2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Early Childhood Access to Language Acquisition Services in Arizona | City Terrace 7
Early Childhood Access to Language Acquisition Services in Arizona
This project examined the availability, usage, and gaps in language development services for young children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) in Arizona, aiming to inform community-based strategies that improve access and equity. Conducted in two phases, the investigation explored both primary modalities of language acquisition: Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) and American Sign Language (ASL).
Phase I, completed in 2024, focused on LSL. Surveys showed that 63% of parents used LSL as their child’s primary communication approach, while 35% used a combination of LSL and signing. Although many professionals applied auditory-verbal or auditory-oral techniques, few held formal LSL certification. Importantly, 86% of professionals expressed interest in obtaining LSL training, indicating potential for workforce development.
Phase II, completed in 2025, centered on ASL. Parent responses revealed that 68% used both signing and speaking with their children. However, more than half of providers had not taken an ASL proficiency assessment. Providers emphasized the need for more native signers, better access to training, and greater employment flexibility. Both phases revealed significant service gaps outside urban centers, limiting access to both LSL and ASL resources.
- Identify current language acquisition methods and service gaps for young DHH children in Arizona.
- Assess provider training, certification, and workforce needs in LSL and ASL modalities.
- Recommend community-based approaches to improve equitable access to language development resources statewide.
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
Wendy Steuerwald
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Phoenix Children's Hospital, wsteuerwald@phoenixchildrens.com;
Wendy Steuerwald, AuD, is the Director of Audiology at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She works with hospital leadership and audiologists to create an environment where exceptional patient care is the norm. This includes use of evidence based practice, process improvement initiatives, expansion of services offered, the addition of new locations, and hiring the best audiologists. Wendy’s overall focus is to improve the patient’s experience within audiology while providing evidence based care. Professional leadership includes committee work with the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language Hearing Association, and multiple state organizations. Wendy also has numerous presentations and publications. Local committee work includes participation in the interdisciplinary Stop CMV AZ partnership.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Nature: financial.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Kendra Benedict
(Primary Presenter,Co-Author), Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, kendra.benedict@asdb.az.gov;
Dr. Kendra Benedict is an experienced leader in the education of children who are deaf/hard of hearing. As the statewide director of the Early Learning Program under the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB), she is responsible for the oversight of the deliverly of IDEA Part C and B services to children from birth to age five who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, and deafblind since 2019. With 30 years of experience in the field, Dr. Benedict has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with disabilities throughout their lives. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Arizona, a B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Northern Arizona University, and both principal and teacher certifications from the State of Arizona.
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.
Najwa Ghattas
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), Phoenix Children's, nghattas@phoenixchildrens.com;
Najwa Ghattas is the Cochlear Implant Program Coordinator for Phoenix Children’s. As a mother of 2 children with a bilateral sensorineural profound hearing loss and bilateral cochlear implants, she has the lived experience to support the unique needs of this population. Najwa holds a Post Baccalaureate in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with .
Nature: .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Cheryl DeConde Johnson
(Author,Co-Author), ADEvantage consulting, cdj1951@gmail.com;
Cheryl DeConde Johnson, Ed.D., provides consulting services for educational audiology and deaf education specializing in program evaluation and development and state deaf education service delivery and accountability systems through her practice, The ADE vantage. Previously she provided technical assistance and leadership in audiology and deaf education as a state consultant with the Colorado Department of Education. Cheryl has also been employed as a school-based audiologist, an early intervention provider, and a coordinator of a public school program serving deaf and hard of hearing students. She currently holds adjunct faculty appointments at the University of Arizona and Salus University. Cheryl is a co-founder and member of the Board of Directors for Hands & Voices. Cheryl has many publications including co-author of the Educational Audiology Handbook, 3rd Ed., and provides workshops and consultation worldwide.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -