Empowering Families to Create a Language-Rich Life for Their Deaf/Hard of Hearing Infant or Toddler

Session Dates

Friday May 08, 2026 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM - Webinar

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This session is designed to build the capacity of Early Intervention Infant Toddler Service Coordinators to support families in making confident, informed decisions about language options for their deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) infants and toddlers. Participants will explore the importance of early identification, review available early technology options, and discuss the role of Service Coordinators in supporting families of D/HH children. The session emphasizes the importance of visual language access and provides practical tools to help families foster meaningful communication from the very beginning.

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the importance of early identification of hearing differences and it's impact on language development.
2. Identify early technology options (e.g., hearing aids, cochlear implants) and how they support access to sound and language.
3. Describe visual language strategies that promote rich communication environments, including sign language and visual cues.
4. Identify key factors to consider when making language choices, including family goals, communication styles, and accessibility.

Target Audience

This training is designed for Infant Toddler Service Coordinators, Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and staff who support families of Infants and Toddlers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this event. Contact: Molly Martz, at 717-901-2151, or mmartz@pattan.net.