National Association of the Deaf

Representatives from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) attended the 9th annual Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Conference on March 1-2, 2010 in Chicago, IL.  Conference attendees learned about the NAD position on EHDI programs, American Sign Language (ASL), our organization, and other relevant issues at the NAD exhibit booth.

NAD Chief Executive Officer Nancy J. Bloch also participated on a panel titled, “Connecting the Dots: Deaf Community Participation in EHDI Programs.” Barbara Raimondo discussed including deaf representation in various levels of EHDI programs and as deaf mentors. Beth Benedict covered the importance of deaf and hearing partnerships. Tami Hossler talked about parent transitions; first contacts and lasting connections. Jodee Crace compared two views of deafness - audio and culture.  Howard Rosenblum discussed building bridges and how it works both ways. Nancy Bloch talked about including the deaf community in EHDI programs and the next steps that must be taken.

The NAD congratulates Beth Benedict, President of the American Society for Deaf Children, recipient of the 2010 Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence.

For more information, see the earlier NAD EHDI Announcement and NAD information on Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers.