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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Improving Outcomes for Children Living in Poverty' Track: 9-Policy, Advocacy, and Legislative Issues Keyword(s): advocacy, poverty, early intervention strategies Learning Objectives: 1. Identify current poverty and healthcare data that impact children, particularly children who are deaf. 2. Identify approaches and strategies that are effective in promoting more positive outcomes. 3. Describe the advocacy role of professionals in early intervention. 4. Analyze case studies demonstrating positive outcomes for children who are deaf living in poverty. 5. Access resources to support children and families living in poverty. Abstract: This presentation is an updated version of a session given at the 2010 EHDI Meeting. The content reflects current data and additional strategies for early intervention providers. Increasing numbers of children are growing up in poverty in both urban and rural settings. Often these children lack access to quality educational and health services. While poverty has a negative impact on the development of all children, for children who are deaf/hard of hearing and their families the risk is even greater. Poverty impacts not only the family's ability to participate in the EHDI system, but also the ways in which service providers interact with children and families. Many early interventionists have little knowledge of, or experience with, poverty and they often lack the skills needed to provide services that will best meet the needs of children and families living in poverty. Early interventionists need to develop the knowledge and skills to provide services that will change the odds for these children. This session will include current data on poverty, the advocacy role of early interventionists, the importance of cultural competence and strategies and approaches that are effective. Participants will analyze case studies and learn about resources for improving service provision to families living in poverty. Presentation: This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online. Handouts: Handout is not Available
SPEAKER INFORMATION
PRESENTER(S): Susan Lenihan - Fontbonne University      Credentials: Ph.D. Professor and Director of Deaf Education       Susan Lenihan is a professor and director of the deaf education program at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, MO. The program prepares teachers, speech-language pathologists and early interventionists for careers in deaf education. Her professional interests include early intervention, cochlear implants, the role of the family in communication development, the impact of poverty on child development and literacy. Jenna Voss - Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine      Credentials: MA, CED, LSLS Cert AVEd.       Jenna Voss, MA, CED, LSLS Cert AVEd., is a National Leadership Consortium in Sensory Disabilities fellow pursuing PhD studies in Speech and Hearing Sciences in the Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Her background, as a teacher of the deaf and early intervention provider, has sparked diverse interests in topics including the health disparity among children and families living in poverty, primary prevention of abuse and neglect for children with disabilities, and provider use of strategies and techniques implemented in family-centered practice. Currently she is investigating how research findings in cognitive psychology might be applied to the field of deaf education to improve the efficiency of learning and instruction of pre-service teachers.   AUTHOR(S): Susan Lenihan - Fontbonne University      Credentials: Ph.D. Professor and Director of Deaf Education       BIO: Susan Lenihan is a professor and director of the deaf education program at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, MO. The program prepares teachers, speech-language pathologists and early interventionists for careers in deaf education. Her professional interests include early intervention, cochlear implants, the role of the family in communication development, the impact of poverty on child development and literacy. Jenna Voss - Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine      Credentials: MA, CED, LSLS Cert AVEd.       BIO: Jenna Voss, MA, CED, LSLS Cert AVEd., is a National Leadership Consortium in Sensory Disabilities fellow pursuing PhD studies in Speech and Hearing Sciences in the Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Her background, as a teacher of the deaf and early intervention provider, has sparked diverse interests in topics including the health disparity among children and families living in poverty, primary prevention of abuse and neglect for children with disabilities, and provider use of strategies and techniques implemented in family-centered practice. Currently she is investigating how research findings in cognitive psychology might be applied to the field of deaf education to improve the efficiency of learning and instruction of pre-service teachers.