Mainstream Center

Each year for the past twenty-eight years, The Mainstream Center has hosted an annual fall conference to help educators and parents understand the nature of hearing loss and how they can be more successful in their work with their children. This two-day conference is designed 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 have been invited to share their knowledge and experience throughout the two days.

Day 1 traditionally concentrates on the basics of hearing loss including a day-long short course designed for teachers who have not previously had a student with hearing loss in their classroom. In addition, there will be introductory and advanced presentations on topics related to hearing loss and its implications on learning. Workshop topics will include: student orientations at the elementary level, cochlear implants, and the development of spoken language, to name just a few.

Day 2 focuses on our conference theme - "No Child (with hearing loss) Left Behind." A full day of offerings will cover workshop which will address topics such as: challenges of FM technology, self-esteem/self-advocacy, and socialization issues at the middle/high school level, assessments. A second short course, which will focus on literacy comprehension across the elementary curriculum will be offered on Friday.

One of our most exciting features "Making Connections!" will be held concurrently with the main conference on Friday ONLY. This unique program, designed specifically for mainstreamed oral students with hearing loss, will be open to students in GRADES 7-12 THIS YEAR! This program offers students the opportunity to meet and interact with their peers in a structured environment--to talk with each other and share their own experiences. Oral deaf adult role models will be leading fun and informative activities throughout the day. Special highlights include: an exclusive visit with Kathy Buckley, "America's First Hearing-Impaired Comedienne and Motivational Speaker", time in our Vendor Hall to see the latest technology, an ice cream social and a live demonstration with "Teddie", the "Super Hearing Ear Dog!" Since enrollment is limited to 30 students, anyone interested should register early.

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, speech reads, speaks and uses the English language should be interested and attend.

For more information contact:

Barbara Rochon
413/587-7313 v/tty
413/586-6654 fax
brochon@clarkeschool.org

2008 Sponsor Exhibitor Packet (pdf)
Fall Conference Brochure