2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Bending without Breaking: Adapting EHDI Services to Meet Families Where They Area | City Terrace 11
Bending without Breaking: Adapting EHDI Services to Meet Families Where They Area
Title: Bending Without Breaking: Adapting EHDI Services to Meet Families Where They Are
Abstract:
In a rapidly changing service landscape, flexibility is key to meeting the diverse needs of families navigating the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) process. Over the past year, our state program has implemented innovative, family-centered strategies to remove barriers, increase timely follow-up, and improve communication.
First, we launched an Outpatient Hearing Screen Program by collaborating directly with birthing hospitals to establish post-discharge screening services for infants who did not pass their inpatient hearing screenings. This collaboration has already yielded over 1,000 documented passing results. This program has allowed infants who need diagnostic testing to schedule much sooner, improved our “1-3” data, reduced the number of children lost to follow-up, and reduced barriers for families to confirm hearing levels.
As part of our direct follow-up procedures with infants who do not pass newborn hearing screenings, we developed the Parent Response Form. This secure, web-based communication tool is sent to families via text and mail (QR code) that connects to our website. This allows families to report hearing results and/or updates about scheduling the audiology appointment. They use a personal ID number, so no PHI is shared. The tool has generated over 50 family responses in just two months, providing a new channel for obtaining patient updates.
Finally, we replaced the single statewide advisory board with EHDI Regional Coalitions. These coalitions include locally focused meetings supported by local health departments. This shift has increased engagement, fostered more relevant discussions, and strengthened community-based problem-solving to improve services for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
This presentation will highlight the practical steps, partnerships, and lessons learned in building these adaptable systems—offering replicable strategies for other EHDI programs looking to meet families where they are, both literally and figuratively.
- Identify innovative strategies used by EHDI programs to reduce barriers and improve timely follow-up for families.
- Describe practical tools and partnerships that enhance family engagement and communication.
- Recognize how program changes improved 1-3-6 EHDI data
Presentation:
View Presentation File
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Stacy Allgeier
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter), Indiana EHDI Program, sallgeier@health.in.gov;
Stacy Allgeier is the Clinical and Family Services Manager for the Indiana Department of Health EHDI program, overseeing follow-up for all infants in Indiana who do not pass their newborn hearing screening. She works closely with families, physicians, and audiologists to ensure timely diagnostic testing and, when needed, connection to early intervention services.
Stacy earned her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and spent 12 years as a teacher before beginning her M.A. in Community and Adult Education at Ball State University. Her passion for EHDI work is also deeply personal—her daughter did not pass her newborn hearing screening in 2008 and was later diagnosed with single-sided deafness at two and a half years old.
Inspired by her family’s journey, Stacy became a Parent Guide with Guide By Your Side and later served as Executive Director of Indiana Hands & Voices. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role, helping families navigate the challenges of hearing loss with compassion and understanding.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Suzanne Foley
(Co-Presenter), Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, sfoley@health.in.gov;
Dr. Suzanne Foley is a practicing pediatric audiologist who is also the director of Indiana EHDI. She has provided pediatric audiology services for over 20 years.Previously, she was a regional audiology consultant for Indiana EHDI and has been the director for two years. She is a national speaker for the Bureau of Education and Research and provides training seminars to school based personnel and has been an adjunct professor and mentors graduate students in audiology.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.