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MRDD Caucus Summary
2008 OSLHA Convention
 

MRDD Caucus Summary – March 8, 2008

Christina Yeager, MRDD Professional Practice Representative

Thank you to everyone who attended the MR/DD Caucus at the 2008 Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention.  The information shared and contacts made with other professionals in the state are invaluable. 

At the Caucus, four main topics were discussed: bilingual/ESL services delivery, communication and networking, Part C changes in November, and AAC funding.  The bullets following each topic summarize additional information and questions that were discussed at the Caucus:

• Bilingual/ESL services delivery
  • What does bilingual/ESL services delivery look like in counties in Ohio?
    • Based on the discussion at the Caucus, it appears that service delivery looks different in each county in the state.
  • What resources are being used throughout the state?
    • This varied among participants.  Participants indicated that they would like additional information provided by OSLHA.
  • What assessment guidelines are being used to determine if the child has a delay or a disorder?
    • This was an area of concern for some SLPs attending the Caucus.  Many indicated that they were relying on information from parents to determine if the child has deficits in their first language.
  • Are professionals in the state working with interpreters?  Is it feasible to have translators present at each evaluation and therapy appointment?
    • Many participants indicated that this is not feasible at this time because of the shortage of professionals who speak multiple languages.
• What can OSLHA do related to Bilingual/ESL services delivery?
  • Communicate with OSLHA’s newly formed Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Committee and develop answers to these important questions
  • Develop guidelines/recommendations for SLPs when working with individuals within this populations (i.e. interpreters, services in various counties, assessment)
• Communication and networking
  • Can professionals email Christina and post questions through an online forum?
    • YES, emails may be sent to individuals interested in MR/DD issues
  • Professionals may submit articles for the Communication Matters newsletter that communicate information to others
  • Is there a consistent qualifying ‘score’ or criteria for children between the ages of three and five?
    • School systems determine if children qualify for services
  • What do assessments for children birth to three look like?
    • Typically, contracted teams complete evaluations.  This may include an EI specialist (developmental) and one other person who is knowledgeable in field (communication – SLP, motor – PT, medically fragile – nurse).
• Part C changes in November
  • Consistency of information between the Ohio Department of Health and Federal government (compliance agreement)
  • It was indicated that the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and the Battelle Developmental Inventory are going to be used as the primary assessment measures
    • Do they adjust for prematurity?
      • Yes, the Bayley adjusts for prematurity.
    • What is required to qualify for services?
    • Who is administering these assessments? 
      • Contracted teams – EI specialist (developmental) and one other person knowledgeable in field (communication – SLP, motor – PT, medically fragile – nurse)?
  • How does this information contribute to equality if different counties use different tests and a child moves?
• What can OSLHA do in regard to Part C changes?
  • Provide information about Part C changes as well as the names of individuals to contact for EI technical support when questions arise, especially related to compliance/non-compliance issues
• AAC funding
  • What can professionals do if the applications are delayed and/or denied?
    • Ginger provided the contact information for Kim Hale: 740-664-3655

Again, a big thank you to Ginger O’Connor and all Caucus participants!  Please contact me with questions!