2025 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 9-11, 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA
3/18/2024 | 10:05 AM - 10:30 AM | EHDI Collaborations To Support Quality Improvement, Accessibility and Equity | Mineral Hall B/C
EHDI Collaborations To Support Quality Improvement, Accessibility and Equity
This presentation will inspire EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention)/ Family Based Organization (FBO) Stakeholders to foster collaboration between programs across jurisdictions, leverage continuous quality improvement (CQI) methodologies, address diversity and inclusion and prioritize equitable access for all. In the context of EHDI, a collaborative approach transcends boundaries and bolsters the effectiveness of programs. We will explore strategies to enhance cooperation, share best practices, and drive innovation through collaborative partnerships even on limited resources.
CQI data driven methodologies play a pivotal role in optimizing EHDI programs and their systems. By adopting data-driven approaches, EHDI Coordinators and FBOs can identify areas for improvement, streamline processes, and ultimately enhance outcomes for children with hearing loss and their families. The presenters will delve into practical examples illustrating the transformative power of collaboration and CQI within the EHDI system of care.
Moreover, accessibility is paramount to serve diverse communities and disparate populations. Ensuring materials are 508 compliant and employ appropriate access and comprehension is not just a legal requirement but also a means to break down barriers for all. These presenters will underscore the significance of accessibility and on how small incremental changes can foster inclusivity.
In summary, EHDI and FBO Stakeholders have a unique opportunity to lead transformative change by fostering collaboration, embracing quality improvement methodologies, and prioritizing accessibility. Participants will be equipped with knowledge and tools to begin to create effective, equitable, and inclusive programs.
- Participants will be able to identify two reasons for collaboration across programs and jurisdictions.
- Participants will be able to summarize how to use Continuous Quality Improvement methodology to support user friendly spaces.
- Participants will have insight to address messaging that is mindful of language use, 508 compliance and state or program guidelines.
Presentation:
3478265_16345CarrieBalian.pdf
Handouts:
3478265_16345CarrieBalian.pdf
Transcripts:
3478265_16345CarrieBalian.pdf
Presenters/Authors
Carrie Balian
(Primary Presenter,Author), Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side, cbalian6@outlook.com;
Carrie Balian is a mother of five children. Her oldest son, Jack, was born deaf. She is the Coordinator of her state Guide By Your Side (GBYS) program and has presented to groups nationwide and co-authored several publications. She currently serves as a member on the Illinois Universal Newborn Screening Advisory Committee and the Illinois Hands & Voices board. Carrie also works with Hands & Voices HQ as a Region V Coordinator and as the GBYS Program Lead. She is a graduate of the Hands & Voices L2L (Leadership to Leadership) program. Carrie has also been recognized and awarded most recently with the 2022 Family Leadership award for her support, commitment, and leadership within the field. Ms. Balian was part of the leadership team which was awarded the Generating Real Action by Cultivating Engagement (GRACE) Award from Expecting Health and Baby’s First Test.
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.
Ginger Mullin
(Co-Presenter,Author), Illinois Department of Public Health, ginger.mullin@illinois.gov;
Dr. Ginger Mullin has a Bachelor’s degree Communication Disorders. She also holds a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Audiology. She has worked in pediatric audiology and the EHDI system since 1995 and became Illinois’ EHDI coordinator in 2005. During that time she has been the principal investigator for both the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants/ cooperative agreements. She has received specific training in pediatrics, public health, data management and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). As the EHDI Coordinator, Dr. Mullin has worked at the state and national level to promote newborn hearing screening, audiology diagnostics, targeted intervention, family-to-family support, stakeholder education and ongoing surveillance through age 3. She has presented regionally and nationally on pediatric assessment, amplification, the EHDI system of care, and partnering with families She has been part of the leadership teams for the Newborn Hearing Screening Training Curriculum (NHSTC), EHDI-PALS, Virtual Site Visit Project (VSV), as well as the national EHDI Meeting. She has severed in many capacities, including the President for the Directors of Speech and Hearing Programs in State Health and Welfare Agencies. She is the co-leader of EHDI Chats a national forum for EHDI Coordinators to meet monthly and share seamlessly while stealing shamelessly from one another to enhance state programs. She has been nominated several time for the Antonio Maxon Award at the National EHDI Meeting and received the Seaver Vision Award. Dr. Mullin was also a key leader for the EHDI and GBYS program which received the Generating Real Action by Cultivating Engagement (GRACE) Award from Expecting Health and Baby’s First Test. Dr. Mullin sits on the Illinois Universal Newborn Screening Advisory Committee and the Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention to guide work for children with low-incidence sensory disabilities.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program .
Nature: The EHDI program is funded by HRSA and CDC.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.