In December 2010 the United States Senate and the House of
Representatives each voted to approve the Early Hearing Detection and
Intervention Act of 2010 (HR. 1246, S. 3199). President Obama signed the
legislation into law on December 22nd.

Link: http://www.infanthearing.org/legislation/federal.html

The December “Probes and Tips”
newsletter from the ECHO Initiative is now available: “Hears” How to Know When a Child’s
OAE Screening is Complete

Link: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs073/1102782899287/archive/1104043244092.html

The AG Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has planned the 2011 Listening and Spoken Language Symposium to be held in Washington, D.C. on July 22 and 23, 2011.  The theme for the Symposium is “Leading Innovation Through Practice.”

The deadline for submitting proposals is December 16, 2010!!  Make sure to get your proposal in today!

Link: https://nc.agbell.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1132

A helpful report from the National Health Law Program to help you find “the best way for your state to offer language services reimbursement” for medicaid and CHIP enrollees.

Link: http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/How_Can_States_Get_Medicaid_and_CHIP_for_Language_Services.pdf

A new Connect module on family-professional partnerships, from The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge, is available.

Link: http://community.fpg.unc.edu/connect-modules

Learn about provisions from the Affordable Care Act that will make finding affordable health care a whole lot easier, especially those with a preexisting condition or a disability.

Link: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/affordable_care_act_americans_disabilities.html

The Australian Minister for Indigenous Health announces a new plan by the Australian government offering substantial support to identify Aboriginal children with hearing loss and to train of health workers in ear health.

Link: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/01/3081827.htm