loss have parents who speak more than one language. These parents are often faced with a decision to pick one language to “ease the language barrier.” There is plenty of research indicating how being multilingual has advantages for hearing children. Interestingly, there have been very few studies on DHH multi language learners. We plan to dig deeper into why this may be and the effects that it has had on cultural identity and their multigenerational family dynamic.
Having a good foundation from EI and exposing them to all languages and cultures will ease transitions as they find the balance between different worlds. Not having these supports can contribute to a cultural disconnect from close family members (Children not being able to communicate with grandparents, not truly understanding/celebrating their family’s heritage).
We will use our findings, experiences and perspectives to inform professionals/EI providers on how to better support children who are DHH multilanguage learners. Providers need to work with other associations and collaborate to find the best resources for families. Providers can help families embrace their culture and their language, and support that in their home. Lastly, we want to inform other parents that are in a similar situation to look at our experiences and feel validated and empowered. To know they are not alone in the journey and help them feel confident making decisions on what is best for their family dynamic. Making the choice to raise a multilingual/multicultural child exposes that child to many language/cultural options. In turn, they feel a better sense of identity as they grow up and they embrace all aspects of their identity. We should embrace multiculturalism in young children instead of limiting. By limiting native cultures, children can have difficulty exploring and fitting in later in life.
- The participant will be able to identify at least two disadvantages of having a child (of a multilingual family) be monolingual vs multilingual/multicultural.
- The participant will be able to list three ways EI providers can support parents of diverse cultural/language background.
- The participant will recognize the importance of integrating a family’s language/culture into services.
Presentation:
3420032_15575MairaNava.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
3420032_15575Maira Nava.docx
Presenters/Authors
Christina Cebellos
(), Illinois Hands and Voices Guide By Your Side, ccebellos.gbys@gmail.com;
Christina Ceballos is a parent guide through IL Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side. She received her Bachelor in Music Education from DePaul University. Additionally, she received a Specialized Endorsements, Master of Education degree in English as a Second Language (ESL)/Special Education and an ASL Certificate from College of DuPage.She is a first generation mexican american. She is a mother of two boys, one who was born deaf/hh
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Maira Nava
(), Illinois Hands and Voices Guide By Your Side, mnava.gbys@gmail.com;
Maira Nava is a parent guide through IL Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side. She is a first generation Mexican American. Mother of two special needs children: A daughter with 22q genetic disorder and a son who is deaf/hard of hearing. She has experience as Paraprofessional in a DHH program and a special needs program. Currently learning American Sign Language. She is a passionate, dedicated, and devoted person who enjoys educating and spreading awareness to others!
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.