2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
DUKE ENERGY CONVENTION CENTER
3/07/2023 | 9:40 AM - 10:10 AM | The "I" in EHDI - A Journey, Not A Destination | DECC 203/204
The "I" in EHDI - A Journey, Not A Destination
In most states, the EHDI Program administers and monitors the early hearing detection process and delivers the child and family to a separate Early Intervention (EI) Program. Wisconsin has had a strong Part C Program (The Birth to 3 Program) but limited specific support for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) and their families. For this reason, the Wisconsin EHDI Program (Wisconsin Sound Beginnings/WSB) established a team of DHH-specialized providers to work in partnership with the local Birth to 3 Programs, which utilize a Primary Coach Approach to EI. When a baby is identified as having a permanent hearing difference through the newborn hearing screening and diagnostic process, a referral goes to the baby’s County Birth to 3 Program. The EHDI process does not stop at this referral; a notification goes to the WSB EI team at the same time. The WSB EI team can then join the local Birth to 3 Program teams virtually in providing EI to these families. This partnership brings together the local EI expertise with DHH-specific expertise to provide the family with well-rounded, comprehensive EI support for them and their child. Families from all areas of the state now have access to appropriate DHH-specific services, regardless of whether they have local DHH resources. In addition, local Birth to 3 Program teams are increasing their awareness of the unique needs of these children and families and increasing their capacity to provide appropriate support. Lessons learned along the journey of rolling out to all five regions of the state, and procedures, tools and strategies used will be shared. Participants will also hear from local Birth to 3 Program providers about the partnership, process, and value experienced over the past two years of the program’s journey.
- Describe the framework of how Wisconsin is infusing DHH-specific EI by partnering with the already established Part C program using the PSP approach to provide a more comprehensive experience for families of children who are DHH.
- Describe three tools employed to offer all families in the state access to early appropriate DHH supports, regardless of where they live or what resources are available in their local area.
- Explain three ways Part C providers have benefitted from the partnership.
Presentation:
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.
Handouts:
3420032_15597ChristineKometer_1.pdf
3420032_15597ChristineKometer_x.pdf
Transcripts:
3420032_15597ChristineKometer.docx
Presenters/Authors
Christine Kometer
(), CESA 1 / Wisconsin Sound Beginnings, ckometer@cesa1.k12.wi.us;
Chris is the WI Sound Beginnings Early Intervention Coordinator and is a Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,
Chris brings over 30 years of experience to her role. She has experience teaching children who are D/deaf
or hard of hearing in four different states in a variety of settings--public school, university clinic, statewide
outreach, and most recently, 17 years in a non-profit agency as Program Director for Early Intervention
services, working within the WI Birth to 3 Program. She has worked with children and families who use
American Sign Language, Total Communication and Listening and Spoken Language. She received an
Advanced rating in ASL skill level and also holds certification as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist
(LSLS Cert AVEd). She has a Certificate in Infant, Early Childhood and Family Mental
Health as well. She has also coordinated parent educational and support services, social-recreational
events for children and families, sign language classes and larger family-focused events such as an annual
statewide Family Learning Vacation weekend.
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.
Lauren Burke
(), CESA 1 / Wisconsin Sound Beginnings, lburke@cesa1.k12.wi.us;
Lauren is the Wisconsin Sound Beginnings CARES Communication Specialist with an emphasis in Listening and Spoken Language. Lauren has worked within the Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program as a primary provider and in-home speech and language pathologist. As a member of Wisconsin's state-wide EHDI early intervention team, she is passionate about supporting infants and toddlers who are D/deaf or hard of hearing alongside and in partnership with their Birth to 3 team and their families. Lauren has experience using the primary provider model, coaching, and teaming practices. She is working towards attaining certification as a Listening and Spoken Language specialist (LSLS AVEd). Lauren began her career as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher before pursuing speech and language.
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.
Andrew Altmann
(), CESA 1 / Wisconsin Sound Beginnings, aaltmann@cesa1.k12.wi.us;
Andrew is the Wisconsin Sound Beginnings CARES Communication Specialist with an emphasis in ASL. He was born to Deaf parents and siblings and is fourth generation born Deaf. He grew up in a mainstream school setting from third grade to graduate school. He received his Bachelor degree in Social Work at UW-Milwaukee and Masters degree in Social Work at Barry University in Miami. He has worked in the social work field for 14 years and also works as a Deaf interpreter and an ASL instructor. His lifelong passion is supporting people. He loves making a positive impact in children's lives because they deserve it.
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.