EARLY HEARING DETECTION AND INTERVENTION VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 2-5, 2021
(Virtually the same conference, without elevators, airplane tickets, or hotel room keys)
Making Connections with a Virtual Parent Discussion Group
Parents of children with hearing loss often walk an unknown path as they seek direction from teachers and professionals to best provide for their child’s needs. Often, parents feel isolated or alone in their journey as many of their family and friends cannot relate to raising a child with hearing loss. This can be particularly challenging for families who live in rural areas where access to services is limited or in regions where there are few opportunities to connect with other families. Technology provides a forum to connect parents who are seeking to share their story and build relationships with other parents of children with hearing loss. Providing a virtual forum for parents of children with hearing loss to connect, support each other, and share challenges and triumphs can empower them as caregivers. Conversing regularly with others who are experiencing similar situations can promote a sense of belonging. A virtual parent discussion group provides an opportunity for parents of children with hearing loss to network with other parents who share a similar journey and provide needed encouragement and valuable insights for families. Celebrating successes with others who understand many of the same difficulties can enhance morale and inspire parents to continue their efforts in seeking resources that benefit their children. Many parents report they have enjoyed the conversations and gained insights they had not received from other sources. Detailed suggestions about how to facilitate a virtual parent forum and promote meaningful parent-led conversations will be presented.
- Participants will discuss the benefits to parents of children with hearing loss to connect with each other and build a network of support; to share their experiences, successes, challenges, suggestions, and resources pertaining to their child’s hearing loss and personal journeys.
- Participants will identify tips for professionals and parents on how to promote a virtual parent group.
- Participants will examine feedback from parents who have joined the virtual parent discussion group, including benefits and challenges.
Poster:
23278_13733TeenaYoung.pdf
Presenter: Teena Young
Teena is a Teacher of the Deaf at Sound Beginnings at Utah State University. She has a Masters Degree in Deaf Education with an emphasis in Listening and Spoken Language.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Cass Fogelstrom provides tele-intervention services for families throughout the country. She has a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from the John Tracy Clinic/University of San Diego. Additionally, Cass has a certification as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist, Auditory Verbal Educator (LSLS Cert. AVEd). Cass has focused her time and career coaching parents in their home, either in person or through video-conferencing. She has a passion for instilling confidence within the family as they navigate their journey of having a child with hearing loss. She believes in a team approach, noting that parents and family members are the number one teachers and experts in their child’s life. Cass is always looking forward to meeting new families and learning about their unique and special circumstances. The possibilities of bringing every child to his or her full potential are endless!
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.
Lauri Nelson is a Professor in the Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education at Utah State University. She is the Deaf Education Division Chair, the Director of the Listening and Spoken Language Deaf Education graduate training program and Sound Beginnings. She was one of the co-founders of the Hear to Learn website. She has a dual background as both a pediatric audiologist and LSL deaf educator.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -