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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'The Value of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program to EHDI ' Track: 1 - EHDI Program Enhancement Keyword(s): EHDI, LEND, pediatric audiology, advocacy Learning Objectives: Identify the benefits of the LEND program to EHDI. Discuss ways that programs, such as LEND, are advocating for EHDI. Abstract: To address the shortage of pediatric audiologists in the workforce, the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program was augmented in 2009 by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in conjunction with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). The supplemental funds are currently granted to ten LEND pediatric audiology training programs. Trainees receive additional training and education in the field of pediatric audiology and coordinated care. As a result of the LEND training program, students are experienced in working with interdisciplinary health care teams. Consequently, trainees are aware of factors associated with pediatric hearing loss and the need for early diagnosis and intervention. The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program (EHDI) is committed to the early diagnosis of hearing loss in infants/children and early intervention services. There is a synergistic relationship between the LEND pediatric audiology training program and EHDI. LEND students are specially trained in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of infants/children with hearing loss, and family-centered care. Therefore, with the training and acquired skills, students are able to advocate for pediatric patients with hearing loss and for organizations, such as EHDI, that play a major role in the early diagnosis of pediatric hearing loss. Success of the EHDI program is impacted by government and professional organizations, advocacy groups, funding from the United States government, legislative policy, advances in technology, and positive outcomes from such programs. LEND pediatric audiology training programs contribute to the overall well-being of the EHDI program. A key objective from LEND pediatric audiology training is to foster leadership and advocacy skills. As more trainees enter LEND, this will positively impact EHDI and other health care programs/organizations. Ultimately, the success of the EHDI program relies on the professionals involved and those willing to advocate for the organization. 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 CART: CART Transcription is not Available
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
Shana Bauer Vaith - Primary Presenter,Author,POC University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development      Credentials: B.S., Au.D. Candidate      Other Affiliations: LEND Audiology Extern, University of Miami Mailman Center       Shana Bauer Vaith, B.S. is a fourth year Doctor of Audiology extern at the University of Miami Mailman Center. Areas of interest include pediatric audiology, cochlear implants, EHDI, and advocating for individuals with disabilites.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Chelsey DuFour - Co-Presenter,Author University of Miami Mailman Center      Credentials: Chelsey DuFour, M.A.      Other Affiliations: LEND Audiology Extern at the University of Miami Mailman Center       Chelsey DuFour, M.A. is a fourth year audiology extern at the University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development. Her interests are cochlear implants, pediatrics, educational audiology, and advocating for the profession and patients.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Robert Fifer - Co-Presenter,Author University of Miami      Credentials: Ph.D.       Robert C. Fifer, is the Director of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at the Mailman Center for Child Development, University of Miami School of Medicine. He received his B.S. from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Speech-Language Pathology with a minor in Deaf Education. His M.A. is from Central Michigan University in Audiology, and his Ph.D. is from Baylor College of Medicine in Audiology and Bioacoustics. Dr. Fifer’s clinical and research interests focus on the areas of auditory evoked potentials, central auditory processing, early detection of hearing loss in children, and auditory anatomy and physiology. He is a Past-President of the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, a member of ASHA’s Health Care Economics Committee, and the ASHA representative to the American Medical Association’s Health Care Professions Advisory Committee for the Relative Value Utilization Committee in addition to being ASHA’s representative to the AMA’s Practice Expense Advisory Committee.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial -