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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Working with the Deaf Community: What Does That Entitle? ' Track: 1 - EHDI Program Enhancement Keyword(s): family support, deaf community, services Learning Objectives: Identify strategies in building a collaborative relationship with the deaf community Develop ways to incorporate deaf and hard of hearing adults in your state's programs Abstract: There is extensive research on how contact with the deaf community helps families take a step towards understanding their deaf child as a person. (Hintermair, 2006). Deaf and hard of hearing adults provide both expanded resources and support due to having experienced being in the child’s shoes. Just as each child is diverse in their hearing abilities, communication styles, personalities, and skills, so are the members of the deaf community. Not only that, but it is often a profound experience when a deaf or hard of hearing child meets a deaf or hard of hearing adult, because that provides a proof of survival, namely, he or she now knows the evidence of successful adulthood. (Meadow-Orlans, Mertens, & Sass-Lehrer, 2003). However, the majority of EHDI Professionals are hearing and often do not have ready access or connection to the deaf community. This presentation will discuss specific strategies and ideas on how to develop a meaningful connection with and/or a program incorporating deaf and hard of hearing adults, including working with state associations, deaf parents, and schools for the deaf for the purposes of positive collaboration and service enhancement, such as establishing a 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
Mary Ann Richmond - Co-Presenter,Author Maryland Assn. of the Deaf      Credentials: M.A. -Family Centered Early Education, 19 years as a Family Educator      Other Affiliations: MD UNHS Prgm Advisory Council member       Mary Ann Richmond works as a Family Education and Early Childhood teacher. She serves on the Maryland UNHS advisory council representing the Maryland Association of the Deaf. She is a proud mother of a deaf daughter who is currently attending RIT.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Tawny Holmes - POC,Co-Presenter,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 - Nonfinancial -