Language & Communication
Appropriate Practices
Culturally and Linguistic Appropriateness
Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Practices
Future Opportunities
100
I learned that it is really important to be aware of words I use and its possible impact. This knowledge has inspired me to aim to use positive words and to educate others on this. Examples include: "opportunities" instead of "options" and "journey" instead of "grieving" to name a couple. This has been a constant reminder throughout the entire year in each classes, and I had the opportunity to practice my word usage in all of my online discussions and presentations.
What have you learned in regarding of word choice in this field?
100
Before getting involved with the ITF program, my strength was on K-12 deaf children and my weakness was educational knowledge and experience with infants, toddlers, and their families. This program helped me have a better understanding of what IDEA's Part C and IFSP is which I had no clue about before. Now that I have great understanding of this, I will be able to educate families on their rights in the process of IFSP (and IEP)!
What was new that you learned about from ITF program?
100
The ITF program has encouraged cultural and diversity awareness and sensitivity. Each course has incorporated diversity and cultural considerations. I have read many different articles and chapters on families and diversity. An example would be our readings from Hanson and Lynch's 'Understanding Families: Approaches to Diversity, Disability and Risk' book (published in 2004). With this awareness and sensitivity, I will be able to recognize and understand families' strengths and resources.
What has the ITF program encouraged in cultural and linguistic appropriateness?
100
The interdisciplinary approach is absolutely what I believe in as it is a team from various background working together to best effectively provide services to families. This approach includes and involves families as a part of the team which is what I like about this approach very much rather than the traditional approach where professionals "serve families", making it overwhelming for them.
What do you like about the interdisciplinary approach?
100
I want to continue to make allies, and to contact the state I move to's state champions, to get myself familiarized with that state's EHDI system. With that, I want to get myself involved at the local (state) level with their early intervention services.
What is your plan now that you are at the end of your certificate program?
200
I was able to demonstrate my interpersonal communication skills and interactions with families and other professionals at the conferences I attended (Early Hearing Detection Intervention Conference and National Counselors of the Deaf Association Conference), at my practicum and internship sites. I was also given the opportunity to do a couple of home visits during my internship with the school's early intervention specialists. On these visits, I was able to practice my communication skills among families as well as during families gatherings/events on campus.
Where have you practiced your communication skills among families and other professionals?
200
ITF has helped me see how important Family-Centered practices are. I learned the significance of family relationships, collaboration and empowerment. I have read evidence-based studies on family-centered practices. One example is Luckner & Velaski, 2004's factors contributing to a healthy family with a child who is deaf. These factors include: Commitment to the family, Learning to sign with their child, Support from extended family, friends, and community, Support from professionals working at the educational program and High expectations for their deaf/hard of hearing child.
What has ITF taught you about Family-Centered practices?
200
This program has helped me recognize the great need of social change in early intervention programs and in deaf/hard of hearing infants, toddlers and their families. As I went through the program, I encountered new information and new experiences (meeting my classmates, having many wonderful deep discussions, my capstone project, to name a few). These exposures is a way for me to increase my skills as a social change agent which will be a life long process that I desire to continue.
How has this program contributed to your being a social change agent?
200
I have learned that often missing from this collaboration are deaf professionals and I would love to be this addition to a interdisciplinary team. I will also bring my knowledge, skills and experience that I have learned from this program as well as my graduate studies in School Counseling to the team. On top of all this, I want ensure families are involved.
How do you see yourself contributing to the interdisciplinary and collaborative practice?
200
I am still not confident in assessment use, and in my knowledge of curriculum to use. In order to feel more comfortable in this area, I will want to practice assessments hands-on and to take training in curriculum (especially the SKI-HI curriculum).
What do you want to familiarize yourself with that you are not satisfied with?
300
I have learned from the ITF program that it is okay to have bias about language preference. However with my bias, I must be respectful and mindful of other language preferences. I also learned that it is best to use evidence based research to support language and communication opportunities rather than use my own personal opinions. Along with this, it is important to keep in mind that there is no "one size fits all".
What can you do with your language bias?
300
I have inherited the "Deaf-Gain" values as a deaf individual, coming from a deaf family that cherishes deaf culture. However, the ITF program has given me new knowledge of evidence-based practices to support my current values, which I can use in my profession, especially on values of deaf culture, the deaf community and ASL.
How did ITF help you in valuing "Deaf-Gain" Perspectives?
300
There are different possible challenges that families with diverse backgrounds and experience may face, including: deaf identities/multicultural identities, cross-cultural communication, values about family structure, and health benefits to name a few.
What possible challenges families with diverse backgrounds and experiences may face that you can identify?
300
I learned the difference between traditional and interdisciplinary approaches in the first course. I was given the opportunity to interview a couple families and learned from them that this is the approach that they would prefer. It was nice for me to see the connection between my learning and the families' experience/feelings. This was also part of my presentation at a conference. By teaching and explaining these strategies, I have instilled a deeper and better understanding of this collaborative practice.
Where do you feel like you have learned strategies for implementing effective interdisciplinary and collaborative practices?
300
I believe I need more opportunities to network and to make allies. I think this is a lifelong process. Just like how everyday is a learning experience, everyday is also an opportunity to meet allies.
What skill areas do you believe you need more opportunities to develop?
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