National competition celebrates people with hearing loss who are changing perceptions and opening doors.
SOMERSET, NJ May 27 -- Oticon, Inc. is seeking outstanding individuals with hearing loss for the 2015 Oticon Focus on People Awards. Now in its 17th year, the national awards program celebrates students, adults and advocacy volunteers with any degree of hearing loss 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 By spotlighting the achievements and contributions of people with hearing loss, Oticon aims to change outdated stereotypes that discourage people from seeking professional help for their hearing loss.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 helps 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 – 25; Adult, for people with hearing loss, ages 21 and above; and Advocacy, for volunteers with hearing loss, who are actively involved in support efforts for the hard-of-hearing and deaf community. A special 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. Nominees in the Practitioner category are not required to have a hearing loss to qualify.
Anyone may nominate using a simple online form available at www.pro.oticonusa.com/FOP. Deadline for nominations is July 15, 2015.
Since its inception, the Oticon Focus on People Awards has presented awards totaling more than $340,000 to deserving individuals and the not-for-profit causes of their choice. First place winners in Student, Adult and Advocacy categories receive a $1,000 cash prize, $1,000 donation to the 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 winners 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 2015 Oticon Focus on People Awards and to obtain a nomination form, visit www.pro.oticonusa.com/FOP. For more information about Oticon, Inc. you may also visit the Oticon Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
