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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'Beacons of Guidance: Deaf Adults Mentoring and Fostering Parents' Track: 7 - Family Perspectives and Support Keyword(s): language acquisition, cultural and linguistic role models, sign language instruction Learning Objectives: Identify ways in which they can make their home environment more visual for the child who is deaf and hard of hearing. Discuss the impact of meeting a Deaf cultural and linguistic role model and learning about resources in the deaf community. Demonstrate ways in which they can include extended family members in the communications with the child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Abstract: Fostering positive interaction with young children through sign language, Deaf adults frequently serve as role models and provide supportive guidance for families raising children who are deaf and hard of hearing. This session features a panel of Deaf adults with extensive background as mentors and family sign language instructors providing support to families in their home and social environments. These panelists are often the first Deaf persons hearing parents meet, linking parents to community resources, promoting positive family dynamics, and encouraging involvement in the deaf community. Some of the topics to be discussed include: creating a visual environment in the home; including members of the immediate and extended family in communications with the child who is deaf or hard of hearing; fostering positive interaction with young children through sign language; and working with families who have children with physical or medical challenges. Children who are deaf and hard of hearing benefit when their families are involved in the community and meet adults who are linguistic and cultural role models. This involvement serves to facilitate the child developing both positive self-image and self-esteem. 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
Kathleen Vesey - POC,Co-Presenter Gallaudet University Regional Center      Credentials: M.B.A., Boston University MA, Gallaudet University, BA, Regis College       Ms. Vesey has been the director of the Gallaudet University Regional Center at Northern Essex Community College since 1990. Previously she directed a large K-12 program serving students who are deaf and hard of hearing in southeastern MA. She has worked professionally as an administrator, educator, and counselor. Ms. Vesey is currently on the Advisory Board for the MA Newborn Hearing Screening Program. She has been instrumental in adapting the Shared Reading Program to include families with children with hearing losses who speak Spanish in the home.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Glenys Crane-Emerson - Co-Presenter Family Sign Language Program      Credentials: BA, Social Work       Ms. Crane-Emerson is currently the Coordinator of the Massachusetts Family Sign Language Program. Her experience includes provision of sign language instruction for families in their homes in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In addition, she provides instruction for family members participating in a monthly Shared Reading Saturdays Program operated by the GURC. Ms. Crane-Emerson also has experience as an instructor of American Sign Language, and as a job coach and employment mentor. She is an active member of the deaf community.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.