2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
NEW FOR 2027: The EHDI Conference will be held Monday–Wednesday.
3/19/2024 | 10:10 AM - 10:35 AM | Practical Strategies to Use Tomorrow in Your Work with Deafbind Infants and Toddlers | Capitol 7
Practical Strategies to Use Tomorrow in Your Work with Deafbind Infants and Toddlers
Children who are deafblind require unique strategies to support the development of communication, social emotional, cognitive, adaptive and motor skills. Increasing knowledge of specialized strategies that address these distinct needs will give families and providers the tools they need to support their child’s development and learning. Professionals in the field including Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, early intervention providers, and family specialists often do not receive comprehensive training related to meeting the needs of young children with deafblindness and their families. This session will provide evidence based practice strategies related to meeting the needs of children who are deafblind that are aligned with the Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices. These practices will increase the ability of professionals to collaborate with families to meet the unique needs of their children. Practitioners in early intervention can embed the practices outlined into existing lessons, daily routines, and family and community activities to enhance the learning and engagement of children ages birth to three who are deafblind. The session will draw upon adult learning principles of active participation, empowerment through reflection, and immediate application. Deafblindness is a low incidence disability, and unique specialized knowledge and skills are required to support the needs of these children and their families. These practices can also be implemented with children who have complex, multiple needs including limited motor and communication skills. By implementing evidence-based practices, practitioners and families can promote positive outcomes for young children with high intensity support needs including those with deaf-blindness.
- Increase knowledge of evidence based practices that outline unique strategies in teaching children who are deafblind
- Know where to find resources they can draw upon as they work with infants and toddlers who are deafblind
- Increase knowledge of family-centered practices that support providers’ work with families who have children who are deafblind
Presentation:
View Presentation File
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Marcia Fort
(Primary Presenter), NC DHHS, marcia.fort@ddhs.nc.gov;
Dr. Fort is the Genetics and Newborn Screening Unit Manager in the Whole Child Health Section of the North Carolina Division of Child and Family Well-Being and serves as the NC EHDI Coordinator. Marcia has worked with the NC EHDI program since 2002. Dr. Fort has 32 years of experience as a pediatric audiologist in hospital, private practice, ENT office and public school settings.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Michelle John
(Co-Presenter), Vermont EHDI and Educational Services Practice, michelle.john@hotmail.com ;
Michelle John, MS, CEOLD, holds dual Bachelors of Arts degrees in psychology and sociology, and her Masters of Science degree in community counseling and psychology with a specialization in addictions counseling. She also earned certification as an End-of-Life Doula.
Michelle is the President of Vermont Hands & Voices and Regional Coordinator for national Hands & Voices Regions 1, 2 and 3. She now works for VT EHDI and the VT Educational Services Practice as a Parent Navigator Coordinator. Within these roles, she sits on a variety of Boards, Committees, Coalitions, Panels, and
Councils to further the identified needs of children birth to twenty-one, who
are D/HH/DB/Plus and their families. She feels it is important for families to be
considered a valued and involved stakeholder.
Her highest achievement comes from raising and educating her 3 children by being a “stay-at-home” parent. She was all things medical, educational, and coordination for her 11-year-old DeafBlind+ (Plus) child who had a variety of significant medical and developmental complexities. In tandem, she is a willing teacher to those with questions and a readiness to learn, most often her youngest two children on repeat.
Michelle is deeply passionate about family leadership, the power of choices, NASDSE Guidelines, parents as paid caregivers to medically complex children, the needs of DeafBlind Plus, the power of storytelling and lived experience, sibling support, and the unique challenges faced by families living in rural areas.
Through ongoing attendance and/or presentations at trainings, conferences, webinars, and meetings she stays up to date on best practices and builds a network of connections with stakeholders who can be resources to assist families access valuable resources and support.
One could say Michelle is never bored! In her middle of the night “spare time”, she enjoys reading autobiographies, creating wild goals that sometimes seem unattainable, watching reality television, and pretending to get some sleep.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -