Early Identification to Early Intervention DeafHard of Hearing

Early Identification to Early Intervention: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children and their Families Marilyn Sass-Lehrer, Ph. D. Professor Emerita, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC An Exploration of International Education Assessments Vision & Hearing Screening in LMICs September 26, 2018

Being Deaf: An Overview A way of being requiring adaptations to ensure access to language and communication An invisible condition - Unexpected Extensive diversity within the population Age of onset Hearing levels Presence of disabilities Use of technology Preferred Communication Educational Opportunities Family, Community Involvement and Support

Societal Perceptions of Deaf People Vary Disability or Way of Being

Differences and Opportunities Around the World Resource Rich Contexts Low and Middle Income Contexts 6 -10/1000 Births 3/1000 Births Age of ID 3 -6 Months Age of ID 6 Years 30 -40% Other Disabilities or Conditions Disabilities: From Birth or Lack of Care and Services Deaf or Hard of Hearing Require Communication Adaptations & Technology A Disability Impacting Quality of Life and Well-Being Serious Barriers & Discrimination Educational, Social, Career Opportunities

Best Practices Suggest…. . Access to Language Family Support Early ID Qualified Providers Positive Outcomes Services for All

Principle 1: Early Identification and Timely Access to Early Intervention

Principle 2: Family Social Emotional Support

Principle 3: Timely Access to Language

Principle 4: Qualified Providers

Principle 5: Provision of Services to All

It Takes a Village to Ensure Early Identification & Intervention Supplement to the JCIH 2007 Position Statement: Principles and Guidelines for Early Intervention After Confirmation That a Child Is Deaf or Hard of Hearing (2013) Best Practices in Family-Centered Early Intervention for Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: An International Consensus Statement (Moeller, et al. 2013) Diversity in Deaf Education (Marschark, et al. 2016) Early Intervention for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers & Their Families (Sass-Lehrer, 2016).