Resources for Parents

Annual Mainstream Conference

31st Annual Fall Conference on Mainstreaming Students with Hearing Loss

“Connecting the Dots Academically & Socially”

October 14-15, 2010
Sheraton Hotel in Springfield, Massachusetts

View the full conference brochure and registration form

About the Conference

Clarke Mainstream Services hosts a two-day fall conference each year to provide information on hearing loss and how to maximize success for students, parents and professionals in mainstream settings. Experts on hearing loss from around the country are invited to share their knowledge. This conference is the only one of its kind in the United States that is offered each year. Anyone who works with a deaf or hard of hearing student who listens, speaks and uses the English language will benefit from attending.

Connecting the Dots Academically and Socially

We know that when children and adolescents feel connected socially and have appropriate social skills, their academic performance can be positively affected and they tend to be more involved in their school community. We also know that children with hearing loss often face social challenges and at times struggle with feeling connected to their school. This year’s conference addresses these issues and offers strategies to students, parents and teachers to overcome these challenges and help each child succeed.

Conference Overview

Day 1 concentrates on the basics of hearing loss including a day-long short course with David Sindrey and Carissa Moeggenberg presenting "Using The Listening Room to Create Listening and Language Opportunities for Children with Hearing Loss". In addition, there are introductory and advanced presentations on topics related to hearing loss and its implications on learning.
Day 2 focuses on our conference theme — “Connecting the Dots Academically and Socially.” A full day of offerings includes workshops, which will address topics such as involving students in their IEP’s; ways to incorporate listening into home and school activities and identifying advocacy skills, to name a few.

This year we are thrilled to have Stephen J. Hopson as our Closing Keynote. In addition to being an inspirational speaker with a unique motivating style, Stephen is an author and the World’s First Deaf Instrument Rated Pilot! Born profoundly deaf, he is an expert on the art of overcoming adversity. He has experienced almost every conceivable obstacle that could be placed in his path because he dared to dream big. Stephen will show us “How to Turn Adversity into a University of Possibilities.” Visit his website at www.sjhopson.com.
Our student track, “Making Connections!” is held concurrently with the main conference on Friday ONLY. This unique day-long program, designed specifically for mainstreamed oral students with hearing loss, is open to students in GRADES 7-12 AGAIN THIS YEAR! This program offers students the opportunity to meet and interact with other mainstreamed students in a structured environment -- to talk with each other and share their own experiences. Young adult role models, (who also have a hearing loss), will be leading fun and informative activities throughout the day. Space is limited to 30 students.

Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech

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