Advocacy Support & Training (ASTra) Webinar Series

Webinar Description:

Early Intervention (EI) for families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing often occurs at a time when families are adjusting to many new experiences. Some families may be navigating parenthood for the first time, unfamiliar with the Deaf or Hard of Hearing experience, and processing unexpected results from hearing screening and diagnostic tests. In the midst of these challenges, early intervention services are introduced, which can feel overwhelming. It is essential for professionals and family support providers to clearly communicate the value of EI and guide families in understanding its benefits. This session will examine common reasons why some families may choose to decline EI, present evidence-based recommendations and guiding principles, and highlight the critical role early intervention plays in supporting a child’s development.

Presenters Bio:

Carrie Balian

Carrie Balian is a mother of five children. Her oldest son, Jack, was born deaf. She is the Coordinator of her state Guide By Your Side (GBYS) program and has presented to groups nationwide and co-authored several publications. She currently serves as a member on the Illinois Universal Newborn Screening Advisory Committee and the Illinois Hands & Voices board. Carrie also works with Hands & Voices HQ as a Region V Coordinator and as the GBYS Program Lead. She is a graduate of the Hands & Voices L2L (Leadership to Leadership) program. Carrie has also been recognized and awarded most recently with the 2022 Family Leadership award for her support, commitment, and leadership within the field. Ms. Balian was part of the leadership team which was awarded the Generating Real Action by Cultivating Engagement (GRACE) Award from Expecting Health and Baby’s First Test.

Lisa Kovacs

Lisa Kovacs is the Director of Programs for Hands & Voices Headquarters. She founded the Indiana Chapter of Hands & Voices in 2004, was the Guide By Your Side (GBYS) Coordinator for IN from 2009-2012 and has been working for Headquarters since 2010. She and her husband Brian have four young adult children including her son who is hard of hearing/deaf. Lisa received the 2019 Antonio Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence. Her professional interest include; Parent Advocacy; Implementation of parent participation and engagement in systems building; Parent to Parent Support; Deaf Education Reform; IDEA, ESSA, Part C and Part B Training to Parents, and Parent Leadership Training and Development.