2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| Faith of Our Fathers: Exploring the Role of Faith, Spirituality and Religion as Support Among Fathers of Children who are DHH
Faith of Our Fathers: Exploring the Role of Faith, Spirituality and Religion as Support Among Fathers of Children who are DHH
The vital role fathers play in the lives of their children is well-established. While fathers (biological, step, foster, and others assuming a male influential role) increasingly are taking on active parenting roles once reserved for mothers, available parenting research has overwhelmingly focused on mothers and other female caregivers. This imbalance holds true in disability related research in general, and also in disability research exploring the role of faith. There is a further paucity of research related to fathers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) compared to fathers of children with other disabilities. Professionals have the responsibility to assist families to identify supports that can develop coping skills and enhance overall family functioning when parenting children with disabilities, including those who are DHH. While research indicates faith, spirituality and religion can be a source of support for mothers of children with disabilities, little research has been done regarding this factor among fathers in such families, and research specific to fathers of children who are DHH on this topic is extremely limited. This lack of literature regarding fathers makes it difficult for professionals to appropriately identify and cultivate resources that adequately support fathers. The purpose of this study was to better understand the supporting role of faith, spirituality and religion in the lives of fathers parenting children who are DHH. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from a sample of American fathers of children who are DHH. The results of the study provide information about how fathers of children who are DHH use aspects of faith, spirituality and religion as supportive strategies when parenting. These findings are discussed in terms of action steps for family support professionals of how families of children with disabilities may be empowered to parent in healthy families.
- Participants will be able to identify ways fathers of children who are DHH use faith, spirituality, and religion as supportive strategies in their parenting roles.
- Participants will be able to describe current gaps in research on the role of fathers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), particularly in relation to faith, spirituality, and religion.
- Participants will be able to develop evidence-informed approaches for integrating faith, spirituality, and religious supports into family support practices that empower fathers and promote healthy family systems.
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
Holly Pedersen
(Primary Presenter,Author), Minot State University, holly.pedersen@minotstateu.edu;
Holly F. Pedersen, Ed. D., is a Professor of Special Education at Minot State University in North Dakota. She has over 30 years of experience working with children and youth with disabilities, including a specialty in deaf/hard of hearing education. Dr. Pedersen’s research includes early intervention in deaf education, father involvement in deaf education, interprofessional education practices and rural education issues. She continues to consult in schools on a regular basis to stay connected to the classroom.
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.