Brain Builders Corner: Early Intervention

 Book sharing builds connections

Why do we start reading with children at birth or even prenatally?

Reading with children exposes them to print words, including words not used often in conversation and complex language structure. We tend to talk to children in very simple language about the here and now. Early exposure to more complex language stimulates even more neural connections. 

Novelty and repetition are key strategies that are beneficial for language and literacy. Novelty stimulates arousal and gains baby’s attention while repetition confirms their understanding. Seek out new and interesting books to share but also be prepared to read them over and over. Use dialogue   and talk about words and the pictures when reading with children. 

 What is dialogic reading?

· a conversation about the pictures and words

· less answers by pointing

· increased open-ended questions

· challenge by using emotions

For an example reading and the types of questions to ask, go to this link at Blue Manatee Press titled Dogs! (http://www.bluemanateepress.com/dogs)

 Examples of books that help grownups engage in dialogic reading: 

Dogs! by Dr. John Hutton

How to Hide a Lion by Helen Stephens

I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs

Talk with Me!  by Teri Kaminski Peterson

Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins

Mix It Up! by Herve’ Tullet

“Between birth and kindergarten, we want children to become familiar with book   organization, meaning, letters and words.”

“Most of all, have fun when you read books in order to create lifelong learners.”

-Dr. Laura Justice, Keynote Presenter, Promoting Positive Outcomes Conference, November 2020

 The Center is offering a new virtual event for families of young children:

“Stories, Signs, and Snacks!” 

Our providers will share stories in ASL and spoken English– modeling ways to engage with your little one through books. Plan a snack to munch on    during the story!  After, there will be discussion among the adults discussing storytelling and story sharing strategies to hold the interest of our young minds. Look for notification for the next Story, Snack and Sign on our FB page or via email to our listserv.

 For additional information & Tips:

15 Principles for Reading to Deaf Children, Shared Reading    Project, Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University

Read Together, Learn Together, Hearing First

  

 

Sound Advice: Audiology

 Innovations in Hearing Aid Technology

Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology allows hearing aid users to stream content directly from their device to their hearing aids. The listener has access to both environmental sounds and appropriately       amplified streamed audio.

Pros: connects to personal and school devices (i.e. phones, tablets) without intermediary devices.

Cons: battery consumption, dependent on reliable Bluetooth connection.

Rechargeable

Rather than using disposable batteries, rechargeable hearing aids are docked in a charging unit overnight. Built-in batteries cannot be replaced by the user; shelf-life is estimated to be               approximately 5 years.

Pros: environmentally friendly, protects young children and pets from battery toxicity.

Cons: dependency on charging unit, users may forget or be unable to charge hearing aids every night.

Accessibility

Pediatric hearing aids are equipped to connect to special microphones allowing the student to stream the speaker’s voice directly to their hearing aids (i.e. FM/DM systems and remote             microphones).

Pros: increased audibility from a distance or in noisy environments. Connect to non-Bluetooth    devices.

Cons: teachers need to remember to turn the microphone off/mute when appropriate.

Smart Phones

Manufacturers have released smartphone apps compatible with their products. App may include battery life estimates, volume/program adjustments, wear-time monitoring, and Find My Hearing Aid features.

Pros: allows more user control and information.

Cons: newly developed, some “bugs” remain (i.e. variable accuracy, unreliable pairing with      hearing aids).

 

 

Staff Spotlight: 2020 Bright Spots

Center staff was asked to share their silver linings from 2020

 

Some Center staff members also shared 2020 bright spots experienced

 Despite our new COVID-19 procedures, families have continually shared their appreciation for the in-person services at the Center within our “warm,” “welcoming,” and “clean” environment

Since moving to teleservices and the reduction in time in travel, we have been able to provide more services to   children and families across the state.

 The sudden need to learn/work from home has improved access in technology: remote sign language interpreting, live captioning, and the like .

 Since I did not have to travel, I had time to create handouts and an online library for families new to the DHH community to learn and explore.

 

From the Director: Farewell 2020!

As in years past, a new year brings new hope and opportunities. 2021 has been even more anticipated as an end of the tumultuous year of 2020. Yet, there was no miraculous change on January 1st, so we must continue to be diligent as we seek a healthier more equitable environment for ourselves, and the families we serve.

The state continues to provide resources and information related to COVID-19 with     specific information on the availability and distribution of the vaccine here.

The Indiana Department of Health is focused on identifying and eliminate health  disparities– read more on Health Disparities Projects here.

Here’s to health and unity in 2021!