Somerset, NJ, May 19 - In 12 years, the Oticon Focus on People Awards have honored over 180 extraordinary people whose courage, vision and commitment are changing the perception of what it means to have a hearing loss. This year, Oticon, Inc. is again seeking nominations of outstanding individuals with any degree of hearing loss for the 2009 Oticon Focus on People Awards. The national awards program, created by Oticon, Inc. in 1997, recognizes 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. By spotlighting people with hearing loss and their achievements and contributions, Oticon aims to change outdated stereotypes that discourage people from seeking professional help for their hearing loss. The program has awarded more than $165,000 to deserving individuals and the not-for-profit causes of their choice.
"Just as there is no stereotype for a person with hearing loss, there is no stereotype for the kind of individual that the Oticon Focus on People Awards has honored over the past 12 years," states Peer Lauritsen, President of Oticon, Inc. "Our winners have ranged from award-winning researchers and scholars to engineers, business people, dancers, graphic artists, social workers and even a feisty little boy in a cowboy hat. What they all share is a desire to be recognized as people first and to use that determination to help eliminate hurtful stereotypes of what it means to have a hearing loss. With their help, we hope to motivate the more than 80 percent of individuals who hesitate to seek help for their hearing loss to consult a hearing care professional."
Anyone can nominate an individual for this year's awards which are offered 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. Hearing care practitioners nominated for the awards need not be hearing impaired. 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 www.oticonusa.com, under the Professional or Consumer sections and click on the Oticon Focus on People Awards link. The deadline for award nominations is September 21, 2009. Winning nominations will be announced in November.
