Oberkotter Foundation Launches Grant Initiative for Hearing Healthcare Navigation

The Oberkotter Foundation, a prominent advocate for children with hearing loss, has announced a significant funding opportunity aimed at improving access to newborn hearing healthcare through navigator programs. This initiative seeks to provide essential support to families, ensuring they receive timely access to hearing services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Funding Opportunity Overview

On October 1, 2025, the foundation publicly opened its call for proposals, specifically focusing on organizations that can establish or expand navigator programs in underserved communities. These programs aim to help families fulfill crucial benchmarks for early hearing detection and intervention, which are vital for the linguistic and literacy development of children facing hearing challenges.

The Joint Commission on Infant Hearing (JCIH) outlines a clear timeline for hearing screenings and interventions: newborns should undergo screening by their first month, receive a detailed evaluation by three months, and be enrolled in early intervention services by six months of age. However, current statistics indicate that while nearly all newborns in the United States receive initial hearing screenings, only about 40% of those requiring further assessment actually receive it by the designated three months. Alarmingly, less than half of these children are enrolled in necessary early intervention programs by six months.

The Role of Navigators

Navigator programs play an important role in bridging the gap between families and the healthcare system. They provide critical, family-centered support to help caregivers navigate the complexities of obtaining hearing care. This assistance is particularly vital as delays in addressing hearing needs can lead to long-term developmental setbacks.

"The possibilities for children are endless when they receive timely interventions and appropriate hearing technology," remarked Teresa H. Caraway, the Chief Executive Officer of the Oberkotter Foundation. Caraway stressed the importance of connecting families to the resources that can ensure their children reach critical developmental milestones in listening, speaking, and literacy.

Application Process and Goals

Non-profit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) and actively serving families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to apply for this funding. The proposal acceptance period runs from October 1 until November 28, 2025, with notifications to successful applicants scheduled for February 27, 2026.

Andrea Dunn, AuD, PhD, Vice President of Programs at the Oberkotter Foundation, highlighted the significance of providing families with accurate information and consistent communication. "With the right support from professionals, families can achieve positive outcomes for their children," she explained, underlining the critical nature of navigator programs.

Oberkotter Foundation's Commitment

Since its inception in 1985, the Oberkotter Foundation has been dedicated to ensuring that children with hearing loss can achieve their full potential. It has allocated over $500 million in funding towards enhancing linguistic and literacy outcomes for these children and their families.

This new funding initiative not only reflects the Foundation's ongoing strategic commitment to increasing nationwide access to pediatric hearing healthcare but also aligns with its goal of facilitating timely interventions that set the stage for successful developmental trajectories for children with hearing challenges.

For more information about this funding opportunity and how to apply, visit Oberkotter Foundation's grants page.