Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Roberta J. Perry Lead Case Manager/Children Specialist June 10, 2013

MCDHH Established in1986 by Massachusetts General Law Focal point within the Commonwealth for Deaf, Late Deafened and Hard of Hearing adults and children Principal agency providing leadership, education, advocacy and direct services Mission: to empower Deaf, Late Deafened and Hard of Hearing individuals and their families to receive equitable opportunities in ALL aspects of society National model for other states

Interpreter/CART Referral Services  State registry for Interpreters and CART [Communication Access Realtime Translation]  Matches freelance and/or staff interpreters and CART providers with requests  Conducts screenings for individuals seeking to provide interpreter services

Communication Access, Training & Technology Services  Information Resources  Information and support on Assistive Technology  Publications and Resource Library  Trainings, Presentations, Exhibits and Demonstration Center

Case Management  Provide a wide range of services to adults and children with hearing loss Service plan development Cross-agency service coordination Communication advocacy Education and information  Provide assistance to state, public and private agencies in implementing procedures to enhance service delivery to Deaf, Late Deafened and Hard of Hearing individuals, as well as, ensuring communication

Children Specialists  Positions created in 1999  Support Newborn Hearing Screening Law enacted1998  Specialized positions to work with families and agencies in meeting communication, developmental and educational needs of children diagnosed with hearing loss

Children Specialists cont.  Staffed by professionals with expertise in hearing loss and match communication needs for deaf and hard of hearing  Provide technical assistance to Early Intervention and Educational programs regarding the communication needs and cultural perspectives of Deaf and hard of hearing children

Children Specialists cont.  Provide parent education and objective information relative to the effects of hearing loss at birth, during childhood and the teenage years  Provide comprehensive coordination of care from birth until high school graduation or 22 years of age  Assist parents in working with other agencies

Children Specialists cont. Identify strategies for:  appropriate usage of hearing aids  assistive listening devices and hearing aids  alerting and signaling devices  medical procedures  communication and language development  co-existing medical diagnoses

Children Specialists cont.  Provide advocacy and support to families and agencies in the development and utilization of service plans  Consult with and educate other service providers about the special needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing

Children Specialists cont.  Provide information and referral to specialized services for:  speech and language  ear/nose/throat  psycho-educational evaluation and testing  mental health

Children Specialists cont.  Assist families with transition out of Early Intervention at age 3  Provide information, preparation and facilitation around eligibility for special education services

CHILDREN SPECIALISTS/SERVICE AREAS Northeast/Boston Region Melissa Adams Southeast Region Diane Crouse Central Region Terri Pancare Western Region Roberta Perry