2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM | A Parent’s Perspective: Addressing Common Concerns and Sharing Strategies to Build Self-Confidence | City Terrace 8
A Parent’s Perspective: Addressing Common Concerns and Sharing Strategies to Build Self-Confidence
Raising a child with a hearing difference brings unique joys, challenges and questions that can feel overwhelming for many families. Additionally, parents may experience feelings of grief, fear, worry and guilt. In this presentation, two parents of Deaf and hard of hearing children will share their personal experiences navigating early concerns, communication decisions, and the journey toward fostering confidence and self-advocacy in their children. Natasha is a parent of three boys, including a child with Microtia and Atresia who has over 15 years of experience working with families of Deaf and hard of hearing children. Amy is a parent of seven children, including three who are Deaf and hard of hearing, and has 3 years of experience supporting families raising children with hearing differences. Drawing from their lived experiences and professional backgrounds, the presenters will offer practical strategies for addressing common worries- such as social inclusion, language development, educational and future opportunities, and identity formation- and for nurturing self-esteem and resilience.
- Participants will gain insight, reassurance, and tangible approaches to help their children thrive both at home and in the world.
- Participants will gain practical strategies for building confidence and self-advocacy in their children at school, in the community and with peers.
- Participants will understand of the value of accessible communication to support their child’s developing self-esteem and will gain perspectives on practical use of multiple modes of communication including ASL and spoken language.
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
Natasha Rich
(Primary Presenter), FL Dept of Health, trentrich@bellsouth.net;
Natasha Rich is a parent of a child with Microtia and Atresia and conductive hearing loss. She is a strong advocate for families. Ms. Rich has 25 years’ experience providing early intervention services and over 15 years working as a Parent Advocate for families of children with hearing differences. Ms. Rich has worked with Florida's early intervention program, FSDB and with the FL EHDI program.
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.
Amy Reilly
(Co-Presenter), Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, reillya@fsdbk12.org;
Amy Reilly is a mother of seven children between the ages of 5-22 years old. Three of her children are deaf and hard of hearing, using both cochlear implants and hearing aids for amplification. Her family uses a blend of mostly spoken language and some ASL to communicate. Professionally, Amy has worked the last three years as a Parent Leader with the FL School for the Deaf and the Blind, offering peer support for families of deaf and hard of hearing children. Amy brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional insight to her work.
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.