The Moog Center will again present a series of virtual learning sessions for professionals and parents
throughout the 2026-2027 school year at 7:00 p.m. CT.
This series of workshops is a great opportunity for professionals, parents, family members, and general
community members to learn about a variety of topics related to supporting children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
We Missed EI: Now What?
October 14, 2026
Presented by Liz Fales and Michelle Graham
Research indicates that hearing loss is a neurological emergency for very young children who are deaf or hard of hearing learning to use listening and spoken language. This emergent situation requires children to have access to quality early intervention, including optimal access to sound and appropriate services following the 1-3-6 guidelines. Unfortunately, not all children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive early intervention, or some may only receive developmental services and support, not targeting outcomes specific to listening and spoken language. Lack of quality support and services impacts the development of listening and spoken language skills, which in turn impacts a student's ability to successfully access the kindergarten curriculum. When professionals have limited experience or no experience in working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing learning to use listening and spoken language skills, expectations for success are often lessened without an understanding of true potential. These lowered expectations from those outside the field of deaf education impact the quantity and quality of services a student may receive in his/her IEP due to reduced goals and lack of advocacy for skills in synchrony with hearing peers. This session will focus on advocating for students' success, keeping the bar high to ensure the development of age-appropriate listening and spoken language skills. Information will be shared related to setting goals, identifying strategies, and determining support that should be considered, including classroom accommodations. The importance of collaboration among professionals and the utilization of creative solutions will also be discussed.
Executive Functioning Skills: How Language Plays a Part
December 1, 2026
Presented by Adrienne Stewart
Executive functioning (EF) skills are a set of cognitive processes that help children manage attention, emotions, behavior, working memory, flexible thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for navigating daily activities and routines, both in and out of the classroom. This presentation will define executive functioning, explore the daily skills that rely on EF, and review current research on how these skills develop over time. The impact of language development and language delays on the development of EF will also be discussed. Participants will learn when key EF skills emerge and how to intentionally target and teach these skills through everyday routines, play, and meaningful interactions.
The Audiogram: Implications for Teachers and SLPs
February 2027
Presented by Michelle Graham and Rachel Underhill
Understanding a student's audiogram is essential for effective lesson planning because it provides detailed information about the student's hearing abilities across different frequencies and intensities. This knowledge helps teachers and speech-language pathologists determine which speech sounds may be difficult for the student to perceive, particularly those critical for language development and classroom learning. This presentation will provide insight to guide the selection of appropriate targets and instructional strategies. By aligning teaching approaches with the student's auditory access, educators and clinicians can reduce listening fatigue, support speech and language goals, and ensure the student can fully participate, communicate effectively, and succeed across learning environments.
Understanding Special Education Law
April 22, 2027
Presented by Betsy Moog Brooks and Liz Fales
This presentation provides an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its impact on students, families, and educators. Participants will learn the key principles of IDEA, including Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and procedural safeguards. The session will also explain the rights and responsibilities of schools and parents, the special education referral and evaluation processes, and how IDEA supports equitable access to education for students with disabilities. This presentation is designed to build foundational understanding and promote effective collaboration in supporting student success.
Comments From Participants
Supporting the Development of Reading Skills
“Wonderful presentation! Such valuable information and so well explained for families and professionals! Looking forward to the next one.”
“Great material and content provided in well thought out and succinct ways. Good detail of background info and barriers to access as well as discussion of specific techniques and activities to help support and foster improvement in reading skills of student who are DHH.”
“I enjoyed the anecdotes from personal experiences shared by the hosts of the presentation. The resources shared were also helpful.”
“I loved how informative this was for an hour session!”