Invitation to Panel, "Children With Hearing Loss: Are We Letting Them Down?"

From: AG Bell - Apr 23, 2007

CHILDREN WITH HEARING LOSS: ARE WE LETTING THEM DOWN?

--New National Data to Reveal Just How--

Former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop Joins Pediatrics and Education Experts to Discuss Results and Potential Solutions

What:

Hearing loss is the most common birth defect, yet even though more than 95% of babies are screened for it at birth, about half of those who fail these screenings miss out on timely follow up and referral to early intervention programs.

To reveal new national data that quantifies the problem and discuss why we are failing to get these babies the critical help they need, the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) will host a panel discussion in recognition of Better Hearing and Speech Month.

Why:

Most parents are not prepared for hearing loss or aware of the options for addressing it, but they must act quickly. Children begin to learn language by hearing it first, and the first few months in a baby’s life are the most important for a child’s overall language development.

Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 1198) and U.S. Senate (S. 1069) is designed to improve services for children with hearing loss and provide support to the many families of children with hearing loss.

Speakers:

• C. Everett Koop, M.D., Former Surgeon General of the United States

• John Hager, M.B.A., Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education

• Karl White, Ph.D., Director, National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management

• Frank Aiello, M.D., American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Improving Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

• Stacy Allen, Mother of Bethany, Evan, Leighton and Annaliese

• Karen Youdelman, Ed.D., President, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Moderator

When and Where:

Wednesday, May 9, 2007 – Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.; Panel discussion at 9:00 a.m.
National Press Club, Holeman Lounge

Media Inquiries:

Jessica Ripper
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Phone: (202) 204-4680
E-mail: jripper@agbell.org

AG Bell and NCHAM thank Advanced Bionics (www.bionicear.com) and the Bionic Ear Association for demonstrating their dedication to helping individuals and families with hearing loss and the professionals who serve them by supporting this event.