Held at a different venue, the 6th biennial Next Steps...Consortium again offered stimulating opportunities for learning and sharing. Through Plenary sessions, seminars, and workshops, this conference featured practical information, compelling speakers, exhibits of products and services, and connections with presenters and co-participants. Who attended? All "stakeholders" attended -- including audiologists, speech-language therapists, educators, early intervention providers, early childhood specialists, psychologists, program administrators, and parents of infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The aim of the Next Steps...Consortium is to provide a forum during which to explore the translation of research into practice and to share information that supports the development of deaf and hard of hearing children. For two exciting days, professionals & parents, program administrator & direct service providers, clinicians & researchers, policy makers & early childhood specialists came together. The 2011 Next Steps...Consortium was highly successful and its motto, "GET ON BOARD" reflected the incredible interaction among all attendees. Witnessing the attendees exchanging ideas and theories continues to demonstrate the benefit of bringing people together in an environment that respects and welcomes everyone. Working toward effective, family-focused and child-centered intervention that optimizes outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing infants and toddlers, Next Steps...2011 was a tremendous success.

Sponsored by:
Department of Otolaryngology & Communication Enhancement
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
of Children's Hospital Boston

In conjunction with Gallaudet University Regional Center - Northeast