Families engaged in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) are hopeful that an early start will result in language and cognitive gains, and social-emotional well-being for their child. Researchers have shown that comprehensive and timely early intervention provided by qualified professionals results in better outcomes for young children identified as deaf or hard of hearing (Moeller, 2000; Yoshinaga-Itano, 2003), and consensus has been gathering that informed decision making plays a role in such achievements (Spencer & Marschark, 2010; Young, et al., 2006). In order to facilitate informed decision making, professionals must be skilled communicators, able to share information across a myriad of topics in a non-biased manner (Sass-Lehrer,
…show more content…
Social-emotional elements of decision-making (Hintermair,2000), cultural influences (Steinberg, Bain, Li, Delgado & Ruperto, 2003), and the role of stress have been addressed as contributors (Meadow-Orlans, et al., 2003). Outcomes of early decisions on literacy (Archbold, et al., 2008), language, and community (Young, et al., 2006) have been considered. Strategic supports to the decision-making have been applied and evaluated for families (Moeller & Condon, 1994; Stredler-Brown, 2010), including those with diverse backgrounds. Feedback from families has led to recommendation for informed decision-making, considering elements of both knowledge and support that benefit families (Meadow-Orlans, et al., 2003 ; Young, et al., 2006). Even the characteristics of families have been examined (Spencer, 2000; Steinberg & Bain, 2001). As professionals seek guidance on how best to engage with families of young children who are deaf and hard of hearing as they encounter decisions, the missing piece is the subjective process of decision-making …show more content…
priorities, and perspectives) shapes the ways families make choices. Three decisions were considered: choices related to communication approach, choices related to use of hearing technology, and choices related to services. Each of these three decision areas was represented in the literature review and is associated with different outcomes, and each seemed to denote a clear point of divergence in the child and family’s path. Access to communication, hearing technology, and early intervention services are also identified as priority items in national initiatives focused on needs of families of infants what are deaf and hard of hearing, including those of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) and the National Center for Assessment and Management (NCHAM). Several questions were developed to guide us toward better understanding of family
Social-emotional elements of decision-making (Hintermair,2000), cultural influences (Steinberg, Bain, Li, Delgado & Ruperto, 2003), and the role of stress have been addressed as contributors (Meadow-Orlans, et al., 2003). Outcomes of early decisions on literacy (Archbold, et al., 2008), language, and community (Young, et al., 2006) have been considered. Strategic supports to the decision-making have been applied and evaluated for families (Moeller & Condon, 1994; Stredler-Brown, 2010), including those with diverse backgrounds. Feedback from families has led to recommendation for informed decision-making, considering elements of both knowledge and support that benefit families (Meadow-Orlans, et al., 2003 ; Young, et al., 2006). Even the characteristics of families have been examined (Spencer, 2000; Steinberg & Bain, 2001). As professionals seek guidance on how best to engage with families of young children who are deaf and hard of hearing as they encounter decisions, the missing piece is the subjective process of decision-making …show more content…
priorities, and perspectives) shapes the ways families make choices. Three decisions were considered: choices related to communication approach, choices related to use of hearing technology, and choices related to services. Each of these three decision areas was represented in the literature review and is associated with different outcomes, and each seemed to denote a clear point of divergence in the child and family’s path. Access to communication, hearing technology, and early intervention services are also identified as priority items in national initiatives focused on needs of families of infants what are deaf and hard of hearing, including those of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) and the National Center for Assessment and Management (NCHAM). Several questions were developed to guide us toward better understanding of family