2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| Lived Deaf Experiences and Advancing EHDI Training: Early Outcomes from the Project ECHO Training Model
Lived Deaf Experiences and Advancing EHDI Training: Early Outcomes from the Project ECHO Training Model
The meaningful involvement of Deaf professionals with lived experiences in designing, leading, and evaluating system-wide practices strengthens the impact and relevance of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) training. The Empowering Healthcare Providers to Optimize Language Development in Deaf Infants and Young Children ECHO program offers a collaborative model that builds provider capacity to ensure timely and equitable language access for deaf infants and young children.
Developed by Motion Light Lab (Gallaudet University), Project ECHO, and the University of British Columbia, the six-session series brings together EHDI professionals for learning co-led by Deaf educators, clinicians, researchers, and storytellers working alongside hearing allies. Each 60-minute session combines didactic presentations, real-world case discussions, and mentorship grounded in research and Deaf community cultural wealth.
This poster presents preliminary findings from the first two cohorts (Fall 2025 and Winter 2026), focusing on the impact of a collaboratively-led EHDI training initiative. Learning outcomes include increasing provider confidence in discussing sign language with families, recognizing bias in EHDI pathways, and identifying opportunities to include Deaf community resources in family care plans.
Graphics will highlight participant demographics and themes from post-session reflections and evaluation surveys. The poster also outlines strategies for Deaf infusion in EHDI systems, from hospital-based newborn hearing screening programs to statewide early intervention networks.
By modelling systemic inclusion of Deaf professionals in professional learning and decision-making, this ECHO initiative demonstrates how EHDI systems can move from consultation to collaboration, building language equity and language-rich outcomes for deaf children and their families. Our ECHO provides a model for effective cross-disciplinary Deaf and hearing collaborations whose impact derives from a combination of three critical characteristics: 1) Lived experiences; 2) Systemic, multi-dimensional understanding of EHDI practices; and 3) Evidence-based tools that help professionals implement immediate, outcome-driven improvements.
- Identify strategies for building effective cross-disciplinary Deaf-hearing collaborative teams that centre Deaf lived experiences, along with systemic understanding and evidence-based practice to improve outcomes for children and families.
- Summarize early evaluation data illustrating shifts in provider knowledge and attitudes following participation in a Deaf-led ECHO.
- Give examples of insights from this model to enhance collaboration between Deaf professionals, healthcare providers, and early intervention teams in local EHDI systems.
Presentation:
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Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Mallorie Evans
(Co-Author), Los Angeles Unified School District, malbeckford@gmail.com;
Mallorie Evans, M.A., FAAA, is a clinical and educational audiologist who has worked in the field of Deaf Education for 18 years. She is fluent in American Sign Language and has been trained in ASL/English bilingual methodology. Mallorie currently works for a school district in the greater Los Angeles, CA area.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
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Alayna Finley
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter), Motion Light Lab, and the University of British Columbia, alayna@student.ubc.ca;
Alayna Finley, Deaf PhD student at UBC, co-founded Lila & Pip and teaches at Vancouver Community College. Her research explores 'academic' ASL, Deaf cultural competency, and biomedical frames.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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• Receives Grants for Independent contractor from Motion Light Lab.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
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Financial relationship with n/a.
Nature: Project ECHO is supported by a Lever for Change grant.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Twila Latini
(Co-Presenter), Motion Light Lab, twilasigns@gmail.com;
Twila Latini, MA is a Sound START Specialist (birth-three) & Deaf Mentor Program Consultant for the Kansas School for the Deaf since the summer of 2017. Twila is also a Language Assessment Program-Deaf/Hard of Hearing (LAP-DHH) specialist. Twila is currently the Elected President for the Kansas Division of Early Childhood (KDEC) and recognized as a Nationally Certified ASL Assessor and Trainer. Twila worked at the Arizona School for the Deaf & Blind (Tucson) for six years as an elementary bilingual teacher teaching kindergarten & 1st grade. She received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (2008) and her master’s degree in Deaf Education at Gallaudet University (2011).
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
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Financial relationship with .
Nature: .
Nonfinancial -
Non-Financial relationship with .
Nature: .
Melissa Malzkuhn
(Co-Presenter), Motion Light Lab, VL2, Gallaudet University, melissa.malzkuhn@gallaudet.edu;
Melissa Malzkuhn: Team Lead/ Principal Investigator of ML2 x Project ECHO. Melissa Malzkuhn is a visionary Deaf creative strategist, social innovator, and academic leader with over two decades of experience reimagining education, media, and technology through a bilingual, equity-centered lens. As Founder and Director of Motion Light Lab and Co-Director of the Visual Language and Visual Learning Center at Gallaudet University, she has led globally recognized projects that amplify sign language access, immersive learning, and inclusive design. With a proven record of transformational leadership, multimillion-dollar fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration, Malzkuhn has positioned herself at the forefront of change for Deaf communities worldwide. She is an Obama Fellow, Ashoka Fellow, an Elevate Prize winner, and a national voice on language equity and social innovation.
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.