Noted Researcher, Author Highlight New Research in the Field
WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 2, 2015 – Featuring brain research that is changing the way professionals work with children who are deaf and hard of hearing, The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) will hold its 2015 AG Bell Listening and Spoken Language Symposium (LSL), July 9-11 in Baltimore, Maryland at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. The theme of the conference is "The Brain Science of Hearing: Connecting New Pathways to Spoken Language.”
Looking at the brain science of hearing, Lydia Denworth, author of the book I Can Hear You Whisper: An Intimate Journey through the Science of Sound and Language will discuss why professionals who want to support a child with hearing loss must understand what goes on in the brain. She will weave together her personal story, the history and science in her book and the latest research in a July 10 general session.
Focused on the relationship between phonological and auditory processing and brain organization in beginning readers, Ken Pugh, president and director of research at Haskins Laboratories, a Yale University and University of Connecticut affiliated interdisciplinary institute, dedicated to the investigation of the biological bases of language, will be the July 11 general session speaker. Pugh will discuss the brain pathways used in reading and how this can be applied to participants who work with children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
"When early auditory input is compromised by the presence of hearing loss, the consequences on brain development can be staggering. However, with early educational and technological intervention, the highly plastic brain of a young child can achieve optimal outcomes. This conference is designed to translate this new research into practice," said Jenna Voss, AG Bell LSL Symposium chair and assistant professor at Fontbonne University.
In addition to these two general session speakers, AG Bell and Johns Hopkins Listening Center will host a joint reception to celebrate the work and contributions of J. Tilak Ratnanather, D.Phil., recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Ratnanather is an associate research professor at Johns Hopkins University Department of Biomedical Engineering. He has recruited and mentored an unprecedented number of individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing around the world into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. He is a noted expert in mapping the brain of patients with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
In addition to the award reception, AG Bell will host a special reception for conference attendees from 14 other countries to support worldwide collaboration in advancing listening and spoken language.
About the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive. With chapters located in the United States and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell supports its mission: Advancing Listening and Spoken Language for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Visit www.agbell.org.
