September is Deaf Awareness Month—a time to recognize, advocate for, support, and build community alongside individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing as well as those who are impacted by hearing loss. Community engagement allows us as future clinicians to bond and connect with these individuals as we hear their stories, struggles, and successes. Taking advantage of these opportunities helps us, in return, become better clinicians for our patients. And what better way to do that than lending a hand and sharing your voice?
In honor of Deaf Awareness Month, we are highlighting the voice and experiences of Maddie Williams-Kane. Maddie is a third-year doctor of audiology (AuD) student at the University of Iowa who has a passion for pediatrics and supporting children with hearing loss and their families. She currently serves as a board member for the Iowa Hands & Voices organization. After graduating from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree, she worked as a Teacher of the Deaf—a career path inspired by her own diagnosis of progressive hearing loss at age 6.
What is Iowa Hands & Voices?
Hands & Voices is a parent-led national organization for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Each state has its own chapter, with local boards working directly to support families in their area. The organization engages with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through outreach—such as hosting social events, partnering with other advocacy groups, and providing educational resources.
How did you first become involved in Hands & Voices?
When I was a Teacher of the Deaf in Illinois, I became involved with the Illinois chapter, which runs a program called Guide by Your Side. Through this program, parents who have recently learned that their child has hearing loss are paired with an experienced parent mentor. Mentors walk alongside families throughout their entire journey—whether that means attending doctor appointments, providing a safe space to share emotions, or offering practical advice.
Why did you join this organization?
Before I became a Teacher of the Deaf, I was diagnosed with progressive hearing loss at 6 years old. So, joining Hands & Voices was personal to my own story. While I initially got involved from a professional standpoint as a teacher, my connection to the mission has grown even more personal over time.
When I moved to the University of Iowa to start graduate school, I wanted to stay connected to the community. I reached out to the Iowa chapter and started volunteering. I was willing to help in any capacity—they even put me in charge of the website! I had no idea how to design a website at the time, but I dove in because I wanted to support the community in any way I could. Over time, as board members transitioned out, the remaining board members invited me to step into an official board position.
What have you learned from the children and families who are a part of Hands & Voices?
As audiology students, we typically see patients for 30–60 minutes at a time to address their clinical hearing needs. But what we see during that single hour impacts children and their families every single day. We get a small glimpse into their lives, but they are the ones navigating it continuously.
Every child and family has a unique journey related to hearing loss. Even when circumstances seem similar, each family is experiencing it for the very first time. Having an organization step in—one made up of people walking a similar path or who share a connection to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community—is a true beacon of support. It provides families with the space to realize how deeply hearing loss touches their lives—while simultaneously reassuring them that they don’t have to navigate it alone.
Hands & Voices gets its name from the fundamental belief that all modes of communication are welcomed and respected. Members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community use a wide spectrum of communication, from American Sign Language (ASL) to spoken language. As an organization, we honor and support every family’s individual choice and communication path.
How can other students get involved with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community?
You can start simply by searching social media or the web for your local Hands & Voices chapter. Navigate to the national Hands & Voices website. Chapters are always eager to welcome new members and volunteers—especially students! Most chapters list contact information on their websites. Find a board member who oversees an area you’re interested in, reach out, and ask about upcoming events or volunteer opportunities. Be open-minded, show up, and say hello! Organizations love connecting with students because you are the future providers for this community.
When I was a teacher, a common question that people asked me was, “How do I find the Deaf community?” My answer is always, “The same way you find any other community!” We live in a connected digital world. Look for local ASL clubs or community groups—many host open social events for anyone wanting to connect. And remember, there are many fantastic organizations beyond Hands & Voices that support the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Be willing to connect, show up, and get involved!
Beyond the Clinic: Practical Steps for Advocacy and Accessibility
Getting involved with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community starts simply by taking the initiative to connect. Organizations like Hands & Voices welcome students warmly, recognizing that today’s students are tomorrow’s clinical providers. Whether you volunteer, attend local events, or reach out directly to community leaders, stepping beyond the clinic builds crucial empathy and grounding. Embracing the lived experiences of individuals with hearing loss will ultimately make you a more compassionate, effective clinician.
To support your clinical growth, ASHA provides a dedicated Practice Portal page titled Language and Communication Development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children. This resource outlines relevant federal and state regulations as well as the interprofessional roles of audiologists and speech-language pathologists. It serves as an excellent foundation for understanding how professionals can deliver high-quality, family-centered care within their scope of practice.
Beyond individual advocacy and clinical learning, you can also drive change locally by creating accessible, welcoming spaces during your NSSLHA chapter events. Partnering with your university’s accessibility or disability services office is a helpful way to secure accommodations such as closed captioning, assistive listening devices, or event space guidance—thus ensuring that all students can fully participate. By combining community connection, evidence-based practice, and accessible chapter initiatives, you can transform your student advocacy into meaningful, lifelong clinical impact for the deaf and hard of hearing individuals in your life.