The month of May brings so many things – signs of summer, graduations, weddings, and so much more. May is also Better Hearing and Speech Month. Part of that is National Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Appreciation Day on May 18. SLPs are VERY important to us here at the Orange Effect Foundation. One example of this is that every application is required to involve a speech-language pathologist …
speech devices
THE ORANGE EFFECT FOUNDATION AWARDS SPEECH GRANTS FOR FIRST QUARTER 2023
The Orange Effect Foundation recently awarded $28,411 to 18 children across the United States with speech disorders. This quarter’s grants were awarded after a thorough review process by dedicated members of the Orange Effect Board of Directors. “It’s an amazing feeling to help children in need.” said Kristin Erbacher, Orange Effect Foundation Board Chair. “On top of funding speech …
Everyone Deserves a Voice
Sometimes big ideas start in small, unexpected places. You might be surprised to know that speech-generating devices (SGDs) began in a basement in rural Ohio. Two engineers, Ed Prentke and Barry Romich, connected over a mutual passion to help individuals with disabilities. In 1966, they launched their incredible work to give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. PRC-Saltillo …
What Would You Golf 100 Holes For?
I’m turning 50 this year. I’m taking it pretty well so far. The only new thing I have committed to is running my first marathon. I’m following a pretty strict training schedule so that I can actually finish the entire 26.2 miles. Another “marathon” I have done the past three years is Orange Effect’s 100 Holes of Golf fundraiser. Trust me, trying to complete 100 holes of golf in ONE day is …
Technology That Makes Communication Possible
The links between our personalities, our voices, how we communicate, and the technology that helps us to do so are not always obvious—until you meet someone like Jeffrey Flanders. Jeffrey, 15, is funny, resourceful, and totally rocking the art of self-expression. He is chatty, though primarily nonverbal because of his cerebral palsy. Jeffrey warms up fast when he meets someone …
What Makes You Smile?
I really try hard not to be on social media too much. I have to be on social media in some ways for work and that’s okay, but when it’s time to decompress I believe in the research that says it is not good for you mentally and that it does not help with sleep. The times I do get caught “going down the rabbit hole” or spending too much time with social media is when there are certain kinds of …
Every Single Amazon Account Holder Should Do This
Some people argue that there is no such thing as free. Often they have a valid point. Maybe you have to buy one to get one free, or you have the cost of your time and travel to get whatever is free. The person who wants to buy you a coffee (hence free for you) may want something from you. I have however found the one scenario that is absolutely free. That I can guarantee costs you nothing and …
Remember, You are Just ONE Person
I love the holidays. I love everything about it. I love how my house changes with the decorations, I love trying to find just the perfect gift for friends and loved ones. I love baking as much as I can find plastic containers for and I love seeing everyone at parties and meals. It really is a wonderful time of the year. What’s the catch? Well, let’s be honest. It can be REALLY stressful. There …
ORANGE EFFECT FOUNDATION AWARDS SPEECH GRANTS FOR WINTER 2022
The Orange Effect Foundation recently awarded $29,916 to nine children across the United States with speech disorders. This quarter’s grants were awarded after a thorough review process by dedicated members of the Orange Effect Board of Directors. This is the first quarter where the grant application process was fully digital. “Every quarter I am more and more motivated by the children that OEF …
Charades: The real life version
We started Orange Effect Foundation not only because of our own personal family experience, but because we worked in marketing, so communication was the core of our universe. Sounds dramatic but it’s true. Where would we be if we couldn’t communicate? Is there any other way businesses can get their message across without written or verbal communication? I can’t think of any. Could you even …
Orange Blessings: Six Things I’m Thankful For
It’s that time of year. Each of us has the opportunity to sit back, close our eyes, and be aware of all the blessings in our lives. At Orange Effect Foundation (OEF) we are thankful for so much. I believe a list is in order (don’t you love listing blog posts). Well, here you go: This year marks the 8th year of OEF’s existence. Pam and I initially launched the concept in 2007 when we worked …
The Orange Effect Foundation Awards Speech Grants For Fall 2022
CLEVELAND - Sept. 13, 2022 - PRLog – The Orange Effect Foundation recently awarded $38,000 to 13 children across the United States with speech disorders. This quarter’s speech grants were awarded after a thorough review process by dedicated members of the Orange Effect Board of Directors. This is the first quarter where the digital application submission system was in effect. While paper …