Deafness and Diversity: Early Intervention
Advancing technology has provided children who are deaf or hard of hearing with additional needs, greater access to sound and language than ever before.
What is this paper about?
This paper examines the changes in professional services and evidence- based practices required to best meet the needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing with additional needs. Access to earlier diagnosis through newborn screening and early testing is allowing for increasingly positive outcomes for deaf or hard of hearing infants and toddlers with additional needs.
What are the key findings?
- The number of deaf or hard of hearing children diagnosed with additional needs is increasing.
- Outcomes for deaf or hard of hearing children with additional needs are improving, and can improve further with changes including more services and greater adoption of technology.
- Progressive practices suggest early intervention should be child centered and family centered coupled with a trans- disciplinary approach, where deaf or hard of hearing children with additional needs are supported with well- coordinated services from a diverse team of professionals.
Where can I read more?
Deafness and diversity: Early Intervention
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