From Diagnosis to Self-Actualization

1. From Diagnosis to Self-Actualization Jodee Crace, MA Cindy Lawrence, MA-CCC-A March 4, 2005 EHDI Conference Atlanta

2. Introduction Purpose of presentation: A paradigm shift from the medical model of diagnosing hearing loss to an educational/human relations model of identity formation

3. Fundamental Principle: “People are internally compelled to respondto situations in ways that will support or be consistent with their beliefs.” Point: Humans have the unique ability to define their identity, choose their values and establish their beliefs.

4. VALUES • “A principle that promotes well-being or prevents harm” • “Our guidelines for success” • “Our paradigm about what is acceptable”

5. Our Challenge: • How will UNHS-EHDI support the VALUES that will support the journey of parents/families becoming self-actualized? • How will these processes create Deaf/HH babies who become self-actualized individuals?

6. Self-Actualization What? How? Why? Point: When the will and the emotions are in conflict, the emotions most often win. (American Psychologist: William James)

7. How do Providers Shape Families’ Responses: • The meaning of “diagnosis” • Objective • Use of equipment to measure • Scientific • Medically oriented: presence or absence of sound

8. The meaning of “diagnosis” • Diagnosis Medicine. • The act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or injury through evaluation of patient history, examination, and review of laboratory data. • The opinion derived from such an evaluation. • A critical analysis of the nature of something. • The conclusion reached by such analysis. • Diagnosis Biology. • A brief description of the distinguishing characteristics of an organism, as for taxonomic classification.

9. Medical Provider Image of the Baby: (Study - “1 in 5 doctors”)

10. Explanation of Results • Tone, Attitude, Comfort Level • 4 Approaches (Marion Downs, 1978) • Hit and Run • Minimize the Problem • Objectivity • Action Oriented

11. Start with Diagnosis? or Identification? • Accuracy of information • Identification of • A disability, • medical condition, • or state of being? • Medical diagnosis typically to determine treatment, fixing or cure.

12. Definitions Identify v.tr. • To establish the identity of. • To ascertain the origin, nature, or definitive characteristics of. • To consider as identical or united; equate. • To associate or affiliate (oneself) closely with a person or group. • To establish an identification with another or others. • Medieval Latin identific re, to make to resemble  : Late Latin identit s, identity; see identity + Latin -fic re, -fy.] i·den ti·fi a·bleadj.

13. Key Points from Definition of IDENTIFY: • to associate or affiliate • psychological empathy • has become common jargon

14. The Koinonia Connection “The coming together in a solidified one-ness in an atmosphere of openness, honesty, trust, affirmation, support and encouragement.” Greek term coined by Dave Weber , author of Sticks and Stones Exposed

15. Parents’ Image of the Baby

16. Providing Messages • Fear • Myths • Cultural “incompetence” • Disability model • Hearing perception of hearing society OR

17. Self analysis, our view of Deaf people How do our feelings set a tone and send messages to parents Understanding the self actualization process is critical to delivering the news

18. Self-Actualization SA Self Esteem Social Acceptance Security Survival

19. Traits of Self-Actualized Person Knowing who you are and your beliefs Comfortable with yourself Views learning and experience as an ongoing process Empowered Confident Insightful Valuable High Self-respect High Self-esteem Independent

20. How can a Deaf/HH Person be Self-Actualized? Confidence instilled at birth Encouragement from healthy others Ongoing process of learning Accepting mistakes Taking risks Having role models Exposure to many opportunities/experiences Being balanced Feeling Whole Confidence is instilled at birth Feeling Proud as a Deaf/HH Person Self Determination of one’s own life plans

21. Transition from: Diagnosis to Ability Model Parents benefit from: • Support in “letting go” of predetermined image • Time to grieve in natural healthy way • Replacing old vision with new hope • Strategies to help them feel capable as parents of this child EMPOWERMENT***SELF AWARENESS*** SELF-ACTUALIZATION

22. Medical Model Failed screening Diagnosis Audiogram and ABR show hearing loss/impairment: such as mild, moderate, severe, profound Self Actualized Model Refer Identification Audiogram of familiar sounds shows hearing levels and ranges of hearing From Diagnosis to Self-Actualized Person

23. Medical Model Prescribes technology/surgery Prescribes treatment plan Self Actualized Model Fits amplification Teams with parents to find/investigate resources From Diagnosis to Self-Actualized Person

24. Medical Model Clinic-directed therapy for the child Dependent on technology Enables parent (therapist/teacher) Self Actualized Model Relationship based service providing unbiased support Technology enhances skills and abilities Empowers family (mentors, role models as resources) From Diagnosis to Self-Actualized Person

25. Medical Model Exclusionary/isolation Transmission of information Make “either/or” choices Self Actualized Model Collaborative/ community sense Interactive- experiential learning Comprehensive opportunities From Diagnosis to Self-Actualized Person

26. Medical Model Disability Sub-Culture Vocationally limited Self Actualized Model Identity Diversity Unlimited lifelong potential From Diagnosis to Self-Actualized Person

27. Take Home Points: • Self Analysis of our values • Understanding the hierarchy of human needs • Identify as “deaf” or Identify “hearing levels vs. diagnosis and impairment” • Check your messages/tone: “pass/refer” (not fail); “hearing levels” (not loss or impairment) • How do you identify with parents? • How do you help parents “identify with” their deaf or hard of hearing baby?

28. More take home points… • Work with Deaf community • Gain tools for teaming with members of the Deaf Community • How are parents introduced to deaf and or hard of hearing adults? What are the messages and comfort levels?

30. From Diagnosis to Self-Actualization Thank you for coming to our presentation! For further inquiries and/or discussion opportunities about this topic: Email – JCrace@isfd.state.in.us CLawrence@isfd.state.in.us Websites: http://www.performance-unlimited.com/samain.htm http://www.performance-unlimited.com/whyaffir.htm