2024 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 17-19, 2024 • Denver, CO
3/19/2024 | 2:15 PM - 2:40 PM | Aren’t they too young for that? : One family’s experience using ASL interpreter for their preschooler | Mineral Hall D/E
Aren’t they too young for that? : One family’s experience using ASL interpreter for their preschooler
When asked if they use an ASL interpreter, many families with young children who sign would likely question whether their child is old enough for one. However, no age restrictions exist for DHH children’s right to an interpreter. The Americans with Disabilities Act emphasizes that communication within government, public, business, and nonprofit entities is “equally as effective as communication with people without disabilities.” Still, many (D)deaf individuals and their families don’t use an ASL interpreter, despite the benefit one could provide based on the individual’s communication needs and preferences.
This presentation highlights one family’s experience using an ASL interpreter for their preschooler’s medical appointments and activities. Through personal, anecdotal, and research-based perspectives, the presenter will point out the reservations that her family and others have had about requesting an interpreter, highlight experiences their family has had with ASL interpreting, and suggest some helpful ways to guide a family whose child may benefit from ASL interpreting services.
- Participants will recognize factors and beliefs that may stop a family from requesting an ASL interpreter, despite being interested in using one.
- Participants will familiarize themselves with unexpected benefits and challenges in using an ASL interpreter with a small child.
- Participants will leave with talking points and tips to use with a family who is curious if an ASL interpreter will be beneficial for their small child.
Presentation:
3478265_16289AmyKeslinke.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Amy Keslinke
(Primary Presenter), Illinois Hands and Voices Guide by Your Side, akeslinke.gbys@gmail.com;
Amy Keslinke is an educator with experience teaching students from third grade into adulthood. When she learned during her second pregnancy that her son would be born with a congenital heart defect, she knew her life as a parent would be different than she expected. When he was diagnosed with severe-to-profound hearing loss at six months old and continued to pile on multiple other medical diagnoses before his first birthday, Amy’s passion for writing and teaching morphed into a special interest in empowering parents of children who are deaf with disabilities. Amy has presented at the state and national level and is a member of the Illinois Hands and Voices Board of Directors, providing unbiased support to parents of children who are deaf and hard of hearing, many of whom have additional disabilities as well. She is also a Parent Facilitator with the Illinois Service Resource Library, where she helps plan and coordinate events to educate parents of children who are DHH and is an adjunct faculty member in the Adult Basic/Secondary Education program at Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois. She lives in Gilberts, Illinois, with her husband, Dan, and children, Emerie and Evan.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment,Teaching and speaking from Elgin Community College.
• Receives Salary for Independent contractor from Illinois Hands and Voices Guide By Your Side.
• Receives Salary for Independent contractor from Illinois Service Resource Center.
• Receives Salary for Employment,Teaching and speaking from Northwestern Illinois Association.
Nonfinancial -
• Has a Personal (Board of Directors Member)
relationship for Board membership.
• Has a Personal (Parent of student)
relationship for Other volunteer activities.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Illinois Hands and Voices Guide By Your Side
Illinois Service Resource Center
Northwestern Illinois Association
Elgin Community College.
Nature: Employment, independent contracting, board of directors membership.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.