The Hearing Speech + Deaf Center is proud to celebrate a century of helping tens of thousands of Greater Cincinnatians reach their full communication potential with a gala on Thursday, April 24, at the Lightwell in Covington.
A century of service
In 1925, Anna Pattison, a former Ohio First Lady, founded the Cincinnati League for the Hard of Hearing to provide social and recreational support for people with hearing loss. After World War II, the field of audiology emerged and the need for professional speech and hearing services grew.
Dr. Jean Rothenberg sought expertise about hearing loss and brought her knowledge back to Cincinnati, leading to the establishment of the Cincinnati Speech and Hearing Center in 1950. It offered rehabilitation, professional support, public education and hearing conservation programs.
The center adopted its current name in 1999 and today offers audiology, speech-language and occupational therapy and Community Services for the Deaf. From its first location in downtown Cincinnati where the Aronoff Center now stands, the center has grown to three locations in Corryville, Eastgate and West Chester.
100th Anniversary Gala
WLWT meteorologist Allison Rogers will host the festivities and a number of people from the center’s past and present will be honored:
• Pattison, Rothenberg, former board member and advocate Elizabeth Mann, audiologist and former board member Laura Kretschmer, and former employee and board member Richard Kretschmer are the inaugural Century Club inductees.
• Porsha Murray; Mercy Blank, Melody Sanders and Russell Reynolds; and Gregory Flannery are honorees for this year’s Shining Stars Award, which recognize clients who inspire.
“We’re thrilled to mark this milestone by looking back at our legacy and celebrating those who are overcoming communication challenges today,” said Sally Quilligan, interim CEO and director of operations.
To learn more about the gala or make a donation, visit hearingspeechdeaf.org/hsdc-service-awards-gala.
About Hearing Speech + Deaf Center
The Hearing Speech + Deaf Center aims to empower individuals and families with successful communication tools and opportunities through advocacy, excellence and inclusion. It provides a barrier-free, inclusive and nurturing environment for anyone seeking to overcome obstacles regarding speech, language, literacy, hearing or deafness. Learn more at hearingspeechanddeaf.org.
