Abstract
Many states are implementing universal newborn hearing screening and intervention initiatives, also referred to as early hearing detection and intervention. Young children who are identified at birth, or soon thereafter, as having hearing loss are at a much greater advantage in reaching their full potential when programs and services are implemented during the infancy period. Most states do not have a full cadre of trained professionals knowledgeable and experienced in working with infants and toddlers with hearing loss and their families. This article provides an overview of the results of a statewide needs assessment to determine program priorities, training needs for the personnel who will work with these young children with hearing loss and their families, and the potential for increasing the level of collaboration among service providers. The needs assessment was conducted through 19 in-depth focus group interviews with 165 persons from a variety of disciplines, including family members. Suggestions are offered for expanding the traditional center-based approach to a collaborative model and for developing training and programming initiatives in other states.