The Distance Learning in Genetics for EHDI Professionals Project began in August 2006 with funding from Tm Bioscience and the American College of Medical Genetics Foundation.  Project staff at Gallaudet University are working in collaboration with geneticists at the Virginia Commonwealth University and with the director and staff of the National Center on Hearing Assessment and Management to achieve two project goals: 

1) to improve the basic knowledge of EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention) state coordinators and their key staff members regarding genetic factors in hearing loss and

2) to facilitate interaction among EHDI state coordinators and their key staff members to share ideas and improve their efforts to integrate genetics into EHDI programs at the local level. 

Based on the results of needs assessment targeted to EHDI state coordinators (Burton et al. Genet Med 8(8):510-517, 2006), we have developed a distance learning course with modules on specific topics in genetics to meet the educational needs of these professionals.  This course is also open to other interested professionals in any field.

Gallaudet University Department of Hearing, Speech and  Language Sciences is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and  audiology.  This program is offered for 3.7 CEUs (Introductory Level; Basic Communication Processes Area).  Click on the dark blue toolbar at the top of the page to learn more about this course.

The online course "Genetics and Hearing Loss for EHDI Professionals"  will be offered again during the Fall 2008 semester (Course dates: September 15 - November 21, 2008).  Course registration will open in August. Click here for general information on course registration.

Click here for course registration.

For a list of resources in genetics for EHDI professionals click here.