Special Interest Groups (SIG)

One of the most significant aspects of our organizational growth is the member-driven push to establish and own special interest groups or SIGs, allowing members to meet together to explore and take action on important issues. These groups now number five, with three SIGs meeting virtually throughout the year and in-person at the annual conference. The Adult Rehabilitation SIG collaborated on research, which they presented in Boston, and used as a tool to inform future research and provide suggestions on best practices in CI care.

Expanding our focus beyond a simple definition of access to cochlear implantation is an important aspect of the organization’s current set of activities. Indeed, these five SIGs demonstrate how ACI Alliance can engage with a broader group of individuals and organizations who can help all of us expand knowledge of, and support for, cochlear implant access.

• Educators of Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The CI2025 conference in Boston brought together a Special Interest Group focused on education for children with hearing loss. This diverse group included teachers of the deaf from school-age programs, early interventionists, college professors from teacher preparation programs, speech-language pathologists, and students preparing to enter the field. Participants came from across the United States as well as international colleagues, enriching the discussions with a broad range of perspectives.

Through collaborative dialogue, the group identified several common concerns among professionals supporting children with hearing loss. One major topic was ensuring that children with cochlear implants receive the necessary support services. Discussions addressed educational outcomes, eligibility criteria, and the importance of providing parents with comprehensive information during early intervention. These conversations highlighted the critical need for coordinated efforts to support children’s development effectively.

Another significant theme was the growing teacher shortage and the decline in teacher preparation programs nationwide. Many regions are already experiencing the impact of this shortage, which poses challenges to maintaining quality education for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Participants expressed concern about this trend and explored strategies to attract and retain qualified educators.

The group also discussed uncertainties surrounding federal funding for K-12 and postsecondary education. Concerns about resource availability underscored the importance of advocacy and strategic planning to secure sustained support for educational programs.

Throughout the conference, members shared resources and ideas, reaching a consensus that collaboration among professionals is essential to ensuring the continued success of children with hearing loss. The group, supported by ACI Alliance, has taken an important step forward in fostering ongoing cooperation. They plan to continue meeting virtually and look forward to reconvening at CI2026 in Chicago, strengthening their commitment to this vital work.

• Members with Hearing Loss

The ACI Alliance Professionals with Hearing Loss SIG hosted its third annual meeting at CI2025 Boston. Our group has been growing since our initial meeting three years ago, with 40 members now in the SIG! This year, SIG attendees participated in breakout groups and engaged in spirited discussions on issues affecting their professional training, ranging from the need for accessibility to limited understanding by typically hearing colleagues regarding their challenges—despite these colleagues being in the field themselves (e.g., Atcherson & Yoder, 2002).

Our members span from trainees to established professionals. They represent different facets of our profession, including audiologists, speech-language pathologists, physicians, scientists, teachers of the deaf, and psychologists. Our primary goals are to serve as a safe space for our colleagues in ACI Alliance who have hearing loss and to serve as a support system as they address accessibility-related challenges and navigate interprofessional relationships. As the group expands, we have immediate goals of establishing a mentorship program and hosting virtual meetings in between the annual SIG meetings at ACI Alliance. We will also advocate for accessibility as we collaborate with ACI Alliance leadership and are grateful for their support as we grow our SIG and address these important topics.

If you are an ACI Alliance member with hearing loss (or know one) and are interested in joining the SIG, please contact Elaine Smolen (es3519@tc.columbia.edu) and Viral Tejani (viral.tejani@UHhospitals.org) to be added to the list-serv.

Viral Tejani, Au.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Senior Research Audiologist & Subdivision Leader, Cochlear Implant Program
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Elaine Smolen, PhD, CED, LSLS Cert. AVEd
Visiting Assistant Professor
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
Department of Health and Behavior Studies
Teachers College, Columbia University

• Adult Aural Rehabilitation

The Special Interest Group for Adult Aural Rehabilitation had a successful annual in-person lunch meeting at CI2025 in Boston! Our multidisciplinary lunch hosted over 50 professionals from the US, internationally, and the online group continues to expand. As a result of the ongoing collaboration between our members, we ran our first research study to better understand how CI recipients are being offered and receiving AR services. The results were shared via a poster at CI2025, and we continue working on the manuscript in development.

These accomplishments are the result of time and energy volunteered by members who are dedicated to the expansion of this service. AR doesn’t occur in a silo, and neither do our initiatives! Synchronous meetings occur via Zoom, and asynchronous support/ input occurs via our Google group. Members share and recruit for research studies, support state and federal initiatives necessary for CI & AR coverage, and facilitate transparent communication for how to evaluate and provide direct AR therapy.

Are you interested in joining the SIG? https://forms.gle/vW53CY98oCcFXVay8

Completion of the form prompts addition to this Google group. 

Blair Richlin M.S, CCC-SLP, LSLS AVEd
Speech-Language Pathologist 
Mass Eye and Ear
brichlin@meei.harvard.edu

• Mentorship Luncheon Empowers Students with Career Guidance

Students, fellows, and residents attending CI2025 Boston had the valuable opportunity to participate in a mentorship luncheon designed to support them as they navigate the early stages of their professional journeys. The event was led by two distinguished mentors: Nichole Jiam MD, Assistant Professor and Director of the Otolaryngology Innovation Center at the University of California, San Francisco, and Gabrielle Watson AuD, an audiologist at the University of Iowa.

Together, they facilitated an engaging and interactive discussion with over 50 students and early career clinicians representing diverse career paths within the cochlear implant field. The conversation centered on helping students identify and actively pursue their individual career goals. Topics included effective strategies for job searching, resume development, and building meaningful professional networks. The mentors also shared personal stories from their career paths, offering real-world insights into overcoming challenges and staying motivated throughout the job search process.

In addition to providing practical advice, the luncheon offered students a deeper understanding of the skills and qualities that can distinguish them in a competitive job market. It provided a supportive and welcoming environment for peer connection and professional learning. Overall, the session proved to be both informative and empowering—an invaluable experience for anyone preparing to take the next step in their career.

• Cochlear Implant Care within Governmental Services
  

This new SIG will focus on navigating the VA system pertaining to hearing loss benefits - the number one disability by prior service members. 

Led by: Stacey Sturgulewski AuD
Edward Hines Jr Va Hospital
Hines, IL

Elicia M Pillion AuD
Hearing Implant Program Manager
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Audiology and Speech Pathology Center