National competition aims to change perception and open doors.
SOMERSET, NJ April 9 -- Oticon, Inc. is seeking nominations of outstanding individuals with any degree of hearing loss for the 2014 Oticon Focus on People Awards. The national awards program 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 By spotlighting the achievements and contributions of people with hearing loss, Oticon aims to change outdated stereotypes that discourage people from seeking professional help for their hearing loss.
Winners in each of four categories receive prizes and national recognition that help create awareness and change attitudes that can open doors of opportunity for all people with hearing loss. Categories include: Student, for full-time students with hearing loss, ages 6 – 21; Adult, for people with hearing loss, ages 21 and above; and Advocacy, for adults with hearing loss, who are actively involved in support efforts for the hard-of-hearing and deaf community. A special Hearing Care Practitioner category recognizes hearing care professionals who go “above and beyond” to change the world for people with hearing loss through humanitarian and public education efforts.
Anyone may nominate using a simple online form available at www.pro.oticonusa.com. Deadline for nominations is May 15, 2014.
Since 1997, the Oticon Focus on People Awards has awarded more than $250,000 to deserving individuals and the not-for-profit causes of their choice. First place winners in Student, Adult and Advocacy receive a $1,000 cash prize, $1,000 donation to charity of their choice and Oticon advanced technology hearing devices. The first place winner in the Hearing Care Practitioner category receives a $1,000 cash prize and $1,000 to a charity of his/her choice. Second place winner receive a $500 cash prize and third place winners, a $250 cash prize.
The general public will be invited to vote online for three finalists in each category following close of the call for nominations. Votes will determine first, second and third place winners in each category.
For more information about the 2014 Oticon Focus on People Awards and to obtain a nomination form, visit www.pro.oticonusa.com. You may also learn more about Oticon on the Oticon Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
