2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
3/07/2023 | 10:10 AM - 10:40 AM | Assuming Competence: What to do if you don't know what to do! | DECC 236
Assuming Competence: What to do if you don't know what to do!
Assuming competence is a phrase that isn't often used regarding young children, especially those with multiple disabilities. In this session, participants will hear from a parent perspective of a child with multiple disabilities (DeafBlind Plus), and how those in Early Intervention did not assume competence in either the child nor the parent; how this created confusion and turmoil will be reviewed. First person stories will be shared, so participants can understand where areas of need may exist in their own family or practice, and how with the changing of a mindset, one can easily begin anew, starting today!
We will discuss how assuming competence can change interactions with families and children. How we can ensure interactions are based in positivity and inclusion, and emphasis placed on the theory of availability and understanding within a child who may not be verbal. Non-verbal does not mean non-communicative!
Various ways of communication will be discussed, and snippets of videos shown that allow for observation of a child with multiple disabilities communicating without language (Verbal or manual).
Lastly, participants will be able to engage their minds and hearts with ideas for best practices around assuming competence in all children. Understanding how this global thought can greatly improve services to those with lower incidence disabilities, their peers and families will round out this session. Participants will give themselves space and permission to honestly reflect on their views and values, as well as be given permission to say, "I don't know".
Clear ideas, suggestions and honest discussion will take place during this session. Let's all improve our willingness to be open and bring in our families and co-workers versus pushing them away with our words or actions by working together during this session.
- Participants will be able to describe what "assuming competence" means with a child, emphasis on a child with multiple disabilities.
- Participants will be capable of describing ways to appropriate interact with a child using a skill associated with assuming competence.
- Participants will have key ideas to bring back to their family or workplace to begin implementing new policies and strategies.
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
Michelle John
(), Vermont Hands & Voices, michelle.john@hotmail.com ;
Michelle John is the president of the Vermont chapter of Hands & Voices. She holds two bachelor's degrees from Hofstra University in psychology and sociology, and a master's degree in community counseling and psychology with a specialization in addictions counseling from Springfield College. She is also a Certified End of Life Doula through the University of Vermont. While proud of these accomplishments, she's just as quick to share life sent her in a divergent direction; her highest education comes from being a stay-at-home parent of 3 children aged 9, 7, and 4. She is all things medical, coordination and physical care to her 9-year-old DeafBlind+ child who has a variety of medical complexities, and willing teacher to those with questions. In her middle of the night spare time, she enjoys reading autobiographies, watching reality television, and pretending to get some sleep.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -