#United States #Atlanta #Oberkotter Foundation #Georgia Literacy #Deaf Children

Oberkotter Foundation Launches Inaugural Showcase Series

On October 14, 2025, the Oberkotter Foundation is set to kick off its inaugural Showcase Series, designed to spotlight pioneering initiatives aimed at enhancing literacy for children who are deaf or hard of hearing in Georgia. This event will feature the theme “Georgia Struggle. Common Ground. Progress.” and aims to bring awareness to the collaborative efforts of nonprofits, advocates, and policymakers in driving positive educational outcomes.

The Showcase Series is an integral part of the Oberkotter Foundation’s mission, which has been helping children who are deaf or hard of hearing reach their full potential using Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) for over 40 years. This initiative promises to be an engaging platform where impactful stories and strategies are shared, highlighting the ongoing commitment to eliminate barriers and improve accessibility to educational resources.

Dr. Teresa Caraway, the CEO of the Oberkotter Foundation, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in this work. “There is so much being done to reduce barriers and promote greater awareness. The Showcase Series is designed to foster communication among those dedicated to improving outcomes for these children. Our goal is to inspire new approaches that ensure every child with hearing loss can access the resources they need to thrive,” she noted.

One of the key presentations will be delivered by Kelly Jenkins, the Program Manager for the Access to Language Program at the Atlanta Speech School. Jenkins will discuss how Georgia is implementing innovative programs to better support children with hearing loss, including parent navigator programs and mobile audiology services. The aim is to facilitate earlier identification and support, ultimately guiding these children toward achieving third-grade reading levels by their third year of school.

The Access to Language program, funded in part by the Oberkotter Foundation, exemplifies how collaborative partnerships can lead to significant improvements in literacy outcomes. “The progress we’ve made showcases years of dedication and teamwork among various organizations across Georgia,” Jenkins explained. “By uniting these efforts, we are establishing a sustainable system that ensures children who are deaf or hard of hearing are not forgotten in literacy improvement initiatives.”

To participate in this transformative event, registration is open on the Oberkotter Foundation’s website, where attendees can also learn more about the ongoing projects and developments in the field of literacy for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

This Showcase Series not only aims to celebrate existing accomplishments but also seeks to initiate a dialogue around the continuous challenges faced by children with hearing loss. The exchange of insights and knowledge among participants is expected to yield innovative solutions to overcome these obstacles.

For more details on the Oberkotter Foundation and its ambitious Showcase Series, visit oberkotterfoundation.org/events.

In essence, the Oberkotter Foundation is committed to ensuring all children who are deaf or hard of hearing can achieve their fullest potential through dedicated support and innovative educational strategies. With a historical commitment to advancing access to essential audiological services, the foundation has allocated over $500 million since its inception in 1985 to improve literacy and language outcomes for affected children and their families.

As the inaugural showcase approaches, the anticipation builds for a fruitful event that not only highlights progress but also sets the stage for future advancements in literacy support for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.