2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/18/2024 | 2:25 PM - 2:50 PM | Living in the Gray: Bimodal D/HoH Children | Granite A-C
Living in the Gray: Bimodal D/HoH Children
Deaf* children who use a signed language and also have sufficient access to spoken language (through residual hearing, unilateral hearing loss, or assistive listening technology) often fall into a tricky linguistic and cultural gray area. While bimodal goals are attainable for many children, deep-rooted myths and personal biases continue to discourage practitioners and families from perusing bimodal language development with intentionality and longevity. In this workshop, some of the unique challenges of bimodal development will be outlined, highlighting Deaf* perspectives along the way. Current research supporting bimodal development will be shared so that practitioners and caregivers can feel confident in creating a language plan with spoken and signed language objectives.
- Participants will generate and discuss unique challenges when bimodalism is a linguistic goal
- Participants will dispel myths related to the acquisition of both a signed and spoken language by referencing current research
- Participants will begin to generate ideas for bilingual-bimodal language planning
Presentation:
3478265_16279ClaireLombardo-Miller.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
3478265_16279ClaireLombardo-Miller.docx
Presenters/Authors
Claire Lombardo-Miller
(Primary Presenter), The Learning Center For the Deaf, cmiller@tlcdeaf.org;
Claire Lombardo-Miller, CCC-SLP, NIC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and ASL-English Interpreter. She earned a BA in Early Childhood Education at Smith College and an MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Boston University. Since 2004, she has worked at The Learning Center for the Deaf as an SLP, early intervention provider, educator, and mentor. Claire presents at state and national conferences in the field of deaf-focused early intervention, linguistic bias, and bilingual-bimodal development. She provides consultative services to SLPs within public schools as well as district-wide/system-based consultative guidance to impliment evidence-based and culturally sound practices for deaf/hard of hearing students in mainstream settings. The Deaf community has been a beacon of her learning and personal and professional growth. Allyship and continued growth is at the center of her professional practice. Outside of work, Claire finds herself happiest with her family, in her garden, attending live music, and eating ice cream.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from The Learning Center for the Deaf.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with The Learning Center for the Deaf:
Marie Philip School, Parent Infant Program, and Public School Partnerships Program.
Nature: Salaried employee of TLC Deaf.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.