2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
3/15/2022 | 3:15 PM - 3:40 PM | Communication Decisions by Parents of Deaf Children in Illinois: Sources of Information and Influence | Room 6
Communication Decisions by Parents of Deaf Children in Illinois: Sources of Information and Influence
The development of language in a deaf or hard of hearing child is dependant upon early and effective communication access (Marschark, 2018; Marschark & Hauser, 2012; Pittman, Sass-Lehrer, & Abrams, 2016). For many parents of deaf and hard of hearing children, the most common decisions that are made early are related to communication and language development, which is recognized by many in the field as a prime factor in early language acquisition (Decker, Vallotton, & Johnson, 2012; Sass-Lehrer, 2018). However, there is a lack of information available on effective strategies for sharing information on specific communication approaches with families within the wide span of opinions regarding how deaf and hard of hearing children should communicate. The focus of this dissertation study examined the parent perspective of information received about communication approaches for their child and how that ties into the recommended guidelines related to informed choice, decision-making, and information sharing within the early intervention process. Surveys and focus groups were used to help answer the following research question: how did parents perceive the process of receiving information about communication approaches for their deaf or hard of hearing child? Specifically, (a) what information did parents of young deaf and hard of hearing children in Illinois receive regarding communication approaches? (b) who or where did they receive information about communication approaches from? (c) how did this information factor into their decision-making process in selecting communication approaches for their child? and (d) would parents find a reference chart or communication matrix influential when learning about, and ultimately selecting, communication approaches to use with their child? The presenter will share the findings of this study and discuss the implications for enhancing early intervention practices.
- The participant will be able to consider information sharing practices related to communication approaches within their own EHDI system.
- The participant will be able to identify potential information sharing strategies and their impact.
- The participant will be able to reflect upon the potential of a systematic model of sharing information related to communication approaches.
Presentation:
3353554_15074KarlaGiese.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Karla Giese
(Virtual), karlag@choicesforparents.org;
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.