Idaho State University Takes Action to Combat Shortage of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialists
Idaho State University (ISU) is positioning itself at the forefront of addressing the nationwide shortage of qualified professionals who specialize in serving children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). This initiative is supported by two competitive awards from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), which have enabled the establishment of the Idaho Hearing Education and Aural Rehabilitation (IHEAR) program. Launched in 2023, the program aims to train the next generation of experts in fields including speech-language pathology, audiology, and special education with an emphasis on family-centered early intervention.
The IHEAR program has set a goal of preparing 42 graduate-level providers. So far, two audiologists and one speech-language pathologist have completed the program, actively serving pediatric patients in Meridian and Pocatello, Idaho. Currently, there are 24 students enrolled across various disciplines, participating in courses offered both on ISU’s Meridian and Pocatello campuses and through online courses available nationwide. As a progressive step, ISU has proposed a new certificate program linked to IHEAR, which is currently pending approval, in an effort to further alleviate the shortage of specialized providers in this crucial area.
A distinctive element of the IHEAR program is its comprehensive approach to integrating family experiences into professional training. Recognizing that early intervention can significantly impact a child’s development, the program strives to equip future specialists with the necessary skills to understand family dynamics and priorities. This integration is augmented through a partnership with ISU’s Helping Adults Talk to Children (HATCH) Family Support Services. The collaboration affords students practical experience by connecting them with families undergoing newborn hearing screenings and follow-up care.
Testimonies from families like that of Emily, a mother of a 3-year-old with a hearing difference, highlight the transformative impact the IHEAR program has had on their lives. Emily reflects on the support her family has received, emphasizing the program’s role in fostering knowledge and confidence for advocating for her daughter. Similarly, Colene Letterle, a grandmother caring for a profoundly deaf child, praised the program for its supportive environment and its emphasis on research-backed practices for interacting with DHH children. Her experience illustrates the mutual benefits of the program, highlighting how it not only supports children but enriches the educational experience of ISU students.
To ensure broad access to these essential services, HATCH has developed innovative strategies that extend beyond geographic limitations. A notable initiative is the Lantern HEAR text-based messaging service, executed in partnership with the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This initiative, which recently received the esteemed ASAE Summit Award, provides families with free resources and information related to hearing concerns, supported by a network of experts in the field.
Through these initiatives, Idaho State University is not only addressing a pivotal shortage of qualified DHH specialists but also ensuring that families receive invaluable support, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for children with hearing differences.
