2024 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 17-19, 2024 • Denver, CO
3/19/2024 | 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM | Unlocking Potential: Collaborative Strategies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education | Capitol 3
Unlocking Potential: Collaborative Strategies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
The presenters will highlight the critical partnership between a Special Education Advocate and a Behavior Therapist in designing education plans equipped with essential behavior modifications for children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, particularly when language deprivation is a challenge. D/HH children face unique educational obstacles, and the absence of language exposure during critical developmental stages can lead to behavioral issues and hinder academic progress. This collaborative approach begins with a comprehensive assessment of the child's needs, encompassing communication skills, emotional well-being, and educational history. The Behavior Therapist employs their expertise to evaluate and address behavioral challenges, while the Special Education Advocate assesses the child's existing Individualized Education Plan and ensures that it aligns with the therapist's recommendations. The partnership is grounded in effective communication, allowing for exchange of information regarding the child's progress, challenges, and evolving needs. Together, they set clear, measurable goals that are tailored to the child's unique circumstances. The IEP, under the advocate's guidance, reflects these goals and secures the child's rights, ensuring that the necessary accommodations and modifications are in place. Furthermore, the advocate ensures that school districts understand and fulfill the child's unique needs. Collaboration extends to training and support for teachers, caregivers, and parents on implementing effective behavior modifications and communication strategies. Regular progress monitoring ensuring that interventions remain effective. Legal and ethical considerations, particularly adherence to laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, are maintained to safeguard the child's rights. In cases of challenges or disputes, the advocate and therapist work collaboratively to find resolutions. This collaborative approach stands as a powerful mechanism to equip deaf and hard of hearing children with the education plans and behavior modifications needed to overcome language deprivation and unlock their full potential, ensuring their academic/personal success.
- Participants will gain an awareness of language deprivation can lead to behavioral challenges and hinder academic progress.
- Participants will learn about the key roles and responsibilities of Special Education Advocates and Behavior Therapists in assessing the needs of D/HH children and designing effective education plans with behavior modifications.
- Participants will gain insights into the legal framework, particularly the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and ethical considerations that guide the partnership between Special Education Advocates and Behavior Therapists.
Presentation:
3478265_16406AndreaMarwah.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
3478265_16406AndreaMarwah.docx
Presenters/Authors
Andrea Marwah
(Primary Presenter), IL Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side, executivedirector@ilhandsandvoices.com;
Andrea Marwah received her BA degree in Psychology from North Central College. Since her daughter was diagnosed with hearing loss in 2002, she has taken a special interest in educating parents and professionals on matters concerning ADA, IDEA - special education rights, and advocacy for students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind. Andrea presents both locally and nationally on advocacy and IDEA; deafness with other disabilities; impact of deafness; socialization and many other topics surrounding parenting and working with children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. She works for the Illinois School for the Deaf as an outreach trainer/consultant for families and professionals who work with children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision or deaf-blind. She is also a parent advocate supporting families in Illinois at their child’s IEP meeting or behind the scenes preparing them to attend the meeting and advocate themselves. Andrea is the Executive Director at Illinois Hands & Voices and has been a leader with them since 2010 and is a national trainer for the Hands & Voices ASTra Training Program and a member of the Hands & Voices speakers bureau. She works closely with Designated Service Coordinators providing group training and individual consulting. These are trained individuals who work directly with infants and toddlers in Illinois birth to three who have a diagnosis involving vision, hearing or a combination of both in her state early intervention program. Andrea works as a liaison with the Early Intervention Training Program on issues surrounding deafness and hearing loss. She sits on numerous committees both locally and nationally. Andrea also served for six years on the Advisory Commission on Disabilities in her hometown of Naperville, where she lives with her husband Ajay and children Samantha, Julia and Andrew.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Speaker for Teaching and speaking from Hands & Voices.
• Receives Salary for Employment from IL School for the Deaf.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Hands & Voices
IL School for the Deaf Outreach.
Nature: I word for IL School for the Deaf, they may pay me to attend the conference (if approved), I work as requested by Hands & Voices, they will not pay me for this conference.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Kari Taylor
(Co-Presenter), Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side, ktaylor.gbys@gmail.com;
Kari Taylor was born deaf to deaf parents. After being placed for adoption to hearing parents soon after birth, it was not until age 4 that her hearing loss was identified. Raised in an oral communication home,
she was exposed to sign language immediately entering preschool. She is a Behavior Analyst that specializes in providing behavioral support for kiddos who are deaf/hard of hearing and/or have vision losses. Kari is part of the IL Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side Team as a Deaf/Hard of Hearing Guide. She hopes she can share her experiences as a DHH adult with many families as possible. She currently lives in Sycamore, IL with her family (3 daughters are CODA).
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.