2025 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 9-11, 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA
DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER
| Coordinating Resources for EI Professionals: Mitigating Proximal and Distal Effects of Language Deprivation
Coordinating Resources for EI Professionals: Mitigating Proximal and Distal Effects of Language Deprivation
Using the research of Sanjay Gulati, Poorna Kushalnagar, and other sources, this presentation will provide a definition of Language Deprivation along with the proximal and distal effects of the lack of exposure to developmentally appropriate language. Additionally, the presentation will advance the knowledge, awareness, and practices of EI providers in ways to approach Language Deprivation by aiming to actively limit or prevent lack of exposure to a full language. Another important aspect of the presentation is to explore ways in which providers can disseminate balanced information to empower families to make well informed decisions.
A description and interpretation of current research from a variety of perspectives will allow participants to examine theories regarding the sociolinguistic practices of Deaf and hearing communities, second language acquisition, and methods for program assessment. Additionally, participants will identify some of the immediate effects of Language Deprivation and some of its long-term effects.
Finally, the presentation will discuss the importance of working with multiple agencies and organizations to examine the landscape of services available to parents at the local, state, and national levels. Beyond that, participants will identify the ways in which a landscape map of services avoids redundancy and provide parents with a single point of entry to receive EI services from qualified professionals trained to work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing infants and toddlers and their families.
- Define the meaning of Language Deprivation.
- Examine the proximal and distal effects of Language Deprivation.
- Interpret how current theories of language development and acquisition apply to their work in the field.
Presentation:
3545975_18257GretchenCobb.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Gretchen Cobb
(Primary Presenter), Arkansas School for the Deaf, gretchen.cobb@ade.arkansas.gov;
After graduating with Bachelor of Science in Deaf Education, a Master of Arts in Literature and a Doctor of Philosophy in English Composition and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), I spent 27 years in a variety of public-school and college classrooms, a mental health facility, and residential schools for the Deaf. In 2021, I moved into the role of Director of Statewide Services, the Early Intervention program at Arkansas School for the Deaf. Also, beginning in June of 2023, I served as Interim Superintendent of Arkansas School for the Deaf for a year. Now that I am back in my position with the Early Intervention team, I am reminded that as an advocate, supporter, and educator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and their families, I believe that all children should have access to high-quality services and supports to become effective communicators who are educated, motivated, and independent.
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.