March 3 is World Hearing Day and is organized annually by the World Health Organization. This year’s theme that is illustrated below in the vibrant purple visual of a person’s side profile with a red orb radiating from the ear is Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all! As a … Continue reading
The end of a year and beginning of a new one is often the time that we reflect. We consider our milestones and challenges from the previous 12 months and set goals for the new calendar year. I think about what my dad used to always say: “It’ll all work out in the wash.” Dad was … Continue reading
Growing up, I found that I didn’t want to miss out on conversations. If I didn’t hear someone, I asked questions. Lots of questions. Some people interpret asking too many questions as being complicated or obtuse. While a lot of people were accommodating, there were times that I heard the phrase that no one who … Continue reading
Hitting the open road is one of my favorite warm weather activities. My family and I have traveled Route 66 twice and frequented highways in the U.S. West, South, and East. We’ve visited places like Oklahoma and Texas more times than I can count to see family and friends. Despite the joys of summer travel, … Continue reading
Not long ago, my family took a trip to Montana and Wyoming. This photo was taken by a loved one when I noticed a waterfall hidden within a Montana park. The natural setting and 1,700 miles of road traveling inspired time to think about goals. Typically, goals would be about work or something with family. … Continue reading
As a board member for the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, I have been asked, “How do I pay for hearing aids?” For many, the price of hearing technology is just too much. Insurance does not usually cover hearing aids, and not everyone has a nest egg built up to purchase … Continue reading
Government has an opportunity to make workplaces more disability-inclusive. In my home state of Kansas, there is proposed state legislation that will have a public hearing this week. It would require government agencies to provide employment preference to their state-funded employment positions, while giving access to reasonable accommodations essential to making the positions equitable. Let … Continue reading
Please check on your friends. They may need your support as they navigate planning for holidays with one less loved one at their celebrations. Four years ago at Christmas, I lost my beloved dad. Every December, it was tradition for us all to gather in my home, where my three children sat on the sofa … Continue reading
It is an honor to announce that I have been selected as a finalist in the 2022 Oticon Focus on People Awards, a national competition that recognizes individuals who are helping to change perceptions of what it means to live with hearing loss. I am one of three finalists in the Advocacy category, a category … Continue reading
As a Lipreading Mom, I celebrate Disability Pride Month to raise awareness about the many visible and invisible disabilities, such as deafness and hearing loss. I also celebrate to build awareness about the importance of making our communities and workplaces accessible and inclusive for all. The Disability Pride Month flag colors represent various aspects of … Continue reading
Lipreading Mom 