The Foundation for Hearing & Speech Resources (FHSR) proudly declares 2026 as our Year of Empowerment & Advocacy. This year, we are affirming and expanding our commitment to helping every child and family affected by hearing loss find their voice.
We have seen firsthand that children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) thrive when they are empowered to speak up for themselves, understand their rights, and lead with confidence. We also know that the entire community benefits when parents and caregivers are empowered to become their children’s strongest advocates as they navigate education systems, identify and access resources, and build circles of support.
Throughout the year, we will amplify the concerns of deaf and hard of hearing children beyond the family, educating local and state leaders about the essential role of sustained funding for education, Early Intervention, and support services for children with hearing loss.
Together, we are creating a future where DHH children are heard, valued, and fully supported at every stage of life. We invite you to join us by joining our mailing list or making a donation to support our DHH kids.
Supporting the Child, the Family, the Community, and Elected Officials
In 2026, FHSR will:
- Strengthen Education Support
FHSR will deliver comprehensive educational guidance through our Education Coordinator Program, providing personalized resources for families and professionals to learn and implement evidence-based best practices for educating children with hearing loss. This includes strengthening literacy initiatives to address a critical barrier to DHH children’s long-term academic success.
- Build Strategic Partnerships
We will collaborate with current future professionals, especially in medicine and education, to increase awareness of the unique needs of children who are deaf and hard of hearing, from early identification and intervention to ongoing access to community-based supports and opportunities.
- Advance Music Therapy Research
FHSR will lead and support music therapy research projects and professional presentations that establish this therapeutic service as a standard of care for DHH children and provide a replicable model for successful interventions. FHSR’s Music Therapy program and its research projects will empower DHH children to build communication skills, confidence, and self-advocacy across all areas of their lives.
- Engage in Advocacy to Impact Public Policy
FHSR will proactively engage with elected officials to promotoe awareness and encourage sustained funding for public programs and educational support systems serving children with hearing loss.
We invite you to join us on this journey.
Empowerment and advocacy are strongest when they are shared. Whether you choose to volunteer, participate in our programs, make a donation, or help amplify our mission, your support fuels meaningful change for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable future where every child is supported, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Stay connected with FHSR throughout the year for updates on volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and inspiring success stories, and subscribe to our newsletter to learn how you can be part of this important work.
Kristen Van Dyke,
Executive Director, FHSR
