2024 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 17-19, 2024 • Denver, CO
3/18/2024 | 3:10 PM - 3:35 PM | Holistic Early Intervention for the African DHH Child: Tales and Transformative Practices | Capitol 6
Holistic Early Intervention for the African DHH Child: Tales and Transformative Practices
The education of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) children in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, traces its roots back to the pioneering efforts of the Late Dr. Andrew Foster in the 1960s. Over the years, DHH education has seen significant progress, expanding from primary education to higher institutions. However, a critical analysis of existing literature and real-life experiences uncovers a substantial deficiency in early educational intervention for DHH children aged 0-5 years. Despite medical advancements, only a fraction of this group receives timely diagnosis and intervention, primarily emphasizing the oral/aural approach. This leaves a considerable portion of DHH children without access to intervention services that prioritize visual languages during their crucial early years. Multiple factors contributing to this predicament emerge from the stories of DHH children, their parents, and DHH adults. Consequently, these young DHH children confront a heightened risk of cognitive, literacy, and language deficits during their critical 0-5 years. This discussion seeks to outline transformative practices aimed at fostering holistic development in DHH children aged 0-5 in Nigeria, drawing extensively from Paul and Wang's (2012) model of cognition and development in language-deprived children.
- Identify gaps and challenges in early intervention services for 0-5years DHH children in African countries, Nigeria as a case study
- Discuss the implication of these challenges on the whole child development for African DHH children, Nigeria as a case study.
- Outline transformative holistic early intervention practices for African DHH children aged 0-5 using Nigeria as a case study.
Presentation:
3478265_16323BerniceAdekeye.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
3478265_16323BerniceAdekeye.rtf
Presenters/Authors
Bernice Adekeye
(Primary Presenter), Gallaudet University, bernice.adekeye@gallaudet.edu;
Bernice Adekeye, currently a second-year PhD student in Critical Studies in the Education of Deaf Learners (CSEDL) at Gallaudet University, brings a wealth of practical experience to her academic journey. With seven years as a High School Chemistry teacher in Nigeria, she intimately observed the challenges faced by many Nigerian Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students arising from language-deprived backgrounds. Her inquisitiveness led her to conduct semi-structured interviews with forty DHH adults some years ago.
Throughout her career, Bernice has actively engaged with DHH children, their families, and the DHH community in Nigeria, wearing various hats as an educator, advocate, leader, author and researcher. Notably, she serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Luminous Deaf Scholastic Initiative, where she innovatively explores dynamic approaches to DHH education in Nigeria. Her overarching ambition is to carry forward the legacy of the late Dr. Andrew Foster and continue his impactful work in the field of DHH education.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Olufemi Oyeleke
(Co-Presenter), Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Nigeria, olasunkanmi2272nice@gmail.com;
Olufemi Oyeleke is a highly experienced educator dedicated to serving Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students in Nigeria. He began his teaching career by instructing English Language as a second language to DHH students at the Andrew Foster Memorial College in Nigeria, where he contributed his expertise for several years. Subsequently, he transitioned to a role as a sign language interpreter at the Federal College of Education (Special) in Oyo, Nigeria. His dedication and competence led to his promotion to a faculty position, where he now imparts knowledge to pre-service teachers specializing in DHH education.
Beyond his formal teaching responsibilities, Olufemi has actively engaged in voluntary roles aimed at supporting the families of DHH children in Nigeria. Moreover, he co-founded the Luminous Deaf Scholastic Initiative, demonstrating his commitment to advancing DHH education and making a meaningful impact in the field.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -