U.S. Depts. of Ed. and HHS Release Joint Letter on EDHI and IDEA part C Programs

The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services released a joint colleague letter to address critical gaps in service for deaf or hard of hearing infants and toddlers. The letter encourages increased collaboration between state Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C early intervention programs.

Despite success in achieving near-universal newborn hearing screening, with 96 percent of all infants in the United States being screened for hearing loss by one month of age, significant gaps remain, including timely diagnostic audiological evaluations, referral to IDEA Part C for eligibility determinations, and loss to follow-up after not passing an initial EHDI hearing screening. 

To read the full letter and learn what collaborative efforts are highlighted, click here.

Paralympics Begin Today: Television Coverage with Audio Description for Viewers Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision and More Accessibility Features

Today marks the opening of the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, which will continue through September 8, 2024. The Games will feature more than 20 sports, including two geared specifically for athletes who are blind or have low vision, goalball and blind football. For fans who are visually impaired, audio description will be available on all Paralympics live coverage. In Paris, an estimated 280,000 visitors are expected to be attending the games in person. Organizers have introduced “a few innovative services that will also mark a few firsts for the Paralympics.” Those attending events in person who are blind or have low vision will be able to “follow the action” with Touch2See, a tactile tablet offering a “live-action, immersive experience.” Audio descriptions will be offered through headsets, as well as low vision headsets to zoom in on the action.

For more coverage information, click here.

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The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and support families, and inform and involve professionals interested in the healthy development and education of children and youth.

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Learn from families like yours who are making a difference in their communities for children and

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