16th ANNUAL EARLY HEARING DETECTION & INTERVENTION MEETING
February 26-28, 2017 • Atlanta, GA
EHDI FAMILY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Andrea Amestoy
I would like to nominate Andrea Amestoy for the 2017 Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Family Leadership Award. There are not enough words to speak about all her amazing attributes or all the wonderful support she has provided to families across Idaho.
First and foremost, Andrea is a mother of 3 beautiful children. Two of those children have bilateral hearing loss. Her journey began in 2007 after the birth of her second son, Ryder. Following diagnosis, Andrea became involved in Idaho Hands & Voices and she began working part-time with Idaho's EHDI program as the parent consultant.
Now, almost 10 years later, Andrea continues to work with Idaho's EHDI program. She provides families with words of encouragement to return for testing after failed hearing screening and words of hope upon the diagnosis of hearing loss. As the EHDI parent consultant, Andrea calls each and every family of a child with newly diagnosed hearing loss. She shares her family story and provides support materials for the journey ahead. She allows families to share their story and ask questions about the EHDI process.
In 2014, Andrea was the driving force behind the development of a book for all pediatric audiology clinics called "Idaho's Exceptional Children". The photography book was designed to give parents of newly identified children hope for the future of their child and comfort as a parent to know they are not alone. Numerous families have commented how appreciative they are to see the beautiful photos of children and read the family's story of hope.
Idaho's families are fortunate to have Andrea as the EHDI parent consultant. She has been instrumental in bringing Idaho families together and providing hope for their journey.