EARLY HEARING DETECTION AND INTERVENTION VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 2-5, 2021
(Virtually the same conference, without elevators, airplane tickets, or hotel room keys)
3/03/2021 | 1:45 PM - 2:05 PM | The Power of Two (or More) | Topical Breakout
The Power of Two (or More)
The pandemic created a need for a shift from in-person activities to online opportunities. The Michigan Guide By Your Side Program met the need for change by using a team approach. Parent-to-parent support for families with newly identified children adjusted to a model of meeting through Zoom with two experienced Parent Guides. The model benefits both families and Parent Guides through experience sharing, family insight, and difference in perspectives.
In addition, the program developed online small group opportunities for families to interact and meet with different Parent Guides. Families gain the benefit of knowing they are not alone and that another family is currently navigating this journey, as well. Families can ask questions, think about topics that have not surfaced, yet, and learn from other Parent Guide’s experiences and differing journeys.
Our success with the small group parent events led to our development of a secondary online group hosted by our DHH Guides. This is an effective way to introduce families to someone who grew up Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The format has allowed for families to ask questions in an open and safe environment and allow families to see models of accessibility accommodations in an online format.
- Participants will discuss the impact of switching to an online format and the positive outcomes for the services provided to families.
- Participants will describe the benefits of using a team approach to provide parent-to-parent support.
- Participants will explain about the small online groups for family interactions with Parent Guides and DHH Guides.
Presentation:
23278_13612AmandaSchneider.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Amanda Schneider
(), Michigan Hands & Voices, schneidera6@michigan.gov;
Amanda Schneider is a parent of a child who is deaf. She has served as a Parent Guide for 5 years and has been the Guide By Your Side Program Coordinator in Michigan for two years. Amanda completed the Leadership to Leadership program with Hands & Voices in 2020. She also has a professional background in education with a Master's degree in teaching and curriculum.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Michelle Thomas
(), Michigan Hands & Voices, michelle@mihandsandvoices.org;
Michelle Thomas is the Program Manager for the Center for Disability Health and Wellness at the University of Michigan Health System. She has a professional background in education and a Master’s degree in Special Education. Michelle has served as a Guide by Your Side Parent Guide for four years and served as the President for Michigan Hands & Voices for six years. She has four children, one of whom is profoundly deaf.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Consulting fee for Independent contractor from Michigan Hands & Voices .
Nonfinancial -
• Has a Personal (belief in organization's philosophy)
relationship for Board membership.