2010 Convention Learning Tracks

1. Advocacy and Policy – Addresses issues such as Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs; strategies for developing an Individual Education Plan (IEP); obtaining insurance coverage for CI’s and hearing aids (individual coverage and/or through legislation); communication access; promoting legislation that supports unbiased communication options and services for families; grant writing and fund-raising strategies; and how individuals with hearing loss can participate in policy initiatives and legislation.

2. Best Practices: Early Intervention through Pre-School – Offers strategies and techniques related to assessment, family intervention and education; home-based auditory and spoken language enrichment; team building; foundations in literacy; and transitioning from an Individual Family Service Plan to an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Submissions in this category should highlight diverse learners and families, such as children who are gifted and talented, children with learning challenges, and culturally and ethnically diverse families.

3. Best Practices: Early Elementary and Middle School – Covers assessment, literacy and language enrichment, itinerant services, collaboration between families and educators, school transitions, and adult auditory and speech services. Submissions in this category should highlight diverse learners and families, such as children who are gifted and talented, children with learning challenges, and culturally and ethnically diverse families.

4. Living with Hearing Loss – This learning track is designed to encourage adults with hearing loss to share their stories and experiences. Families are also encouraged to make submissions describing the ups, downs and successful strategies needed to raise children with hearing loss. It focuses on communication technologies, deciding on a cochlear implant, social experiences as a person with hearing loss, navigating life’s transitions (to high school, graduation and adulthood), life in college, family life and how to succeed in the work force while living with hearing loss.

5. Hot Topics in Hearing Science – Highlights audiology and current issues important to families, individuals with hearing loss and professionals, such as binaural hearing vs. unilateral hearing, state of the art diagnostic testing, auditory brain development, auditory neuropathy/dysynchrony, music appreciation, executive functioning, identifying genetic influences on hearing loss, new developments in hearing technology and assistive listening devices.

6. Professional Preparation and Development – Includes information and examples of programs designed to increase the number and quality of trained professionals who specialize in listening and spoken language. These sessions will describe training for in-service professionals as well as pre-service professionals, and include descriptions of preparing individuals to become certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialists (LSLS Cert. AVEd or LSLS Cert. AVT).