Lipreading Mom

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 that recognizes individuals who share a passion to make the world a better place not only for people with hearing loss but for everyone through their professional, volunteer, cultural and civic endeavors.

You are invited to cast your vote for me and other finalists in the Student, Adult, Advocacy and Practitioner categories at www.Oticon.com/FOP  through November 4.  The total number of votes received by each finalist will help to determine who will be the first, second and third place winners in each category.

Here is my bio for the award nomination:

“In Lip Reader and Confessions of a Lip Reading Mom, Shanna shares her struggles on the ‘roller coaster ride’ of progressive hearing loss, including her initial reluctance to wear hearing aids or show them to others. Today, her popular blog, LipreadingMom.com, helps to build awareness of the benefits of hearing technology and drive confidence through initiatives such as the “Show Me Your Ears” photo campaign. The recipient of numerous awards for her contributions to the deaf and hard of hearing community, Shanna serves on the Kansas Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She is a vocal advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Her mantra: ‘Advocate for your own accessibility and inclusion and collaborate with others to impact lasting change.'”

How to Vote

Voting for all the 2022 finalists is open now through November 4 at www.Oticon.com/FOP.  Winners will be announced in early 2023.

“Life-changing technology and the support of dedicated hearing care professionals open a world of possibilities for people with hearing loss, empowering them to achieve, contribute and excel,” said Nancy Palmere Mucha, Director of Consumer Marketing and Public Relations for Oticon, Inc., who heads the national program.  “The Oticon Focus on People Awards honor the remarkable individuals who have turned those possibilities into realities to make the world a better place for all of us.”

Thank you for voting!

About the Oticon Focus on People Awards

Leading hearing solutions manufacturer Oticon, Inc. created the national awards program to honor hearing impaired students, adults and advocacy volunteers who drive awareness and understanding that can change attitudes and open doors of opportunity for all people with hearing loss. Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition, after arthritis and heart disease. It has been shown to affect physical health, cognition, social skills, family relationships, self-esteem and more. Outdated stereotypes of what it means to live with hearing loss often discourage people from seeking life-changing help.