2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| Deaf Mentors: Perspectives of Mentors and Families
Deaf Mentors: Perspectives of Mentors and Families
The importance of D/deaf and hard of hearing adults being involved in EHDI systems is increasingly understood. Most children with hearing loss are born into hearing families. This leaves parents with a steep learning curve! Deaf Mentors have been used as a strategy to support families as they learn about many aspects of hearing loss including cultural, linguistic and social-emotional development. The literature base on this topic is growing but little research exists that includes perspectives of both the Deaf Mentors and the families involved.
This study uses a qualitative, case-based approach to explore the experiences of both Deaf Mentors and the families they support. This poster shares key insights from the study and provides practical recommendations for integrating Deaf Mentors in family support programs.
- Define the impact of language deprivation on DHH children and explain why early, accessible language exposure is critical for cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Describe the perspectives of both Deaf mentors and families of DHH children relative to the experience.
- Discuss how lived experiences from both the perspective of the Deaf mentor and the family can inform how we implement early intervention.
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,Co-Presenter,Co-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.
Kale Smith
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Minot State University, kale.smith@minotstateu.edu;
Kale Smith is both a graduate student at Minot State University and a Teacher of the Deaf and Deaf Mentor for the North Dakota School for the Deaf/Resource Center. He is on the ND EHDI Advisory Committee and serves as a board member of the ND Chapter of Hands & Voices.
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.
Nicole Swartwout
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Parent-Infant Program at the ND School for the Deaf, nicole.swartwout@k12.nd.us;
Nicole Swartwout, M.Ed., Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Early Childhood Special Educator, is the Parent-Infant Program and School Age Outreach Director for the North Dakota School for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. She has been working in early intervention for 24 years. In addition, Nicole is an adjunct professor for Deaf Education courses at Minot State University.
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.