Outreach and Advocacy
When I lost my hearing,
I learned firsthand how isolating silence can be. After receiving my cochlear implants, I made it my mission to reach others who might be facing that same isolation. That’s why I created cochlearimplantbasics.com. On the site, I share podcast interviews—with transcripts—featuring recipients, surgeons, audiologists, and others. These conversations are honest, practical, and meant to show that no one has to go through this journey alone.
My book, Cochlear Implant Basics: What a Candidate for a Cochlear Implant Needs to Know, grew out of that work. It brings together those interviews, rehabilitation exercises, and resources into one place, so people who are “on the fence” about cochlear implants can find answers—and a little hope.
But for me, outreach is also personal. I spend time mentoring candidates one-on-one, often by Zoom, helping them navigate surgery and recovery with the benefit of someone who has been there. I don’t work for any organization, and I don’t receive compensation. This is simply how I choose to give back.
Locally, I’ve partnered with Sertoma of Greater Sarasota and the Hearing Loss Association of Sarasota/Manatee to make our community more accessible and safe. I spearheaded getting hearing loops installed at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and I’m now working with Sertoma, HLAA, and the Sarasota County Fire Department to provide smoke detectors with bed shakers at no cost to those who cannot hear alarms at night. For many, this small device brings enormous peace of mind.
Finally, I believe advocacy also belongs in the policy arena. That’s why I support H.R. 4606, Ally’s Law, federal legislation that would require insurance companies to cover cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs). Whether through a website, a book, a Zoom call, or even a law, my goal is the same: to make sure people with hearing loss are never left behind.
