University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Problem:

Identification of hearing loss in infancy has created a need for culturally competent leaders who can facilitate effective service delivery systems. Current problems include lack of specialized service providers; loss to follow-up; disparities in access to service; and challenges related to transition from early intervention to public education.

Goals and Objectives:

(1) Recruit a diverse group of graduate students in speech and hearing who seek EHDI leadership roles (four per year; minimum of two each year from under-represented groups); (2) provide leadership education that draws on collaborative relationships with other MCHB funded programs (UNC’s MCHB Consortium; National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management); (3) instill cultural competence aimed at providing the knowledge and skills needed to appreciate diversity and similarities among cultural, racial, and ethnic groups (cultural competency coursework and practicum); (4) create opportunities for leadership trainees to conduct or participate in evidenced-based research aimed at improving EHDI outcomes (EHDI-related research with faculty mentorship); and (5) promote and model leadership education in other speech and hearing programs including those without MCHB funding (replication of leadership model; distance education using First Years. Activities Undertaken to Meet Project Goals: Leadership trainees will: 1) Enroll in UNC’s MCHB Leadership Consortium (intensive educational experiences in personal leadership, conflict resolution and facilitation, cultural competence, and family-professional partnerships); 2) complete an interdisciplinary core course; 3) participate in Grand Rounds; 4) attend a bimonthly EHDI Colloquium; 5) participate in state and national EHDI programs and conferences; 6) conduct or participate in EHDI-related research and educational outreach via distance learning and other media. HP 2010 Objectives: Goal 28-11: Increase the proportion of newborns screened for hearing loss by age 1 month, have audiologic evaluation by age 3 months, and are enrolled in appropriate intervention services by age 6 months. Goal 28-13: Increase access by persons who have hearing impairments to hearing rehabilitation services and adaptive devices, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, or tactile or other assistive or augmentative devices.

Coordination:

The proposed project will be closely coordinated and integrated with the NC-LEND Training Program; UNC MCHB Leadership Consortium; UNC Hospitals, and other UNC programs as well as key state and national organizations including the North Carolina Division of Public Health; Beginnings, and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management.

Evaluation:

Monitoring and evaluation will occur throughout the program using instruments designed to provide quantifiable information that can be used to evaluate project outcomes.