Oberkotter Foundation Announces New Funding Opportunity for Family Navigation Programs to Improve Hearing Healthcare Access

The Foundation is requesting proposals from organizations seeking to expand or establish navigator programs to achieve positive outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Oberkotter Foundation announced a new funding opportunity and is seeking proposals for navigator programs that support timely access to newborn hearing healthcare. Grants will be awarded to organizations introducing or expanding navigator programs, particularly in underserved communities. The Foundation's goal is to assist families in achieving and accelerating early hearing detection, identification, and intervention benchmarks to promote the development of age-appropriate spoken language and literacy milestones for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The Joint Commission on Infant Hearing (JCIH, 2007) states that infants should receive a hearing screening by 1 month, a diagnostic evaluation by 3 months, and be enrolled in early intervention by 6 months. Navigator programs can provide family-centered support to help reduce barriers to hearing care by supporting families through the complex process of early hearing detection and intervention.

However, according to the CDC, of the 98% of newborns in the U.S. who receive a newborn hearing screening, only 40% of those needing further evaluation receive it by 3 months, and just 41% are enrolled in early intervention by 6 months. These delays can have long-term impacts, as early hearing experiences are essential for the development of listening and spoken language skills. Navigators play a critical role in helping families understand the importance of timely follow-up after newborn hearing screenings, navigate healthcare systems, and connect with early intervention services.

"Today, the possibilities are limitless for children who are deaf or hard of hearing when they are identified early, fitted with appropriate hearing technology, and enrolled in early intervention," said Teresa H. Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, Chief Executive Officer of the Oberkotter Foundation. "Every day, children with hearing loss are developing age-appropriate listening, talking, and reading skills; however, access to care is not equal for all families. Navigator programs are a way to help connect families quickly with the necessary care that we know helps children who are deaf or hard of hearing learn to listen, talk, read, and thrive."

Non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations within the United States serving families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted from October 1 to November 28, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified on February 27, 2026. For more information about this Request for Proposals, visit www.oberkotterfoundation.org/grants.

The Oberkotter Foundation believes that families of children with hearing loss should have timely access, complete information, and appropriate intervention services. This funding opportunity reflects the Foundation's strategic commitment to increasing nationwide access to pediatric hearing healthcare, Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) services, and family support.

"Achieving positive listening and spoken language outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing depends on families having access to accurate information, receiving clear and consistent communication, and a shared commitment of support from the professionals working with them," explains Andrea Dunn, AuD, PhD, CCC-A, Vice President of Programs of the Oberkotter Foundation. "Navigators support and empower families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, connecting them with timely, high-quality hearing healthcare and intervention services that lay the groundwork for them to reach their full potential."

About the Oberkotter Foundation

The Oberkotter Foundation helps families ensure their children who are deaf or hard of hearing have opportunities to reach their full potential through Listening and Spoken Language (LSL). 

The Foundation is committed to advancing science and innovation that will improve access to quality audiological and LSL services for children with hearing loss so that they develop age-appropriate listening, talking, and literacy skills. Since 1985, the Foundation has provided over $500 million in funding to improve listening, spoken language, and literacy outcomes for children with hearing loss and their families.

Read more about the Oberkotter Foundation. 

SOURCE Oberkotter Foundation