JTC preschooler Hannia and mom Claudia check out the poster now displayed in the hallway.

The John Tracy Clinic Poster Presentation at the 2010 Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Conference in Chicago won an “Outstanding Poster” award. The poster, entitled “Comprehensive Parent Education for Diverse Families” shows the multi-faceted components of JTC’s approach to parent education and support. JTC was commended for its focus on the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse families. The poster is now on display at JTC to illustrate the parent education program for new parents and visitors.

JTC preschooler Hannia Acosta gives the award-winning poster a thumbs-up.

Baby Sound Check in progress at Venice Family Clinic

Baby Sound Check® has been nominated for the 2010 Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention) Excellence, to be presented at the 2010 National EHDI Conference in Chicago, Illinois. The nomination was announced in February by Dr. Karl White, Director of the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM).

The Antonia Brancia Maxon Award for EHDI Excellence honors the work of Dr. Antonia Brancia Maxon, who was a pioneer in EHDI programs.  She was a tireless advocate for connecting screening programs with timely and appropriate diagnosis and early intervention, and promoted effective EHDI programs for all newborns, infants, and young children. The award is presented each year at the National EHDI Conference to honor an individual or group of people who have made noteworthy accomplishments in EHDI programs nationally or in a particular state or region. Baby Sound Check® is among a very distinguished group of people nominated for this award.

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Jill Muhs, M.S.ED, one of John Tracy Clinic’s most highly respected teachers and mentors in early childhood deaf education, has accepted the position of Vice President of Programs. Read the rest of this entry →

JTC Audiology was invited to contribute to an article in the Hearing Review, a hearing aid trade magazine, regarding issues surrounding pediatric amplification (click here to read the Q&A – scroll down to “View from the JTC”).

JTC Alumnus John Autry appears on "GLEE"

JTC Alumnus John Autry appeared on last week’s episode of the critically acclaimed hit TV show, “GLEE.” He plays the leader of a rival choir and performs a moving rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

John and his mom Priscilla attended JTC’s Demonstration Home and Preschool from 1989 to 1993. The family also participated in JTC’s additional onsite services: Friday Family School and Parent Class.

John e-mailed JTC to say, “I hope my appearance on ‘GLEE’ will inspire other deaf and hard-of-hearing children to follow their dream and know that they too can do it. Again THANK YOU!! I’m glad I had the opportunity to attend JTC. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it were not for JTC.”

Watch John’s performance online here.

John and his mother Priscilla at JTC, circa 1990.

JTC Teacher Jenny Regnery Reeder with JTC family (bottom right photo)

JTC Speech and Language Teacher Jenny Regnery Reeder was featured in the latest issue of Volta Voices, which focused professional development.  Volta Voices is published by The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, an organization dedicated to helping families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Jenny and a JTC family appear on the cover of the magazine, and she is profiled inside the publication (click here for PDF).

Lynda Taylor, Second VP of Child Welfare for the AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary shares a book with a JTC preschooler.

On October 20, 2009, JTC was thrilled to welcome visitors from the AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary. In attendance were Lynda Taylor, Second VP of Child Welfare, Pete Ramirez, VP AMVETS Foundation Dept. of California and members of Auxiliary 113.

The guest speaker was Alma H., parent of a child currently receiving JTC services, and whose husband is on active duty in Iraq. Alma spoke briefly about her emotional journey to JTC and the positive difference the services have made in her child’s life. Read the rest of this entry →

JTC Preschoolers, Parents and Teachers pose with the visiting firetruck

John Tracy Clinic (JTC) preschoolers recently discovered that while safety officers and fire fighters may seem a bit scary when in uniform, they can be a friend when you’re in trouble.  As part of a community outreach program, local fire fighters and police officers made two separate visits to JTC to show children how they keep us safe.  These visitors with all of their gear made a special effort to befriend the preschoolers: greeting them at eye-level, giving lots of eye contact, and patiently answering their numerous questions. Read the rest of this entry →

John Tracy Clinic invites you to the 2009-2010 TIES (Teacher Inservice Educational Support) Workshops. Click here to find out more about these free workshops.

JTC Alumni & Friends, TAG (Training & Advocacy Group) & California AG Bell invite you to a conference for
Oral Deaf Kids & Siblings (5th-12th grade) and their Parents

Sunday, December 6, 2009
1 pm – 4 pm

Pizza Social immediately following the program.
Location: John Tracy Clinic, 806 West Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Speakers and Topics include:

Robyn Tenensap, Department of Rehabilitation/Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services: Financial, Academic and Vocations Support for Young Adults

• Steps to take before they turn 18

Melinda Gillinger, Advocate: School Services for Middle School and Beyond

• IDEA vs. 504 plan
• Private vs. Public School
• What kids Need vs. What Kids Want

Hands on Technology Demonstration using the latest and greatest audiology equipment and accessories.

College-age Panel

Parents and kids will be on a dual track program. Kids will participate in the tech demo, enjoy social games, bond and share with other kids, and attend the panel discussion.

Cost per family is $40 (payable to TAG). Registration is required by November 18th. To register, download this flier, fill out and mail according to instructions. Questions? email SWeiner@jtc.org

Read the rest of the Fall 2009 Bulletin