HEAR Wisconsin

Today we honor Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates the resilience and contributions of Black Americans. As we reflect on this history, we remain committed to supporting equity, access, and communication for every member of our community. Every voice deserves to be heard and valued.

Such a great visit to the Coggs Center today! We’re grateful to partner with the Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services as we work together to expand access to hearing care for all residents.

Thank you to HEAR Wisconsin President & CEO Jill Van Calster and Early Intervention Program Director Amy Lalios for visiting the Coggs Center today, alongside DHHS Executive Director Shakita LaGrant-McClain. We’re grateful for the opportunity to highlight our shared vision in creating healthy communities.

For 100 years, HEAR Wisconsin has led the way in providing accessible hearing healthcare, especially through their Mobile Audiology Clinic, which brings vital services directly into our communities. We’re proud to partner with them in reducing health disparities, supporting early childhood development, promoting independence for adults and seniors, and ensuring residents have equitable access to the hearing services they need to thrive.

💚 June is CMV Awareness Month 💚

CMV is a common virus that young children and adults often carry without showing any symptoms. While saliva and urine are the most common ways CMV spreads, it can be transmitted through all bodily fluids like tears or mucus. Because daily routines with little ones often involve close contact, exposure can happen easily. Simple habits can help lower your risk, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Here are four important steps to help protect yourself and your baby:

1. Kiss on the forehead or cheek: Avoid kissing young children on or near the mouth to reduce contact with saliva.
2. Do not share items: Do not put cups, utensils, food, or toothbrushes in your mouth if they have been in a child’s mouth.
3. Wash hands often: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after changing diapers, wiping drool or runny noses, or feeding children.
4. Clean toys regularly: Wipe down toys and surfaces that children frequently touch.

Awareness and small daily habits can make a real difference in reducing the spread of CMV.

✨️What an unforgettable night!✨️

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 100th Anniversary Celebration, A Sound Story. The love, generosity, and spirit you brought into the room made the evening truly unforgettable. And to those who were unable to attend but supported us from afar, please know your generosity was felt just as deeply.

Because of you, we raised more than $917,000 to support the children, families, and adults we proudly serve across Wisconsin. Your support helps ensure that individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can access the services, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Together, we honored a century of impact and invested in the future. Here's to the next 100 years of connection, communication, and community. 🧡

💚 June is CMV Awareness Month 💚

Many people have never heard of Cytomegalovirus (CMV), even though it is one of the most common viruses people encounter in their lifetime. Most individuals are exposed at some point without realizing it because symptoms are usually mild or not noticeable. Once CMV enters the body, it stays for life.

During pregnancy, CMV becomes more concerning. It is the most common infection passed from a mother to her unborn baby in the United States, with about 1 in 200 babies born with Congenital CMV (cCMV). This infection can lead to a variety of health issues.

One of the most significant effects of cCMV involves hearing health. Congenital CMV is the leading non-genetic cause of childhood hearing loss, affecting the inner ear and auditory system. Some babies show hearing differences at birth, while others develop hearing loss later in childhood.

Around 1 in 10 babies born with cCMV show signs of infection at birth. Among those who appear healthy early on, another 10 percent may later develop issues related to the infection. The most common long term concern is hearing loss.

Many families only learn about cCMV after it impacts their child. Look out for our next post where we’ll share prevention tips and simple ways to reduce the risk.

Calling all book lovers! 📚✨

Deaf author Anna Sortino, known for her hit young adult novel Give Me a Sign, will be at Well Red Damsel in Wauwatosa on May 21 for an author talk, a lively Q&A, a meet-and-greet, and a book signing to wrap up the night!

🕒 Event Schedule
• 6:00 PM – Doors open
• 6:30–7:00 PM – Author discussion
• 7:00–7:15 PM – Audience Q&A
• 7:15–8:00 PM – Meet & greet + signing

🎟 Tickets (Required for entry) (~$25) include a signed copy of Stops Along the Way
🤟 ASL interpretation provided throughout the event
📍 Well Red Damsel Bookstore, 6429 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213

To buy tickets visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/qa-and-signing-with-author-anna-sortino-tickets-1986863453073?aff=oddtdtcreator

It's National Speech‑Language Pathologist Day! ✨️ 🧡

Today we’re recognizing our incredible SLPs who work every day to help children and families communicate with confidence. Whether supporting little ones in early intervention, working closely with families, or providing care across our programs, your dedication makes a real difference.

Thank you for your compassion, your expertise, and the countless hours you pour into helping our community connect and thrive. We’re so grateful for everything you do. 🧡