Enhancing Our Knowledge of Deaf/HH Mentor Programs

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1 Enhancing Our Knowledge of Deaf/HH Mentor Programs Present by Beth Hamilton, M.Ed. Doctorate of Education-Student Deaf Studies/Deaf Education Lamar University April 14 th 2014

2 What is Deaf Mentor Program? There are about Deaf Mentor Programs nationwide. Can be also called role model/guide/collaborator. Is encouraged by JCIH recommends that deaf and hard of hearing adults should be involved in all Early Hearing Detection and Invention programmes, as they can enrich the family s experience by serving as mentors. (JCIH, 2007) Provide support for the child and for the families. Parents in the Utah Deaf Mentor Program reported less frustration when communicating with their child than Tennessee parents. (Watkins, Pittman & Walden, 1998)

programmes, as they can enrich the family s experience by serving as mentors. (JCIH, 2007) Provide support for the child and for the families.

3 A Fountain to the Language Ladder Language as a carrier of culture. Language for access to society. Language in relationships. Internal language. Language for access to knowledge. Language for concepts, including Theory of Mind. Language for communication of basic needs. (Gulati, 2014)

Internal language. Language for access to knowledge.

4 Theory of Mind Language and Cognition in Deaf/HH Children Case studies in 176 deaf children aged 3 years 11 months to 8 years 3 months who use either American Sign Language (ASL) or oral English, with hearing parents or deaf parents. A battery of tasks tapping understanding of false belief and knowledge state and language skills (ASL or English was given to each child) There was a significant delay on ToM tasks in deaf children of hearing parents, who typically demonstrate language delays regardless of whether they used spoken English or ASL. In contrast, deaf children from deaf families performed identically to same-aged hearing control group. (Schick, De Villiers, De Villiers, & Hoffmeister, 2007)

A battery of tasks tapping understanding of false belief and knowledge state and language skills (ASL or English was given to each child) There was a significant delay on ToM

5 Theory of Mind Case Study in Italy Comparing ToM Hearing children Deaf children (in bilingual environment of sign language and spoken language) Mainstream Deaf and Hard of Hearing (with hearing device) Results showed that children in a bilingual environment outperformed the hearing children. Mainstream children struggle acquiring their spoken language as their native language (L1). (Tomasuolo, Valeri, Renzo, Pasqualetti, & Volterra, 2012)

that children in a bilingual environment outperformed the hearing children.

6 Interdisciplinary Approach A 2012 survey showed medical professionals have the most influence on decision regarding to communication. 15.4% Pediatric 19.2% Audiologists 30.8% Other 34.6% Early Inventionists The concept of the interdisciplinary approach encourages a positive view of the professionals who work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. Also, it reduces the stress and the abundance of overwhelming information that the families may receive. (Hamilton, 2013)

6% Early Inventionists The concept of the interdisciplinary approach encourages a positive view of the professionals

7 Interdisciplinary Approach It is important to understand that Audiologists are trained to see the ear parts. Speech language pathologists are trained to focus on vocal, speech, and the mouth parts. Pediatricians are trained to see what is wrong with child health-wise. OT/PT s are trained to assist with the physical part. Family counselors are trained to deal with emotional and social behavior. Early Involvement is trained to provide support for any child that needs EI service. Deaf Mentors are trained to provide language accessibility -- modeling as a professional Deaf adult. When we all work collaboratively with the families, we become a whole, and see the child as a WHOLE, not parts. (Hamilton, 2013)

OT/PT s are trained to assist with the physical part. Family counselors are trained to deal with emotional and social behavior.

8 Dedunk the Myth Asking the questions! Deaf Mentors Danelle Gournaris Jodee Crace Stacy Abrams

9 Myth or Truth #1 The primary focus of Deaf Mentor Program is providing instruction of ASL only.

10 Myth or Truth #2 A degree is not required to be a Deaf/HH mentor.

11 Myth or Truth #3 Deaf Mentor Programs are often a last resort for families after seeing medical professionals.

12 Myth or Truth #4 Deaf/HH mentors are not fond of spoken language.

13 Questions? Learn about programs that Involve Deaf/Hard of Hearing Adults in supporting families hosted by NCHAM tonight at St. John room at 5:45-6:30pm.

14 References Gulati, S. (2014). Language Deprivation Syndrome Lecture. Brown University. Hamilton, B. (2012). How will the Deaf Mentor Program be useful for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact?. Unpublished paper. Marylhurst University. Joint Committee on Infant Hearing Year 2007 Position Statement: Principles and Guidelines for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs. Pediatrics, 120(4): Schick, B., De Villiers, J., De Villiers, P., & Hoffmeister, R. (2007). Language and Theory of Mind: A Study of Deaf Children. Child Development, 78(2), Tomasuolo, E., Valeri, G., Renzo, Al., Pasqualetti, P., & Volterra, V. (2012). Deaf Children Attending Different School Environments: Sign Language Abilities and Theory of Mind. J. Deaf Stud. Deaf Educ. 18 (1): Watkins, S., Pittman, P., & Walden, B. (1998). The Deaf Mentor Experimental Project for young children who are deaf and their families. American Annals Of The Deaf, 143(1),

Joint Committee on Infant Hearing. 2007. Year 2007 Position Statement: Principles and Guidelines for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs. Pediatrics, 120(4): 888 921. Schick, B.

Early Intervention Specialists: Where are the Gaps?

+ Knowledge and Skills of Knowledge and Skills of Early Intervention Specialists: Where are the Gaps? + EHDI March 2010 Chicago, IL Presenters: Marilyn Sass-Lehrer, Arlene Stredler Brown, Nicole Hutchinson,