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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'The Concept of Deaf Mentors: A Panel' Track: 1 - EHDI Program Enhancement Keyword(s): family support, deaf community, EHDI program enhancement Learning Objectives: Describe the concept, structure, and the objectives of the Deaf Mentor program. Share current statistics and demographics of the existing Deaf Mentor programs across the country. Provide support in developing Deaf Mentor programs based on the resources from this presentation/panel. Abstract: There are currently established Deaf Mentor programs in eleven states. These programs focus on connecting deaf and hard of hearing adults with families. Through a Deaf Mentor program, families have the opportunity to ask questions of someone who has experienced life as a deaf or hard of hearing person, particularly in terms of receiving early intervention services, developing language, and navigating life. This service is invaluable to numerous families and efforts are in place to establish similar programs in more states. This presentation will focus on describing the concept, structure, and the objectives of the Deaf Mentor program, so that families and EHDI professionals can work together on establishing one in their state. Information will also be provided on the current statistics and demographics of the programs across the country to give attendees a clear picture of these existing programs. In addition to the description and overview of the Deaf Mentor program, there will be a panel of currently employed Deaf Mentors from a variety of states, so that attendees can ask specific questions about families’ experiences with the Deaf Mentors, how the program works, and about the benefits of the Deaf Mentor program. 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
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
Tawny Holmes - Author National Association of the Deaf      Credentials: M.A. in Family Centered Early Education, J.D. and Esq. J.D. Certification in Early Intervention Leadership       Tawny Holmes is the Education Policy Counsel at the National Association of the Deaf. She graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law. In addition to her law degree, she has a Master of Arts in Family Centered Early Education. Ms. Holmes has worked three years teaching deaf and hard of hearing students. She is also a godmother of four deaf children.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Pamela Doig - POC,Primary Presenter,Author Gallaudet University      Credentials: M.A. in Deaf Education, Early Childhood Education Certificate: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers and Families       Pamela Doig recently graduated from Gallaudet University with a Master of Arts in Deaf Education and Early Childhood Education. Ms. Doig has interviewed professionals involved in implementing Deaf Mentor programs across the country and is currently working with the state of Maine to develop their own Deaf Mentor program.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.