Over the past year Jen Haney, MA, DT-H, the Hart Family Cochlear Implant Education Coordinator, has been a true patient champion, constantly in contact with families and schools to identify each child’s set of strengths and areas of need so patients have appropriate supports in place. Her position assists families in advocating for their children to ensure they receive appropriate services at school, classroom placements and helps school staff  to support the unique learning needs of each implanted child.  In 2021, she assisted 192 students, conducted 47 meetings with school staff to help patients, and attended 14 conferences.  In addition, she trains frontline school personnel; supports educational planning and the creation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs); works with families to educate and assist them in managing their child’s needs; and facilitates communication between the child’s school and the parents. 

Being a student is central to the lives and identities of children. The Cochlear Implant Education Coordinator aids families, provides information on appropriate accommodations necessary at school, and assists in amending students’ IEPs if necessary in order to optimize their learning. She has been a key resource for parents, education professionals and therapists who needed to adapt to virtual learning and in-person learning with protective safety measures in place. Thinking innovatively, Jen has guided students and schools to adopt new strategies that led to improved learning and obtaining vital resources.