Professor Dr. Cathy Chovaz is associated professor in the Department of Psychology at King's Western University Ontario. She was awarded recently for her excellent research by Western University Autism Centre. Dr. Chovaz is Canada’s first Deaf clinical psychologist and teaches courses in clinical psychology, focusing her area of expertise on mental health and deafness. Dr Chovaz also maintains a consultation private practice. Prof. Dr. Cathy Chovaz is presenting in American Sign Language.
Plenary title & abstract
The right to language and implications for mental health
Every Deaf, oral deaf and deafened child has a right to an accessible language. This fundamental right is time-sensitive reflecting critical periods of brain development. The acquisition of language may not be adequately promoted or assessed amidst the complexity of language and educational decisions during the early years in addition to parenting challenges. This talk will explore the critical importance of an early accessible language and the significant implications for the child’s mental health.
The limits of my language means the limits of my world. Ludwig Wittgenstein
