2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Nurturing Connections: A Family Support Activities Guide | Orlando
Nurturing Connections: A Family Support Activities Guide
This presentation, "Nurturing Connections: A Family Support Activities Guide," provides participants with an in-depth exploration of intentional family engagement and support within Family-based organizations and EHDI programs. The session will outline evidence-based strategies, inclusive activities, and relevant community resources designed to foster environments supportive of family learning, well-being, and development. Attendees will be equipped with practical guidance on utilizing this tool to promote positive outcomes for families, newly navigating the experience of raising a child who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
This session is intended for those aiming to enhance their program’s support structures and/or empower families through actionable information. It serves as a foundation for nurturing meaningful connections and improving the delivery of family support services.
In addition to comprehensive information about the Family Support Activities Guide, resources will be provided to assist EHDI programs, Family-based Organizations, and other stakeholders in assessing the effectiveness of family support services.
- Identify effective strategies to foster meaningful family engagement and support within the context of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs in order to reach their family support objectives.
- Demonstrate how collaborative family support activities can enhance learning outcomes, promote well-being, and strengthen knowledge for families navigating the EHDI and Early Intervention journey.
- Explore practical tools and resources that empower families and professionals to nurture resilient connections and advocate for optimal family learning outcomes.
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
Lisa Kovacs
(Primary Presenter), 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.
Carrie Balian
(Co-Presenter), 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.