Abstract:  As Audiologist and Hearing Care Professionals, we often interact with patients that need services outside of our scope of practice. These services can include social services, telecommunication services, or many others. If you are a new or seasoned professional this webinar is for you.  Join NJAA as we present the first of many webinars that address these gaps which once filled will help us provide better services to our patients.

Learner Outcomes:

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1.     Upon completion, participants will be able to list valuable community resources, including support groups and workshops, fostering connections, and providing a supportive network for individuals with hearing loss.

2.     Upon completion, participants will be able to identify what is an allowable service and predict what services the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) will not cover.

3.      Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the role of the Audiologist and Hearing Care Professional to determine eligibility for Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS).

Audience: Audiologists

Presenter Bio #1

John Russo is a District Account Manager for Sorenson communications with 13 years of experience helping individuals with hearing loss and/or difficulty communicating on the phone obtain CaptionCall service.  John has worked with thousands of hearing care professionals across 5 states helping educate providers on how to implement IPCTS service for their patients. 

Financial Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Non-Financial Disclosures: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Presenter Bio #2

Tanya M. Fowler, M.A. is the New Jersey State Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at the NJ State Department of Labor and Workforce Development, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NJDVRS).  Her primary role is to advocate for quality services by assessing and developing programming  for the needs of DVRS Deaf and hard of hearing adults and student consumers. Prior to this position, Tanya worked in the New Brunswick, NJ DVRS office for 14 years as the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Deaf Language Specialist (DLS) covering 3 counties.  She holds a B.A. degree in Deaf Education, MA Degree in Deafness Rehabilitation and completed an American Sign Language/English interpreter training program.  Tanya has many Deaf family members which inspired her passion to choose this career path.

Financial Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Non-Financial Disclosures: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Presenter Bio #3

Dr. Latisha Porter-Vaughn, hailing originally from Hamilton, Ohio, has called New Jersey home since 1986. Diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss at the age of 19 while residing in New Jersey, she has devoted her professional journey to advocacy and education.

With a steadfast career spanning 32 years as a Paralegal at Seton Hall Law School University, Dr. Porter-Vaughn's commitment extends beyond the legal realm. She previously served as a research associate with the National Deaf Center and recently achieved her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Arizona Global Campus. Her published work focuses on the work readiness and preparation of deaf and hard-of-hearing college students.

As a seasoned author, Dr. Porter-Vaughn has enriched the literary landscape with impactful works. In addition to "How We Hear: A Story of A HearStrong Champion Persisting Against All Odds" and the invaluable self-help guide, "How We Hear: A Useful Guide to Help the Hearing Understand Hearing Loss," she has recently released "Whispered Journeys: Spoken Softly but Loudly Understood."

A 2019 graduate of the Gallaudet University Certified Peer Mentor Program, she serves as a Snapshop Deaf Mentor for SPAN Parenting Network. Notably, Dr. Porter-Vaughn holds the distinction of being the first African American President-Elect of the Hearing Loss Association of America – New Jersey State Association. She also served as the former president and co-founder of the Hearing Loss Association of America - Essex County Chapter. At the helm of the HLAA-New Jersey State Association Scholarship Program, she actively contributes to fostering educational opportunities.

Financial Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Non-Financial Disclosures: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Time-Ordered Agenda:

• 10 minutes – Welcoming Remarks/Introduction
• 20 minutes – Presentation of CaptionCall
• 20 minutes – Presentation of NJ State Department of Labor and Workforce Development, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NJDVRS)
• 20 minutes – Presentation of Hearing Loss Association of America - Essex County Chapter
• 15 minutes – Questions and answers with audience
• 5 minutes – Closing Remarks

Thursday, April 18, 2024
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
0.15 ASHA CEUs and 0.15 AAA CEUs

Online Registration

Non-member – $25

Member – Free

Non-Member Student – $25

Member Student – Free

Register (with credit card payment):

NJAA Members, click here to register 

Non-Members, click here to register

Not a current member? Renew/Join today!

 For further information, contact

Deanene Berry, Au.D.

Phone: (201) 645-5440   Email:  drdee@neocaudio.com

Participants who arrive more than 15 minutes after the start of the activity or who leave more than 15 minutes before the end of the activity will not receive the certificate or be eligible for CE credit.

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.