|
|
|
|
|
|
| Gallaudet > Clerc Center > Sharing Ideas > Cochlear Implants and Sign Language...Conference Proceedings > Closing Comments | search | site index |
 A Summary of the Discussion Groups Conference Highlights: Emerging Issues Closing Comments |
Cochlear Implants and Sign Language: Putting It All Together(Identifying Effective Practices for Educational Settings)April 11-12, 2002 Conference Proceedings
|
|
Closing CommentsBy Dr. Katherine A. Jankowski, Interim Dean, Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center The theme of this conference, “Cochlear Implants and Sign Language: Putting It All Together,” really represents a whole new approach. Historically, people have viewed these two as separate entities. However, this conference has shown that this need not be the case. Even though we have a small number here—and we had to limit the number—we still had good representation. Obviously people are here because there is a need for a conference of this type. As Dr. Leigh and Dr. Christiansen pointed out, there has been a tremendous increase in the numbers of people with cochlear implants in recent years. If you look at the numbers, in 1990 there were 5,000 people with implants and 90 percent of those were adults. Today, in the year 2002, there are more than 45,000 people with cochlear implants and half of them are under the age of 18. This represents a tremendous change. Obviously this conference was needed for action. We also heard about various programs and how they are approaching working with children with a cochlear implant. We heard from numerous presenters, from different perspectives. We had an exchange of ideas, presented strategies for effective practices. It has given us all a lot of food for thought that will definitely lead to further dialogue about implementing new approaches and programs and the evaluation of these strategies. As this conference comes to a close, it is clear that there is still much more to be done. This is only the beginning. However, as you know now, you are not alone. There are others like you to network with and for collaboration. The Clerc Center also is available to you as a resource and as a collaborative partner. Our goal is to ensure that the increasing numbers of students getting cochlear implants get the best possible services. I would like to thank each of the participants for their contributions to this conference and for the work that you have been doing and will continue to do with children and families. So, on behalf of children and families from all over, thank you for your involvement and commitment. [Top] |
|
|
| Gallaudet > Clerc Center > Sharing Ideas > Cochlear Implants and Sign Language...Conference Proceedings > Closing Comments | search | site index |
|
Copyright
© 2003 Gallaudet University
Laurent Clerc National
Deaf Education Center |