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Massachusetts Commissionfor the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Roberta J. PerryLead Case Manager/Children Specialist
June 10, 2013
MCDHH
• Established in1986 by Massachusetts General Law
• Focal point within the Commonwealth for Deaf, Late Deafened and Hard of Hearing adults and children
• Principal agency providing leadership, education, advocacy and direct services
• Mission: to empower Deaf, Late Deafened and Hard of Hearing individuals and their families to receive equitable opportunities in ALL aspects of society
• National model for other states
Interpreter/CART Referral Services
State registry for Interpreters and CART [Communication Access Realtime Translation]
Matches freelance and/or staff interpreters and CART providers with requests
Conducts screenings for individuals seeking to provide interpreter services
Communication Access, Training & Technology Services
Information Resources
Information and support on Assistive Technology
Publications and Resource Library
Trainings, Presentations, Exhibits and Demonstration Center
Case Management
Provide a wide range of services to adults and children with hearing loss
Service plan development Cross-agency service coordination Communication advocacy Education and information
Provide assistance to state, public and privateagencies in implementing procedures toenhance service delivery to Deaf, LateDeafened and Hard of Hearing individuals, aswell as, ensuring communication
Children Specialists
Positions created in 1999
Support Newborn Hearing Screening Law enacted1998
Specialized positions to work with families and agencies in meeting communication, developmental and educational needs of children diagnosed with hearing loss
Children Specialists cont.
Staffed by professionals with expertise in hearing loss and match communication needs for deaf and hard of hearing
Provide technical assistance to Early Intervention and Educational programs regarding the communication needs and cultural perspectives of Deaf and hard of hearing children
Children Specialists cont.
Provide parent education and objective information relative to the effects of hearing loss at birth, during childhood and the teenage years
Provide comprehensive coordination of care from birth until high school graduation or 22 years of age
Assist parents in working with other agencies
Children Specialists cont.
Identify strategies for: appropriate usage of hearing aids
assistive listening devices and hearing aids
alerting and signaling devices
medical procedures
communication and language development
co-existing medical diagnoses
Children Specialists cont.
Provide advocacy and support to families and agencies in the development and utilization of service plans
Consult with and educate other service providers about the special needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing
Children Specialists cont.
Provide information and referral to specialized services for:
speech and language
ear/nose/throat
psycho-educational evaluation and testing
mental health
Children Specialists cont.
Assist families with transition out of Early Intervention at age 3
Provide information, preparation and facilitation around eligibility for special education services
CHILDREN SPECIALISTS/SERVICE AREAS
Northeast/Boston RegionMelissa Adams 617-740-1659
Southeast RegionDiane Crouse 617-740-1652
Central RegionTerri Pancare 508-860-4007
Western RegionRoberta Perry 413-886-0517
