DX/ID and Transition from DX/ID to Early Intervention Task Force

This task force has a mouthful of a name for a good reason. See below for an explanation on the genesis behind the name. Our fifth task force focuses on the diagnosis/identification phase of the EHDI system.

The Alliance Representative is Emily Chamberlain.

Task Force members include:

  • Heather Abraham
  • Emily Augsburger
  • Marti Bleidt
  • Lisa Cannon
  • Emily Chamberlain
  • Cathy Cortese
  • Jamie Fries
  • Stacey Geisel
  • Brittany Goodside
  • Laura Greaver
  • Sam Gubbels
  • Jill Jacobs
  • Annette Landes
  • Laura Merrill
  • Dani Nouguier
  • Mah-rya Proper
  • Margaret Ruttenber
  • Allison Sedey
  • Kristin Sommerfeldt
  • Lynn Wismann
  • Emily Wojahn

Activities undertaken by the DX/ID and Transition from DX/ID to Early Intervention Task Force to date have included:

  • Gathering baserate data from 2019 and 2020 regarding screening and diagnostic testing and entering that data into the HIDS system
  • Reviewing the interim referral process for audiologists
  • Reviewing system capacity and sustainability

Diagnosis/Identification: An Explanation

Have you noticed that our new Diagnosis/Identification and Transition from Diagnosis/Identification to Early Intervention Task Force has quite a lengthy title? The reason behind this reflects the diverse group of people who represent our COEHDI Alliance and other stakeholders throughout the state. We are a diverse group of people with different backgrounds, experiences, and philosophies. We recognize that words are powerful, so we are making thoughtful suggestions. Therefore, the title is an attempt to find a common ground.

This term “diagnosis” is typically used as a medical reference to formally identify a person as being deaf or hard of hearing. Members of the DHH communities have challenged the medical/disability perspective, and suggest the adoption of a cultural and linguistic perspective. In this perspective, being deaf or hard of hearing is seen as a difference, a variation, and/or a cultural and linguistic variety. Therefore, when a person is formally discovered to be deaf or hard of hearing, that is typically perceived as being an “identification” rather than a “diagnosis.”

Because both terms are prevalent, valid, and in widespread use, for now, it seemed best to use both terms. A handy abbreviation is DX/ID. This task force may be renamed in the future. 

Katie Cue, December 2020 COEHDI Newsletter