With a legacy of leading innovation and breaking down barriers, the Foundation looks to a future where every child with hearing loss has the opportunity to reach their full potential through listening and spoken language.
PHILADELPHIA, October 1, 2025
Today, the Oberkotter Foundation marks the beginning of its 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects four decades of impact in expanding what’s possible for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. Since its founding in 1985, the Foundation has invested in pioneering programs, research, and family-centered support that have transformed access to quality pediatric audiology and Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) services. As part of the 40th anniversary, the Foundation is reflecting on its legacy of hope, honoring its mission to support children with hearing loss, and committing to bold new actions that will help shape a future where every child has the opportunity to listen, talk, read, and thrive.
A 40-Year Legacy of Hope and Vision
The Oberkotter Foundation’s story began long before its formal founding, with Paul and Louise Oberkotter’s determination to support their daughter, Mildred “Mildie” Oberkotter who was diagnosed as profoundly deaf in the 1930s. At the time, they sought a path to ensure Mildie could learn to talk and participate fully in the hearing world. Decades later in 1985, Paul and Louise decided to create the Oberkotter Foundation to provide support for children who are deaf so they could learn to listen and talk.
Since its founding, the Foundation has provided more than $500 million in philanthropic funding and grant investments as a catalyst for change to improve early intervention services for children with hearing loss and their families.
"The Oberkotters had a vision for what the future could be for children with hearing loss, and from that initial desire to do something worthwhile, the ongoing impact has been nothing short of incredible,” explains Bruce Rosenfield, Trustee and former Executive Director of the Oberkotter Foundation.
The Foundation’s initiatives and investments have been game-changers in opening the door of opportunity for children with hearing loss so they can reach their full potential. Looking ahead, the future is wide open.Bruce Rosenfield
Pioneering Solutions and Expanding Access
Throughout its 40 years, the Foundation has embraced innovative approaches, programs, and resources to break down barriers and increase access to care, helping families have the information and care needed to support their child with hearing loss.
- The Foundation’s investments helped establish 25 Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) programs throughout the U.S. to help families more easily access LSL and pediatric audiology services directly in their communities.
- In 1998, the Foundation released the Dreams Spoken documentary film series and resources to show families what is possible for their child to listen and talk with early intervention and appropriate support.
- Since 2015, Hearing First, an educational initiative of the Foundation, has supported thousands of families and professionals through resources, learning, and community.
- Starts Hear National Awareness Campaign has reached millions of parents with information about the Newborn Hearing Screening and the link between hearing and development.
As a result of Foundation investments, more children than ever before now have access to programs and services to achieve listening and spoken language outcomes.
“Reflecting on the Foundation’s beginning 40 years ago inspires the future the Foundation is working toward as we continue the vision from the Oberkotter family. The Foundation wants to lead the way and embrace collaborative efforts so that no matter where a child lives or the socioeconomic status of their family, they have the opportunity to learn to listen and talk,” shares Teresa H. Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, Chief Executive Officer of the Oberkotter Foundation. “The Foundation will continue to fund and support innovative initiatives that will transform pediatric hearing healthcare, bridging the gaps in care so that every child with hearing loss has the opportunity to develop age-appropriate listening, spoken language, and literacy skills.”
Looking Ahead: A Future of Possibilities
Ahead of its 40th year, the Foundation embarked on a bold new chapter with a focus on advancing science and innovation to create a more inclusive and supportive future for children with hearing loss. The strategic plan, announced in 2024, commits the Foundation to advancing science and innovation, raising awareness about newborn hearing healthcare, expanding equitable access to audiology and LSL services, and strengthening knowledge and connections among families and professionals.
As part of the Foundation’s commitment to collaboration and innovation, the Scientific Council for Childhood Hearing was established in 2024. The council brings together global experts to deepen understanding about childhood hearing loss by analyzing the science of listening, language, and literacy for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Looking ahead, the Foundation will continue to partner with individuals and organizations to develop innovative approaches and expand access to outcomes in listening and spoken language. Together, these efforts will continue the legacy of hope sparked by one family’s journey to help create limitless futures for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families.
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.
