2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference

March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH

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4/15/2014  |   9:40 AM - 10:10 AM   |  Deaf Mentor Programming: A New Generation   |  Grand Ballroom 7   |  4

Deaf Mentor Programming: A New Generation

Over twenty years ago the SKI-HI Institute developed the Deaf Mentor Program. The program was evaluated and proven to be highly effective based on parent report and child development and progress. The program was implemented in several programs around the country. In recent months, the program has been reviewed and is undergoing changes and updates to meet the needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families today. In this presentation we will describe the face of Deaf Mentor Programs around the country and the successes these programs have experienced, and sharing the components that are essential to an effective Deaf Mentor Program. We will be highlighting new improvements that are coming to SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Programming in 2014 and will describe the Deaf Mentor Training process. Rationale for involving adults who are deaf or hard of hearing into early intervention programs will be reviewed and the value of Deaf Mentor Programs from parents perspective will be shared for those who are considering establishing a Deaf Mentor Program.

  • Describe some key components of successful Deaf Mentor Programs
  • Identify some benefits of involving deaf adults in early intervention programs
  • Describe new changes in the SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Program to address the needs of children and families today

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Presenters/Authors

Paula Pittman (Primary Presenter), SKI-HI Institute, paula.pittman@usu.edu;
Paula Pittman has been involved in the education of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families for 36 years. She was one of the developers of the original Deaf Mentor Program at the SKI-HI Institute and is the director of outreach for the SKI-HI and Deaf Mentor Programs and serves as a National Trainer for both programs.


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Jodee Crace (Co-Presenter), Gallaudet University, jodee.crace@gallaudet.edu;
Jodee Crace graduated with a M.A. in School Counseling from Gallaudet University in 1988. Since then she has utilized her counseling degree and additional interdisciplinary studies in a variety of human development field as a developmental therapist with Indiana’s Part C agency, staff therapist at a Community Mental Health Center, as a school counselor and then as the Early Intervention Coordinator at the Indiana School for the Deaf. Currently, she provides consulting, coaching, and training services in Early Education and Family Support nationwide, including being a National Deaf Mentor Trainer and a state Parent Advisor Trainer, in which both utilize the SKI-HI Curriculums. Additionally, Jodee is an adjunct instructor with Gallaudet University’s certification program of D/HH Infants, Toddlers, and Families Collaboration and Leadership, along with leading Gallaudet's ASL Connect family resources. Finally, Jodee completed her service with the JCIH, representing Council on Education of Deaf.


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Stacy Abrams (Co-Presenter), Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, stacy.abrams@gallaudet.edu;
Stacy Abrams, MA, is the Coordinator of Training at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. Abrams grew up in Arkansas with a deaf sister and hearing parents. She earned her BA from Gallaudet University, and her MA from the University of California, Santa Barbara with the intention of working with hearing families with deaf children. For five years, Stacy taught deaf students in both mainstreamed and deaf schools. She served as Deaf Mentor Program Coordinator at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, and the Arizona Schools for the Deaf/Blind. She serves on the JCIH. Stacy’s passion of connecting families with the community on their signing journey led to her developing a social awareness campaign, #whyisign. The aim is for families to become inspired by seeing individuals share their reasons for signing. She and her husband are proud parents of two bilingual deaf children who attend the Kendall School.


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Nonfinancial -