2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Engaging Families in Developmental Evaluations: Collaborative Strategies for Early Intervention Providers | City Terrace 8
Engaging Families in Developmental Evaluations: Collaborative Strategies for Early Intervention Providers
Developmental screenings and evaluations are essential for identifying delays and initiating timely early intervention services for infants and young children. This session addresses a critical gap: ensuring evaluations are culturally responsive and centered on family engagement.
Participants will explore how family-centered practices can strengthen coordination and communication between early intervention providers and families, especially during the evaluation process. Through interactive activities, case-based learning, and guided reflection, attendees will examine strategies that help providers gather meaningful, well-rounded information to support accurate developmental assessments.
The session will highlight tools and approaches used in developmental screening, including observational methods, family interviews, coaching models, and collaborative evaluation planning. While family input is essential, it may not always capture the full scope of a child’s skills or behaviors. Some assessment tools are norm-referenced to typically developing hearing children in specific age groups. As a result, certain assessments may not be designed to meet the unique needs of all children, which can lead to results that underestimate a child’s abilities—especially when only a single evaluation session is used.
Drawing on Malcolm Gladwell’s sociological insights from Blink, the session will explore how first impressions—formed quickly and often unconsciously—can shape perceptions and outcomes during the earliest stages of engagement. This is especially important at the single point of entry into the EHDI system, where families begin their journey and providers set the tone for future collaboration.
Designed for early interventionists, educators, audiologists, and program administrators, this session will provide participants with a personalized action plan and practical resources to strengthen developmental screening and evaluation practices through inclusive, respectful, and family-centered approaches.
- Describe three strategies for ensuring developmental evaluations are culturally responsive and family-centered.
- Identify at least two limitations of single-session or norm-referenced developmental assessment tools discussed in the session.
- Develop a personalized action plan for strengthening family engagement and collaboration during the early intervention evaluation process.
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
Gretchen Cobb
(Primary Presenter), Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind, gretchen.cobb@ade.arkansas.gov;
After graduating with Bachelor of Science in Deaf Education, a Master of Arts in Literature and a Doctor of Philosophy in English Composition and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), I spent 27 years in a variety of public-school and college classrooms, a mental health facility, and residential schools for the Deaf. In 2021, I moved into the role of Director of Statewide Services, the Early Intervention program at Arkansas School for the Deaf. Also, beginning in June of 2023, I served as Interim Superintendent of Arkansas School for the Deaf for a year. Now that I am back in my position with the Early Intervention team, I am reminded that as an advocate, supporter, and educator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and their families, I believe that all children should have access to high-quality services and supports to become effective communicators who are educated, motivated, and independent.
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.