17th ANNUAL EARLY HEARING DETECTION & INTERVENTION MEETING
March 18-20, 2018 • Denver, CO
3/19/2018 | 2:15 PM - 2:40 PM | Oh the Places You'll Go! From Parent to Professional | Mineral D/E
Oh the Places You'll Go! From Parent to Professional
Until two of my three children were diagnosed with Usher's Syndrome, I was unaware of the dire need for teacher of the deaf and teachers of the blind and visually impaired.
Professionally trained as a registered nurse and health teacher, this amazing yet unfamiliar teaching opportunity was unbeknownst to me.
Through incredible circumstances and fortuitous timing, I was able to go back to school on a grant and earn a master's in special education with a visual impairment certificate.
Working in a field I love, I never would have had this career opportunity unfold had my children not first been diagnosed with a hearing loss and later with deaf blindness due to Usher Syndrome.
This presentation will consist of explaining the devastating diagnosis that led me to the field of visual impairment.
College preparation programs that provide education in the fields of deaf education and visual impairment will be examined. Loan forgiveness programs for professionals in jobs with a critical shortage such as teachers of the deaf, deaf blindness and teachers of visually impaired will be discussed.
Educating both professionals and parents on the various job opportunities and additional certifications in these fields will be investigated.
In addition, I will share my personal growth and joy at taking the tough diagnosis of Usher's syndrome and using it as a platform to do good in the world and help other children and families. The ability to connect with parents on both a personal and professional level through my work with children ages zero to three will be explored.
Lastly, participants will appreciate that in any situation in life, no matter how dire, when one opens themselves up to the possibilities that exist, light can be found in the darkest of places.
- Participants will be able to describe the events leading to the presenter's decision to become a teacher of the blind and visually impaired and the critical need for teachers in this area.
- Participants will be able to identify professional preparation programs in the field of deaf/blindness.
- Participants will be able to reference loan forgiveness programs and incentives in the field of deaf blindness.
Presentation:
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Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
15805_7985AndreaAmestoy.docx
Presenters/Authors
Andrea Amestoy
(), Idaho Hands and Voices, andrea_corn@yahoo.com;
Andrea Amestoy, R.N., has been a pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit nurse and teaches classes at St. Luke’s.
She has worked for the past 12 years at Idaho Sound Beginnings as a parent outreach consultant in which she markets and promotes Idaho Sound Beginnings, gives presentations and contacts parents for follow up.
In addtion, Andrea works for Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind with children 0-3 who are blind or visually impaired. She earned her Health Science and Nursing Degrees from Boise State University and is a certified teacher of the blind and visually impaired with a Master's in Special Education from Texas Tech University. She recently completed her orientation and mobility certificate from Texas Tech University in August of 2019.
She is the mother of three kids, two of whom have Usher's Syndrome.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.