Whether online or in person, my goal is to use a combination of personal perspective as an audiologist and late-deafened adult, technology savvy, knowledge of resources and audience interaction to deliver information in an engaging and informative matter. I love to use pictures and personal examples in my talks and leave my audience with resources to access after the presentation is done. All of these presentations can be tailored to specific audiences – educators (special ed and regular ed), audiologists, parents, students, adults who are deaf/hard of hearing, etc. Some of them can be combined depending on content and time allotment. Presentations and titles can also be modified to specific themes (e.g., super-hear-oes!). I can present in spoken English or ASL. Below are some of the topics that I present about and their suggested lengths, though they can be adjusted. I am also open to developing trainings on topics not listed below.
I am also available for consultation in preparation for an event (e.g., meeting, webinar, live performance) as well as acting as a host/co-host/moderator to facilitate an event.
Click here to Contact Me to discuss!
For a printable copy of my Topics and Descriptions, please download here:
- Accessibility options on iOS and Android devices
- Best practices for accessible videoconferencing
- Can you R-E-A-D me now?
- Apps
- Assistive Technology
- Life as a Deaf Audiologist and Advocacy
- Travel Tips for D/HH individuals
- Emergency Preparedness and Home Safety for D/HH Individuals
- Transition – life after high school
- Transition – early childhood through high school and beyond
- Online resources and making connections
- Cochlear Implants
- Accessing the Arts
- Hearing Loss Basics
- Simple Language for Complex Topics
- Hearing Loss Inservice Ideas
- What if I don’t have an educational audiologist?
Accessibility options on iOS and Android devices (1-2 hours)
It seems like every few months, we get a notification for a new operating system (OS) upgrade to our iOS or Android mobile devices. With these upgrades often come security patches and/or new features. There have been quite a few new accessibility features related to DHH individuals lately and they have been happening on both platforms. We will discuss not only the native accessibility options available on iOS and Android but also specific apps that can facilitate communication and access. Bring your device(s) and let’s look around! Make sure your device has the newest update!
Best practices for accessible videoconferencings (1-2 hours)
With the transition to online learning in education and telecommuting and videoconferencing in the business world, it’s important to know how to make these events accessible for individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH). I can talk in general terms or talk specifically about the platforms that you use. We will discuss options for integrating ASL interpreters and captioners into your event, as well as planning for contingencies. Resources at http://bit.ly/TinaChildressResources will be shared.
Can you R-E-A-D me now? (1 hour [overview] to 3 hour interactive workshop)
Numerous options have emerged in the field of automated captioning – similar terms include Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Individuals who are DHH are using this technology to help with understanding when people are using masks. They can also benefit from this technology in short exchanges, informal settings and as a back-up to captioning by a human captioner on videocalls or podcasts. We will discuss Use Cases, how to use the different tools and resources such as http://bit.ly/SpeechToTextOptions will be shared.
Apps (2 hours [overview] to half day interactive workshop)
We’ll discuss topics such as where to look for apps, what features are good for individuals who are D/HH and demonstrate some of my favorite apps. I also enjoy the opportunity to answer individual questions for finding apps for specific uses. All of these apps can be found on my App Lists (http://bit.ly/Apps4HL-iOS and http://bit.ly/Apps4HL-Android). Attendees are encouraged to bring their portable devices to follow along.
Assistive Technology (1.5-3 hours)
Due to the ever-changing nature of technology, it is often difficult to keep up with all of the new and exciting ways to connect with assistive technology. This is my passion and I am constantly reading about, researching and trying different technologies in an effort to share the information with people who might consider themselves technology-challenged or are looking for novel options to connect with the world around them. My goal is to describe and demonstrate how assistive technology can help us beyond just our personal amplification.
Life as a Deaf Audiologist and Advocacy (1-2 hours)
There are scores of DHH audiologists around the world, but I don’t know very many who grew up with normal hearing and then became deaf like me. In this retrospective and introspective presentation, I talk about what it was like as a former hearing person who experienced a rapidly progressive hearing loss, lessons I’ve learned and the passion I’ve discovered for advocacy and sharing information. This is a popular topic for keynote presentations.
Travel Tips for D/HH individuals (1-2 hours)
They don’t teach you this in school! Whether by plane, train or automobile, there are issues that individuals who are DHH need to consider when traveling. Do I need to do anything special when I go through a metal detector at the airport? What are my safety options in hotel rooms? We will discuss tools and strategies in a variety of situations including lodging. I am a seasoned traveler who often travels alone and will have several experiences to share.
Emergency Preparedness and Home Safety for D/HH Individuals (1-2 hours)
Being aware and informed in the event of an emergency is often difficult for DHH individuals due to access to information. This workshop will discuss various options to access information, suggestions for equipment and possible sources of funding. This topic can be tailored to school-age children and their families and/or adults.
Transition – life after high school (1-2 hours)
As students who are D/HH prepare for finishing out their high school career, there are issues that they face that are unique to their situation. Self-advocacy goals often start in elementary school but there are some issues that need to be specifically addressed in high school such as financial aid, making contact with disability services in post-secondary settings, using assistive technology as well as accommodation options and when to start them.
Transition – early childhood through high school and beyond (1-2 hours)
As our students go through the various ages and stages, they are expected to have increased responsibilities in terms of equipment maintenance and use and advocacy skills. Can a preschooler use an ear-level system? Should an elementary school student be able to put in their own earmold for their hearing aid? What do high schoolers need to think about before they graduate? Let’s discuss!
Online resources and making connections (1-2 hours)
I have my feet in both worlds – as a professional and as a consumer. I’ve come to realize that there is so much value in being able to connect with others with hearing loss whether in person at a support group or in an online community. We’ll discuss advocacy groups and resources for a variety of populations and where to find them.
Cochlear implants (1.5-2 hours)
This presentation can be a very basic overview of how cochlear implants work or more advanced as we talk about connectivity. I have also presented this topic to interpreters who attend audiology appointments for clients – examples of ASL signs for this terminology is discussed. Multiple resources to explore later will be provided. I love talking about this topic and providing my personal and professional experiences.
Accessing the Arts (1-2 hours)
This presentation will give an overview of accessibility options available in cultural spaces such as ASL interpreters, Assistive Listening Devices and more recently captioning. We will also discuss advocacy strategies to encourage venues to be more inclusive if these accommodations are not provided.
Hearing Loss Basics (1.5-2 hours)
Having a good foundation for understanding how hearing loss is diagnosed, treated and impacts communication is essential for families, adults and professionals. This interactive presentation is an excellent opportunity to (re)learn some of these concepts.
Simple Language for Complex Topics (1.5-2 hours)
Have you ever been at a loss for words for explaining an audiogram? Do you see parents’ or other teachers’ eyes glaze over when you’re trying to explain how equipment works and why it’s so important? The purpose of this workshop is to not only provide you with a refresher and update for contemporary topics in audiology and deaf education but provide you with tools to explain it in everyday terms when you can’t come up with the words yourself. If there’s a concept that you’re stuck on, be sure to jot it down so we can discuss!
Hearing Loss Inservice Ideas (1.5-2 hours)
There are many resources already out there! What’s your favorite? Maybe you’ll learn a new one at this presentation. We will discuss and demonstrate a variety of inservice ideas for families, adults and professionals.
What if I don’t have an Educational Audiologist? (1-2 hours)
Unfortunately, there are areas all over the U.S. that only have minimal, if ANY, support from an educational audiologist. Who selects, maintains and sends Hearing Assistive Technology (e.g., FM/DM) in for repair…what is within YOUR scope of practice? Where do students go for audiological evaluations with a focus on the educational impact of hearing loss? How do you keep track of changes in technology? As an Outreach Trainer, I have visited many schools that have varying degrees of support – learn about what you need to know, maybe even something new, and you will definitely feel empowered with resources!
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