Annual Competition Celebrates a Decade of Honoring People Who Are Changing Perceptions of Hearing LossSomerset, NJ March 12 - Oticon, Inc. is seeking nominations of outstanding individuals with any degree of hearing loss for the tenth annual Oticon Focus on People Awards. The national awards program, created by Oticon, Inc. in 1998, honors hearing impaired students, adults and advocacy volunteers whose accomplishments demonstrate that hearing loss does not limit a person's ability to make a difference in their families, their communities or the world. For over ten years, Oticon has worked to change outdated stereotypes that discourage people from seeking professional help for their hearing loss by spotlighting people with hearing loss and their achievements and contributions. Since 1998, the program has awarded more than $150,000 to deserving individuals and the not-for-profit causes of their choice.
"We are proud to celebrate a decade of acknowledging the incredible contributions that people with hearing loss make in all walks of life," states Peer Lauritsen, President of Oticon, Inc. "We believe that hurtful stereotypes influence the more than 80 percent of individuals who hesitate to seek help for their hearing loss. Through this program, Oticon hopes to continue to motivate people to speak with hearing care professionals about the new technologies that can enable them to live the lives they want with the hearing they have."
This year the program offers awards in five categories:
- Student, for young people with hearing loss, ages 6 - 21, who are full-time students
- Adults, for people with hearing loss, ages 21 and above
- Advocacy, for adults with hearing loss, ages 21 and above who actively volunteer their time in advocacy or support efforts for the hearing impaired and deaf community (full-time students in advocacy should apply for the Student category)
- Practitioner, a special award for hearing care professionals who are currently in practice
- Pediatric Practitioner, a special award for hearing care professionals in school or clinical settings
People may nominate themselves or other individuals with a hearing loss for the Oticon Focus on People Awards. Nominators complete a simple form that asks for a brief description of the nominee's accomplishments and contributions that distinguish them as role models for all - but especially for others who struggle to overcome the stigma of hearing loss.
To complete an application, please visit oticonusa.com. The deadline for award nominations is June 30, 2007.
