Call for Submissions

We are seeking submissions for the next issue of Odyssey. A strong correlation exists between early identification and intervention services and successful outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing children. We recognize that families face challenges in learning all they need to know about their children's hearing loss in order to support their linguistic and cognitive development, something that is paramount to all future learning and to successful education outcomes for all children. We also know that families continue to need support throughout their children's years in school, and recognize that programs and resources may vary from state to state and from school to school.

For the next issue of Odyssey, we would like you to share with the nation your stories of success in early intervention and outreach. Our goal is to help families, schools, and other agencies learn about programs and strategies that have been effective in helping deaf and hard of hearing children and their families. Possible topics might include the following:

• How your state's outreach program identifies and assists families of deaf and hard of hearing babies and toddlers with access services
• How your state's outreach program supports families of older students
• How the IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) process in your school works and how it supports the whole family's needs
• Your experience, as a parent, in getting information about your child's hearing loss as well as finding and receiving services for your child and for your whole family
• Your experience as an educator or professional in working with preschool-age or younger deaf and hard of hearing children and their families to promote language development

Additionally, some families of deaf and hard of hearing children face special challenges in getting the information and support they need. This includes those children who live in rural areas, who have additional disabilities, who are members of minority groups, and/or who come from homes where English either is not spoken or is not the first language. We especially welcome articles describing experiences and successes in working with these student populations in early intervention programming.

Please e-mail your ideas to Odyssey@gallaudet.edu. We also welcome shorter news stories about programs, activities, and educators or other professionals who have had an impact on deaf and hard of hearing students. Contact us via e-mail at any time with questions or to discuss your ideas.