Continuing Education Session: Late (Identified) But Not Left Behind
Please join us for a 1-hour Continuing Education session from 5:00 - 6:00 designed for listening and spoken language (LSL) practitioners, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, teachers of the deaf, general and special educators, and parents of children with late-identified hearing loss.
This practitioner panel examines the real developmental impact of late-identified pediatric hearing loss, including delays in spoken language, literacy, and social-emotional development, while focusing on next steps once identification occurs. Panelists will discuss the research on outcomes after delayed diagnosis alongside practical, evidence-based strategies for intensive intervention and family support. The session gives LSL practitioners, audiologists, and educators a clearer understanding of the stakes, paired with concrete tools to help children and families move forward effectively even after a late start.
Registration is free! Please click on the link above to register your attendance.
Learning Objectives
- After this course, participants will be able to explain the impact of late identification of hearing loss on spoken language and literacy development for children who are deaf/hard of hearing.
- After this course, participants will be able to identify the social-emotional challenges families commonly face after late diagnosis, along with factors that support resilience.
- After this course, participants will be able to apply evidence-based strategies, including intensified intervention approaches and family counseling supports, to address developmental gaps and support progress following late identification.
Presenters
Panel Discussion will be facilitated by Valerie James Abbott, author of Late to the Party: Extraordinary Stories of Hope Following Late-Identified Hearing Loss. Following her daughter’s diagnosis, Valerie became a parent single subject matter expert and passionate champion for early childhood hearing health. Her award-winning children’s book, Papadillo, was published in 2021 and launched what became the Late Onset Hearing Loss Awareness Campaign. Drawing from research and lived experience, Valerie speaks to audiences across the country, calling attention to the risk factors and signs of unidentified pediatric hearing loss, the critical importance of proactive hearing health monitoring, and the impact of late identification on language, literacy, and social-emotional development.
Late to the Party: Extraordinary Stories of Hope Following Late-Identified Hearing Loss is her second published book. Her first book, Papdillo, is based on her family’s experience with early childhood hearing loss and received a Moonbeam Award for excellence in children’s literature.
Panel Participants
- Madison Howe, Au.D., CCC-A, CH-AP
- Jenna Voss, PhD, CED, LSLS Cert. AVEd
- Kelli Ellis, MS, CCC/SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
- Amy Lynn Birath, AuD, CCC-A/SLP, LSLS Cert. AVEd
1.0 Hour LSLS Continuing Education hours applied for through the A.G. Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language; Certificate of Completion also available
Late to the Party Book Launch Celebration
Following the CE session, we invite you to stay for an inspiring evening celebrating children with late-identified hearing loss and the families who love them at the Book Launch Party for Late to the Party: Extraordinary Stories of Hope Following Late-Identified Hearing by Valerie James Abbott.
Enjoy refreshments as families, professionals, students, and community members come together to honor stories of hope, resilience, and the life-changing impact of timely support. Dr. Kameron C. Carden, Assistant Professor and Director of the Listening and Spoken Language Focused Study Initiative, will share her family's personal journey of late-identified hearing loss featured in Chapter 2 (Hindsight: Hanna’s Story) of Late to the Party.
Meet author Valerie James Abbott, have your book signed, and connect with others who are passionate about supporting children with hearing loss. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Whether you are a parent, practitioner, educator, student, or advocate, this is an evening of encouragement, community, and inspiration you won't want to miss. Come celebrate the extraordinary stories that remind us that it's never too late for hope!
