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SUNDAY LIVE EDUCATIONAL CHAT 
https://lehnhardt-stiftung.org

 

Emma Rushbrook, Australia
MPhil, BA, DipAud, MAudSA, LSLS Cert. AVT, RNC
Clinical Director of the Hear and Say Program

Laying the foundations: the vital role of audiology in audiological verbal therapy

Screenshot 2025-05-21 163504

Target audiences
 Audiologists, therapists, parents
interested in interdisciplinary collaboration
Participants of the presentation from 11.05.25

 

Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025, Time : 16:00 (Berlin time)
Discussion forum following the presentation of May 11th
Recording - below
Comments - at the end
 Language: English with Russian translation

New Format - New Content
Participation: Free
 Register - Get Link to ZOOM

 

 In preparation for the panel discussion on May 25, 2025:
Listen to the recording - read the transcript
Add/reply to comments and questions below - ask new questions

ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT

Early access to sound is the foundation for the development of spoken language in children with hearing loss.
This presentation examines the interrelated role of audiology within the philosophy of audiological verbal therapy (AVT), and highlights the critical importance of a collaborative, family-centered approach to care.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how early and targeted audiological intervention—through early diagnosis, hearing technology, and ongoing device support—directly supports AVT goals.

Using clinical examples and evidence-based practices, the presentation will demonstrate how collaboration among audiologists, hearing and speech therapists, educators, other allied professionals, and families promotes optimal hearing and speech outcomes.

Participants will gain strategies and useful ideas for strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.

ЦЕЛИ ОБУЧЕНИЯ
ПРОФИЛЬ ЭММЫ РАШБРУК

Call to Action:
In preparation for the May 25, 2025 panel discussion:
Listen to the recording – Read the transcript – Add/reply to comments and questions below – Ask new questions

Sunday, May 25, 2025 Time : 16:00 (Berlin time)
Forum discussion following the presentation on May 11 - recording available
Comments and questions for the section below
 Language: English with translation into Russian

New Format - New Content
Participation: Free
 Register Now - Get ZOOM Link

 

New Publication: Trailblazing early intervention method, by renowned Russian Teacher of the Deaf, Emilia Leongard

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People who know her will tell you that Emilia Ivanovna Leongard is a truly extraordinary woman. A pioneering Russian Teacher of the Deaf, now in her nineties, Emilia was always convinced that profoundly deaf children could learn to speak, even before sophisticated hearing devices existed. This firm belief was necessary because, in the early years, most experts doubted her approach. In the end, her perseverance and patience bore fruit: she was able to demonstrate remarkable success and is now lauded as a trailblazer in her field.

Emilia’s methodology for supporting deaf children has not really changed over the decades but modern hearing aids, and especially cochlear implants, have made the process easier and quicker, particularly with the advent of newborn screening, enabling much earlier intervention.

Today, we are delighted to announce the publication of the English version of Emilia’s ground-breaking book, “Supporting Speech Development of Children with Hearing Loss within the Family: The Leongard Method for teaching deaf children to speak using auditory- visual strategies”. This essential work outlines Emilia’s innovative approach to helping deaf children develop speech and integrate into society – all within the context of family life.

Buy the book on Amazon

With only a few days to spare, the very first copy of Emilia’s book was
taken on a long journey, carefully hand-carried from Germany, via
Istanbul, and finally to St. Petersburg. Its arrival was perfectly timed for a
very special occasion: the premiere of a documentary film about Emilia’s
life and work, held in April to mark her 92nd birthday.

The event began with a heartfelt video greeting in both English and
Russian from Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany, who was instrumental in
bringing this project to life.

“We were inspired to embark on this project by your impressive performance with Susann Schmid Giovannini in our PORA! webinar more than a year ago. We are convinced that your method of teaching children with moderate to profound hearing loss to speak will gain wider recognition through this translation. We will do everything we can to make sure professionals around the world know that your book is now available in English and easily accessible.”
- Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany

Watch Dr. Monika Lehnhardt-Goriany’s video greeting in English and Russian

Following the video, Marina Gureva, speech therapist and longtime friend of Emilia, officially presented the book to her in an emotional and stirring moment:

“The meeting with Emilia Leongard was amazing and touching. She was very grateful to the Lehnhardt Foundation, especially to Monika, for the fantastic gift – her book in English! As Elena Nikitina observed, “This book is the first book by a Russian Teacher of the Deaf to be translated into English.”
It is like a new level, an important point in audiology and rehabilitation of the deaf, in Emilia’s life, I think.”
- Marina Gureva, speech therapist

Developed separately but in parallel with other evolving new approaches in the West, the Leongard Method has revolutionised the way deaf children are taught to speak in Russia, challenging outdated systems that once excluded them from full participation in family and society.
From the start, Emilia recognised what is now widely accepted by practitioners working with deaf children around the world: that proactive parental support is the single most important factor in teaching deaf children to speak, and enabling them to become full members of a hearing society.

“Initially, Emilia Ivanovna was hesitant about the idea of making a film about her. However, once the filmmakers began conducting interviews and documenting her teaching sessions, she recognised the importance of sharing her life’s work with a wider audience. Over the course of a year, the filmmakers delved into her life’s mission: the creation of “The Leongard Method”. This method revolutionised the approach to educating deaf children, particularly by challenging a system that once isolated these children from their families and communities. Emilia Ivanovna’s tireless advocacy for children and families who sought her help became central to her life’s work.”
- Sergej Kuzevalov, film producer

“Supporting Speech Development of Children with Hearing Loss
within the Family” was published through an initiative of, and with financial support from, the Lehnhardt Foundation, with collaboration from individuals across the UK, Kyrgyzstan, Germany and Russia. A heartfelt thank you to all who made it possible! Special thanks to Nicole da Rocha for content adaptation and refinement, and to Tanya Saunders from AVID Language for editing and publication support. As Emilia Leongard has demonstrated throughout her remarkable career, with dedication, determination, patience and love, amazing results really are possible.
We hope that you – parents, students, professionals - will enjoy and gain valuable insights from her book.

“This insightful guide is packed with practical strategies, expert advice, and a wealth of knowledge that makes language learning accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re a professional or a parent, this book is an invaluable resource that will inspire confidence and success in every reader. A must-have for anyone passionate about communication and growth!”
- Nicole da Rocha, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Audiologist

Buy the book on Amazon

authors: Tanya Saunders, Liubov Wolowik