Purdue Story Ideas, Events
Purdue Story Ideas, Events
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JOURNALISTS: Here are story ideas and a list of selected Purdue events during the next two weeks. October 21, 2002 Story Ideas 1. What to watch for this election2. Audiologist talks about hearing with implants 3. Purdue expert explains what to do if child is abused Purdue Events Thursday, Oct. 24 – Intel executive to speak on campusMonday, Oct. 28 – World Trade Center survivor to share story
What to watch for this electionJust because the nation isn't choosing a new president this November doesn't mean Americans should tune out the races for district representatives, says a Purdue political science expert. "Small ripples can have big effects," said James McCann, who is on leave this year at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. "There may be implications of the mass decision. What if the U.S. Senate is lost by the Democrats, or what if the Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives?" The threat of war and other global issues are not expected to boost voter turnout, McCann said. "It will be interesting to see how these voters make sense out of different issues in foreign policy," he said. Contact: McCann, (202) 797-6060, mccannj@purdue.edu. Audiologist talks about hearing with implantsA growing number of hearing-impaired individuals, especially children, are turning to cochlear implants to hear better. Mike Pachuilo, a Purdue University audiologist, can talk about the special rehabilitative needs for this growing population. "Cochlear implants are becoming a more popular and viable alternative for deaf children and adults," said Pachuilo, who supervises cochlear implant pediatric rehabilitation therapy at the Purdue Audiology Clinic. "We need to teach children to use this new auditory information effectively." A cochlear implant is an electronic device that is surgically implanted in the ear's cochlea to electronically stimulate the inner ear's nerve endings, allowing the individual a sense of hearing. Pachuilo said people need to be aware of rehabilitation and support services if these devices are to be successful following surgery. "We need to educate parents about how the auditory process evolves, and teach them how to educate their child's academic environment with information and resources," he said. Patients in west-central Indiana are often referred to the Purdue Audiology Clinic for rehabilitation from Indianapolis surgical teams. Purdue audiology students also gain experience in the lab working with a trained professional and clients. It takes an average of two years to rehabilitate the hearing of a child with a cochlear implant before they can independently use the device for effective verbal communication. CONTACT: Pachuilo, (765) 494-3805, pachuilo@postoffice.purdue.edu. Purdue expert explains what to do if child is abusedParents often discipline their children in public, but when should an observer contact authorities or even intrude? Dean Knudsen, professor of sociology, can talk about how people should respond if they witness child abuse or when they should report it. "Under Indiana law, if anyone observes what they suspect to be child abuse, they are mandated to report it to Child Protective Services," Knudsen said. "If Child Protective Services, a state agency, finds enough evidence to suggest abuse did take place, then the organization will file a report to the police or prosecutor." Knudsen said it's rare for child abuse to take place in public, or for abusive parents to be caught in the act. "It's a complicated and difficult issue to determine when abuse has occurred and when it has not," he said. CONTACT: Knudsen, (765) 496 3775, knudsend@soc.purdue.edu.
Events Intel executive to speak on campus World Trade Center survivor to share story Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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