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One Size Does NOT Fit All - Communication Equity in the Deaf Community

This course will focus on communication equity in the field of speech pathology and audiology related to working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) students. We will discuss considerations for communication, optimal service options, and barriers to accessibility. Examples of situational challenges and solutions will be provided to educate and empower the audience to be proactive when working with this population of learners.

Explore Course

One Size Does NOT Fit All - Communication Equity in the Deaf Community

This course will focus on communication equity in the field of speech pathology and audiology related to working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) students. We will discuss considerations for communication, optimal service options, and barriers to accessibility. Examples of situational challenges and solutions will be provided to educate and empower the audience to be proactive when working with this population of learners.

Presenters

  • Germaine Graham

    M.S., CCC-SLP

    Germaine Graham, M.S., CCC-SLP is a nationally certified bilingual speech-language pathologist, private practice owner, and passionate advocate for language access and equity. With more than 15 years of experience, Germaine specializes in providing family-centered, culturally responsive, bilingual (American Sign Language (ASL)/English) speech and language services to Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafPlus, and hard-of-hearing children from birth through high school.

    As the founder of Deafinitely Communicating, a mobile speech-language therapy practice based in Mesa, Arizona, Germaine partners with families, schools, and professionals to promote early language access, support bilingual development, and ensure communication equity for Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. Her work is rooted in the belief that every child has the right to rich, accessible language experiences from birth.

    Germaine’s clinical expertise includes auditory training, articulation, expressive and receptive language development, parent coaching, and collaborative service delivery models. Her approach integrates evidence-based practice with deep respect for Deaf culture and identity.

    Germaine is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast guest, workshop facilitator, and university lecturer. She has presented at several conferences, including state-level Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, and has shared her insights with interpreter networks, early intervention teams, and graduate programs across the country. Her recent talks explore themes such as bilingual language acquisition, family empowerment, culturally responsive care, and presuming competence in Deaf education.

    Beyond her clinical and speaking work, Germaine serves on the advisory boards for Arizona Hands & Voices, Deaf Kids Connect, and the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She is also a proud member of the National Black Deaf Advocates.

    Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and raised in Virginia, Germaine was cultivated in Mississippi and now lives in Arizona with her husband and five children. Whether she’s working with families, teaching future clinicians, or advocating for systemic change, Germaine remains committed to amplifying the voices of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families.

  • Michelle Hu

    Au.D., CCC-A

    Michelle Hu has been a pediatric audiologist for over 12 years working specifically with the diagnosis, hearing amplification, cochlear implant evaluation, programming and aural rehabilitation. Something unique about her is that she grew up hard of hearing herself. She was fit with hearing aids at 3 years and now utilizes bilateral cochlear implants. Her personal experience lends to her uncanny ability to relate and be a role model for others with hearing loss. She is a source of strength and hope for parents of children with hearing loss.

    As a military spouse and mother of three, Hu strives to balance family life, clinical practice and entrepreneurship. During maternity leave with her second child, she found herself missing the relationships created in the clinic with patients and parents. Thus Mama Hu Hears was created as a space where she shares personal and professional experiences with hearing loss and the field of audiology.

    When thousands of deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) people and parents of DHH children reached out to her for help, guidance and to share their stories, Hu knew she had to do something more. She has created an online program titled “My Child Has Hearing Loss, Now What?” to support anxious and doubtful parents through their family’s DHH journey. Her mission is to serve and empower children/families - especially those who are underserved and underrepresented.

Learning Objectives

Learn what communication equity looks like in DHH healthcare and the education field.
Provide examples of communication equity.
Identify examples of communication inequities.
Provide common solutions to communication inequities.

Agenda

Agenda

10 minutesIntro, speaker backgrounds
20 minutesEquity: What is it? What is it NOT; Equity in the DHH space
20 minutesHow to create equity in educational settings; Challenges; Solutions
10 minutesQ&A

Disclosures

Disclosures

Speakers - FinancialGermaine Graham is receiving compensation for this course. Michelle Hu is receiving compensation for this course.
Speakers - NonfinancialGermaine Graham has no non-financial relationships to disclose. Michelle Hu has no non-financial relationships to disclose.
Course - ContentGermaine Graham has no additional content information to disclose. Michelle Hu has no additional content information to disclose.
Course - Financial Support & In KindThis course, and all courses in the Equity Series, are being sponsored by Having Our Say and SLP Toolkit.

ASHA

ASHA

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area

To earn ASHA CEUs you must complete the courses by viewing them, provide course feedback, pass the exams with a score of 80 or more, provide your ASHA credentials, and confirm submission.

Customer Reviews

One Size Does NOT Fit All - Communication Equity in the Deaf Community
$20.00
This course centers on communication equity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students in speech pathology and audiology. Learn about communication considerations, service options, and common accessibility barriers. Real-world scenarios and solutions will equip you to provide more informed, proactive support for DHH learners. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.