What is the MOHEAR Project?
The MOHEAR project is collaboration between the Missouri Department of Health and
Senior Services, Missouri State University and the Missouri Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education to provide increased and specialized service coordination
to families that have recently learned that a child is deaf or hard of hearing.
Who is a MOHEAR?
A MOHEAR is an individual who is an audiologist, educator of the deaf and hard of hearing or a speech pathologist. Because of training they receive during their professional preparation, MOHEARs have expertise in working with families that have children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Why do we need NEED MOHEARs?
Today, science confirms what we have always known – early intervention is critical to the development of speech and language. In 1998, a study by Christie Yoshinago-Itano showed that children who were identified with hearing loss and received intervention by 6 months of age were able to develop language comparable to normal hearing peers. Imaging studies tell us that the brain begins organizing pathways for auditory information at birth and that there is a critical time period of three years for this development. Like all disabilities, hearing loss creates challenges for families. With hearing loss, the challenge is for families to make the best decision about how to provide language stimulation to their child. Making a good decision starts with being educated about hearing loss, its implication and intervention options. The MOHEAR project aims to provide an educational opportunity to families early in the process. The time period of 45 days from referral to First Steps through IFSP is a time when parents will benefit from education. Our goal is to provide increased education for the purpose of helping families identify goals for their child.
Where will MOHEARs meet with families?
MOHEARs are available to accompany First Steps staff to the first meeting that takes place in the family’s home. The MOHEAR will consult with the family to determine if additional meetings are needed.
How does a MOHEAR become involved?
When a child is referred into First Steps, a Service Coordinator will ask the parents if they would like a MOHEAR present at the first meeting. If the family agrees, the Service Coordinator will make arrangements with the MOHEAR.