EHDI 2019
Chicago was COLD!
This year’s
National Early Hearing Detection and Intervention conference was held in
Chicago. Let me tell you that it was COLD in the Windy City, especially for
this southern girl from Georgia! Temperatures were in the single digits, and we
could see our breath as soon as we walked off the plane and onto the gangway
into the airport. We had a fabulous group to travel with, including some of our
Parent Guides, ASTra Advocates, our H&V Board President and even a Georgia
Pines Early Intervention Specialist. After checking in, we headed out into the
COLD for lunch, and were lucky enough to get the shuttle driver to drop us off
close to our restaurant. However, we had to use foot power to get us back to
the hotel. It was so COLD that we decided to double time it back and I think we
made the 15-minute walk in less than 10.
Did I
mention that Chicago was COLD?!? I think when I look back on that trip being
“COLD” will be one of the things that stands out to me, so that will be my
theme for describing this whirlwind of a conference. You may have figured that
out by now 😊. Here are the COLD things that I took
home from the conference:
Caring
Optimism
Laughter
Determination
Caring: Beyond the chilly temperatures, and
in the confines of the beautiful (and warm) hotel, the Conference got kicked
off with a great reception that evening. Catching up with old friends and
mingling with new ones was such fun. The local H&V chapter hosted an
incredible parent gathering that evening as well, and I think there were
probably more than 100 parents in attendance! It was amazing to hear the
stories from each family, hear about their journeys, challenges and successes. I
have to say that I am moved to tears each time we have parent gatherings. The strength
and understanding that we can give one another never ceases to tug at my heart.
I’m so thankful to be part of such a caring, loving community of parents who
all share a love for someone who is D/HH.
Optimism: One of the focuses of our ASTra
program is engaging families who are transitioning from early intervention into
preschool. I attended several sessions that taught about this ever-important
transition period. There was some great information in the sessions, but what
makes me so optimistic for our transitioning families in Georgia is the
phenomenal collaboration between our stakeholders. At the Georgia Stakeholders
meeting we had EHDI coordinators, early interventionists from GA Pines, Hands
& Voices Guides and Advocates, and wide range of professionals around the
state whose purpose is to enhance the lives of our children with hearing
differences. Listening to each person describe what was working in their own
job, what we can improve upon, and then brainstorming ideas to work together to
make services and supports even better was truly amazing to me. I left the
meeting feeling very optimistic about the working relationships in our state. Great
things are continuing to come for our children!
Laughter: Well, there was a LOT of laughing
going on at EHDI this year. Its wonderful when you work with a group of people
who you truly like and respect. Although the days were packed with information,
we still made time to enjoy each other’s company and made some new friends as
well. I have to say I probably laughed the most during the Dad’s panel Lunch,
which was also hosted by H&V. I always look forward to panel discussions
involving Dads, because they have such a unique (and funny) perspective on life
and this journey we all share.
Determination: I heard from and met professionals
who are dedicated and on-fire for our children. I believe there were about 1000
people attending the conference this year. That’s a lot of determined people
committed to ensuring positive outcomes for people who are Deaf or Hard of
Hearing. As a community, we are a force to be reckoned with! Another favorite
session I attended included college students who are also D/HH. Hearing their
stories, you could feel their determination to have the lives they choose for
themselves. They inspired me to dream big for my own daughter! The best quote
of the whole conference was given by one of the students to a mom who was
having to continuously fight for her child in school. She gave her some tips
and ended with “Don’t give up! Be that mom from hell.” So, if you’re reading
this post, and you’re feeling tired, or down, or just plain frustrated, listen to
the words of this very wise young woman, and “Don’t give up!”
Also, you
might want to steer clear of Chicago in early March, because its COLD there!
-Vicki
Hilpp, Sr. ASTra Advocate and lover of all things warm 😊
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