Dual Language Assessment

This workshop is intended for professionals who work with children who have hearing loss and come from families that are bilingual or do not speak the majority language. Topics covered will include a review of the literature as well as considerations that need to be made when selecting assessment, administering assessment, analyzing as well as interpreting assessment for this special population.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to:

• describe the difference between a simultaneous language learner and sequential language learner
• identify three informal assessment procedures that may be used to obtain information about a child’s language(s)
• list at least three ways assessment can be analyzed and interpreted for this special population.

Dual Language Intervention

This workshop is intended for professionals who work with children who have hearing loss and come from families that are bilingual or do not speak the majority language. Topics covered will include intervention models and strategies that facilitate successful bilingual learning.

Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:

• describe the difference between a simultaneous language learner and sequential language learner
• describe a continuum of intervention services that meets the needs of developing language in children who are bilingual or who come from families that do not speak the majority language
• list at least three recommended educational environment strategies used with children who have hearing loss

Advanced Dual Language Support: How did they do that?

This workshop continues the conversation about dual language learning for children with hearing loss. It is intended for professionals who work with children who have hearing loss and come from families that are bilingual or do not speak the majority language. The presenter will provide a quick review of considerations for this special population and guide participants through a variety of case examples that represent a variety of languages and types of dual language learning.

Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:

• Identify three considerations to make when designing intervention
• List three intervention models which may lead to successful bilingual learning and
• Identify three active ingredients which may lead to successful bilingual learning

Cultural Sensitivity

A culturally sensitive perspective changes the way we approach, counsel, support, and provide services to our families who have a different cultural background than our own. Through transformational leadership practices, this presentation will guide participants to uncover their personal journey towards cultural competence.

Learning objectives: Participants will be able to

• Identify personal triggers that may negatively impact counseling
• Explore tools that can diffuse negative reactions regarding cultural differences
• Practice 3 “think throughs” to prevent sabotaging progress towards cultural sensitivity
• Develop an action plan for improvement