Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program.  The purpose of this program is to support comprehensive and coordinated state and territory EHDI systems of care[1] so families with newborns, infants, and young children up to 3 years of age[2] who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH)[3] receive appropriate and timely services that include hearing screening[4], diagnosis, and early intervention (EI). [1] For the purposes of this NOFO, the EHDI system of care refers to families, consumers, providers, services, and programs that work towards developing coordinated and comprehensive state and territory systems so that families with newborns, infants, and young children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive appropriate and timely services that include hearing screening, diagnosis, and intervention.  [2] For the purposes of this funding opportunity, “children” are defined as all newborns, infants, and young children up to the age of 3. [3] For the purposes of this funding opportunity, “deaf” and “hard of hearing” or “DHH” are used in this document to represent the entire spectrum of children with varying hearing levels (from mild to profound) and laterality, and is intended to be inclusive of those who have other disabilities and/or conditions.  [4] For the purposes of this funding opportunity, the term hearing screening refers to the process of initial screening, diagnosis, and enrollment into early intervention (EI) services.

Eligible applicants include any state including the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the jurisdictions encompassing the former Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; or any domestic public or private entity, including an Indian tribe or tribal organization.  Domestic faith-based and community-based organizations are also eligible to apply.

Sandra Battiste, MPH

(301)443-0223