2025 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 9-11, 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA
DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER
Award Winner/Nominee Details 2025
Kristina Blaiser
Kristina Blaiser exemplifies excellence in advancing Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs through her innovative contributions to research, education, and advocacy for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). Dr. Blaiser’s work has transformed the way that professionals address language development and family-centered intervention for the DHH population.
Dr. Blaiser’s leadership is evident in her roles as Associate Dean of Engagement and Opportunity, Professor in Communication Sciences & Disorders, and Director for both the Idaho Hearing Education and Aural Rehabilitation (IHEAR) program and HATCH lab at Idaho State University. Established through two grants from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in 2023, IHEAR addresses the critical shortage of professionals specializing in DHH services. By integrating interdisciplinary training and evidence-based practices, Dr. Blaiser equips practitioners to deliver high-quality care, ensuring equitable access to early intervention and family support services.
A passionate advocate for underserved populations, Dr. Blaiser has dedicated her career to overcoming systemic barriers in hearing healthcare. Her work in Idaho, a rural state, reflects her commitment to ensuring all children and families have timely access to screening, diagnosis, and early intervention services. She collaborates with state and national organizations to design programs that connect families with the resources they need while promoting the integration of culturally responsive care.
Dr. Blaiser’s influence extends beyond her local community. She has held leadership roles in national professional organizations, where she has shaped policies and initiatives that enhance service delivery for individuals with hearing loss. Her collaborative approach brings together audiologists, speech-language pathologists, educators, and medical professionals to develop sustainable solutions.
As a researcher, Dr. Blaiser has contributed groundbreaking studies on language development and approaching care for the “whole child� through extensive family support. Her publications and outreach on caregiver support and innovative intervention strategies provide invaluable resources for EHDI professionals nationwide. These efforts directly align with Dr. Antonia Brancia Maxon’s vision of connecting universal newborn hearing screening with timely and effective early intervention.
Dr. Blaiser embodies the spirit of this award through her unwavering dedication to improving outcomes for children and families, her pioneering leadership in professional training and policy development, and her commitment to reducing disparities in hearing healthcare. Her work ensures that Dr. Maxon’s legacy of excellence in EHDI programs continues to thrive.