2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
4/15/2014 | 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM | Ensuring the Longevity and Sustainability of the Deaf Mentor Program | Grand Ballroom 7 | 4
Ensuring the Longevity and Sustainability of the Deaf Mentor Program
The Deaf Mentor Program was established in Wisconsin in 2001, and has continued to grow and thrive over the past 13 years. Currently, the DMP in Wisconsin has more than 30 Deaf Mentors who provide services statewide to children who are deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind, ages birth to six. There is tremendous grassroots support for this program, as well as state level support and recognition of the value of Deaf Mentors working with families. This session will provide participants with 1) a review of the establishment of the Deaf Mentor Program in Wisconsin; 2)a discussion of the strategies used to ensure the success and sustainability of the DMP in Wisconsin; 3) a glimpse at potential future changes for DMP in Wisconsin, and 4) an opportunity for participants to discuss challenges in and brainstorm solutions for establishing/maintaining a DMP in their own state. Key concepts discussed during the presentation will include: Changes/adaptations over the past decade; funding strategies; collaborative opportunities; use of and benefit from technology; use of and benefit from evaluations; integration with other programs that support options for families; addressing staff longevity and training needs; and, attitudes and perceptions of Deaf Mentors.
- Participants will be able to identify strategies used to establish a Deaf Mentor Program.
- Participants will be able to identify strategies that have enhanced the longevity and sustainability of the Deaf Mentor Program in Wisconsin over the past decade.
- Participants will be able to articulate challenges to establishing and/or ensuring the sustainability of the Deaf Mentor Program in their state, and will develop at least one strategy to establish new or adapt current Deaf Mentor Programming in their state.
Presentation:
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Transcripts:
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Presenters/Authors
Marcy D. Dicker
(Primary Presenter), Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Outreach, marcy.dicker@wesp-dhh.wi.gov;
Marcy holds her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Special Education and a Master’s degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University. Previously, Marcy developed a Birth to Three Program that served children who were deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind and their families in a non-profit organization. Currently, Marcy serves as Director of the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Outreach, which provides support to children who are deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind ages birth to 21, their families, and the professionals that serve these students. WESP-DHH Outreach also houses the state's technical assistance program for children who are deafblind, Wisconsin Deaf Blind Technical Assistance Program (WDBTAP). WDBTAP provides programs and services that support children with combined vision and hearing loss and collaborates with WESP-DHH to provide a unique set of services for children who are deaf-blind.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Bonnie Eldred
(Co-Presenter), WESP-DHH Outreach, bonnie.eldred@wesp-dhh.wi.gov;
Bonnie is currently the Deaf Mentor Program Coordinator for WESP-DHH Outreach. She is a Deaf mother of four children, two of whom are Deaf. In her role as Deaf Mentor Program Coordinator, Bonnie oversees all aspects of the Deaf Mentor Program. Bonnie is responsible for the development of strategies to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the DMP in Wisconsin. In addition, Bonnie matches new families with young children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind with a Deaf Mentor. In addition, Bonnie is responsible for the recruitment and hiring of Deaf Mentors, oversight and supervision of the Deaf Mentors and oversight of services provided to families. She connects with Birth to 3 programs and school districts and provides educational presentations about the program to the community-at-large. Bonnie also interfaces with the entire WESP-DHH Outreach team and provides oversight of childcare activities at the Annual Family Conference.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -