2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM | Powering EI so Children Can Thrive | City Terrace 9
Powering EI so Children Can Thrive
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.
- Recognize common challenges and emotional responses families may experience when introduced to Early Intervention (EI) services for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
- Examine reasons why some families may decline EI services, discuss strategies for addressing these concerns, and Hands & Voices resources that will support you.
- Apply evidence-based recommendations and principles to effectively communicate the value of EI and support families in making informed decisions that promote their child’s development.
Presentation:
View Presentation File
Handouts:
View Handout File
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Carrie Balian
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side, cbalian6@outlook.com;
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. She is a graduate of the Hands & Voices L2L (Leadership to Leadership) program. Carrie also works with Hands & Voices HQ as a Region V Coordinator, a L2L Mentor and as the GBYS Program Lead. 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.
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.
Lisa Kovacs
(Co-Presenter,Author,Co-Author), Hands & Voices , lisakovacs@handsandvoices.org ;
Lisa Kovacs is the Director of Programs for Hands & Voices Headquarters and part of the core management team for the Family Leadership in Language and Learning (FL3) Center. 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 Hands & Voices 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.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from Hands & Voices .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Hands & Voices .
Nature: I am employed by Hands & Voices and we be paid for my time presenting and attending the conference. .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.