2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference

March 13 - 15, 2022

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3/07/2023  |   1:45 PM - 2:15 PM   |  One Size Does NOT Fit All: A Regional Approach to EHDI Loss to Follow-Up   |  DECC 211

One Size Does NOT Fit All: A Regional Approach to EHDI Loss to Follow-Up

As the second-largest birthing state, loss-to-follow-up/documentation (LTF/D) has challenged Texas EHDI. In an effort to strategically address barriers, three regions with the highest rates of LTF/D were identified. The regions include the Rio Grande Valley along the southern border, the rural Panhandle region, and the East Texas Region. While these three regions represent only 16% percent of the state’s population, they represent nearly half of the cases of LTF/D. Each of these areas varies dramatically in terms of population, culture, service-systems, infrastructure, facilities and geography. Rather than deploying similar supports, multiple data sources were used to inform targeted program planning. In additional to state tracking statistics, the state’s EHDI partners completed a needs assessment across each region’s providers, met with stakeholders, and reviewed barriers identified by EHDI families. They developed regional profiles utilizing information from other state agencies related to demographics and resources. The training, networks and materials that are being developed are responsive to the needs and characteristics of each high-need area, and leverage existing elements. Presenters will share the steps that they engaged in to assess needs and target supports, integrate varied data source, and implement quality improvements across three diverse regions.

  • Participants are able to: Describe the relationships between the demographics of a region and barriers to EHDI follow-up
  • Participants are able to: Identify varied data sources that inform strategic regional planning for EHDI programs
  • Participants are able to: Develop regional needs assessments that facilitate targeted provider supports

Presentation:
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Handouts:
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Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference


Presenters/Authors

Karen Ditty (), Private Consultant, KDitty@me.com;
Dr. Ditty is a pediatric audiologist with extensive experience and expertise in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs. Her career spans over 35 years and includes initiating newborn hearing screening and hearing aid legislation while implementing EHDI activities in Louisiana and Texas. Dr. Ditty has been associated with the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) for more than 20 years. She has been the coordinator of the NCHAM national pediatric audiology diagnostic workshops and served as a member of the Technical Assistance Network for the states of Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana over the last decade. Dr. Ditty works on a variety of projects related to early childhood screening and pediatric audiology, such as the Newborn Hearing Screening Training Curriculum and issues related to program quality, financing, and sustainability. Dr. Ditty has authored and contributed to publications related to EHDI, as well as presented extensively at local, national, and international forums on numerous topics related to EHDI.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -

Nonfinancial -

Sarah Wainscott (), Texas Woman's University, swainscott@twu.edu;
Sarah Wainscott is an Associate Professor at Texas Woman’s University, with a background in both audiology and deaf education, and supports parent outreach and provider training for Texas Hands & Voices. Sarah is also the parent of two children who are deaf.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.

Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.