2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| How to partner with your local LEND program to support the creation and distribution of EHDI resources
How to partner with your local LEND program to support the creation and distribution of EHDI resources
With the implementation of the newborn hearing screening program, infants are screened for hearing loss at birth. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing often work with multidisciplinary providers prior to a hearing loss diagnosis. Successful implementation of the 1-3-6 guidelines requires improved awareness and implementation of EHDI resources amongst the general public and the multidisciplinary providers that serve them.(1) One opportunity to increase knowledge is through partnership with the UCEDD LEND programs. “Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs aim to improve health outcomes for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. These programs provide graduate-level training to the next generation of clinical, research, and community leaders. By participating in LEND, trainees learn about the importance of person- and family-centered care (honoring values and culture).” (2).
The CA LEND Program at CHLA implemented an Audiology Training program in 2021. In 2023, CA-LEND Audiology created the “Los Angeles Parent, Family, Professional Roadmap for Audiology Services”. In 2024, the LEND Audiology Scholars presented this resource guide to LEND multidisciplinary faculty and scholars. A survey was conducted and feedback was utilized to fine tune the guide effectiveness as a learning tool. Feedback from a multidisciplinary lens was gained and guide accessibility improved. Participants reported that the guide increased hearing health awareness and improved understanding of the need to refer in a timely manner to support language acquisition and development. Distribution was piloted within EHDI systems of care, including the Head Start Program and Regional Centers. Participants in the EHDI conference session will gain knowledge related to the development, management, and distribution of the guide. A guide adaptation opportunity will be provided. An understanding of the positive impacts from partnerships amongst organizations such as EHDI and LEND will be described to support earlier diagnosis and intervention.
- The participant will be able to define the purpose of UCEDD LEND Programs.
- The participant will be able to give three examples of why partnering with a LEND program is beneficial for increasing access for early identification, diagnosis, and intervention in early childhood hearing loss.
- The participant will be able to summarize the benefits of a hearing health resource guide and plan for adaptation and distribution opportunities in their local EHDI and LEND 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
Kristina Rousso
(Primary Presenter), CA - LEND, kristina@hearwithyou.org;
Kristina Rousso, AuD, is the Executive Director of the Hear With You Foundation. She is also the Audiology Discipline Director for the CA-LEND Program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Other activities from Maternal and Child Health Bureau .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Maternal Child Health Bureau.
Nature: Audiology Supplement Grant for CA LEND.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Alexis Deavenport-Saman
(Co-Presenter), Children's Hospital Los Angeles, adeavenport@chla.usc.edu;
Alexis Deavenport-Saman, DrPH, MPH is an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at USC and is a Public Health Research Scientist and an who specializes in maternal and child health, social and behavioral health sciences, and the translation of evidence-based interventions into clinical practice. She is the Audiology Program Director for the CA-LEND Program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary,Grants for Employment from Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Nature: .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Bug Allen
(Co-Presenter), CA- LEND, kate.allen@med.usc.edu ;
Bug Allen, is an Audiology Extern at the USC Caruso Family Center for Childhood Communication and an Audiology Scholar at the CA-LEND program.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Grants for Independent contractor,Other activities from Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
Nonfinancial -
• Has a Personal interest
(Interest in working with pediatrics as future career)
relationship for Other volunteer activities.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Maternal and Child Health Bureau LEND Grant.
Nature: Grant funding for research.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Crystal Ortiz
(Co-Presenter), CA - LEND, cryortiz@chla.usc.edu;
Crystal Ortiz is an Audiology Extern at CHLA and an Audiology Scholar in the CA LEND Program.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Grants for Other activities from Maternal and Child Health Bureau LEND grant.
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with .
Nature: I am a part of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau LEND grant, which provides funding for my time in LEND.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.