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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Effective Practices for Young Children with Cochlear Implants: What We are Learning' Track: 3-Early Intervention and Beyond Audience: Primary Audience: Early Intervention Provider Secondary Audience: Family of a child with hearing loss Tertiary Audeince: Audiologist Keyword(s): Early intervention, cochlear implants, language and communication Learning Objectives: *Describe a rationale for diverse language and communication planning for children with cochlear implants *Discuss important considerations for language and communication planning for children with cochlear implants *Know where to find further information about the national initiatives of the Cochlear Implant Education Center at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University Abstract: The diverse population of children with cochlear implants warrants a broad look at what constitutes effective practices to facilitate language development, social emotional growth, and learning for each child. Research and observation indicate that not all children achieve similar spoken language outcomes with their cochlear implant(s), and that the path to developing spoken language will be varied. The Cochlear Implant Education Center (CIEC) at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University, established in 2000, is focusing on designing, implementing, evaluating, and sharing educational practices for children with cochlear implants that are inclusive of both sign language and spoken language, and reflective of Deaf identity. This presentation will describe the national initiatives and findings of the CIEC in relation to addressing the complex considerations for designing comprehensive educational programs and supports for the diverse children obtaining cochlear implants. Experiences in planning services and programs for children and families in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School will be shared. Also discussed will be the highlights of two national conferences hosted by the CIEC; Cochlear Implants and Sign Language: Putting It All Together (April 2002) and Cochlear Implants and Sign Language: Building Foundations for Effective Educational Practices (April 2009). Presentation(s): Not Available Handouts: Not Available
SPEAKER INFORMATION
PRESENTER(S): Debra Nussbaum - Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center      Credentials: M.A. CCC-A Audiology, George Washington University       Debra Nussbaum is manager of projects on language development and communication support at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University. This includes coordination of their Cochlear Implant Education Center (CIEC). She earned her Master’s Degree in Audiology from George Washington University and has worked at the Clerc Center since 1977; first as a pediatric audiologist and then managing projects related to language and communication for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. She has spearheaded national efforts in exploring and sharing considerations for facilitating listening and spoken language for children who also use sign (including children with cochlear implants). She has developed numerous resource materials and professional training workshops, and speaks nationally and internationally on this topic. She has been chair of the DC Hears Intervention Committee since 2001, where she has coordinated early intervention supports in the District of Columbia’s newborn infant screening program.   AUTHOR(S):