Special Olympics Washington is thrilled to announce that two of our own will be sharing the stage at this year’s American Speech–Language–Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention: Austin Landon, an inspiring Special Olympics athlete, and Denise Cardona, the Discipline Manager for Special Olympics International’s (SOI) Healthy Hearing program. Together, they will share their unique perspectives on the impact of hearing healthcare on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as well as the life-changing opportunities available through Special Olympics.

Denise Cardona: Advocating for Accessible Hearing Care

Denise Cardona, a dedicated audiologist, has been serving as the Discipline Manager for the Special Olympics Healthy Hearing program since 2023 and was previously the Clinical Director for Healthy Hearing with Special Olympics Nevada. Before joining Special Olympics, Denise spent six years at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Las Vegas. Now, she’s excited to bring her expertise and passion to the ASHA Convention, where thousands of clinicians, students, and researchers will gather.

For Denise, the ASHA Convention is an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals who share her commitment to advancing hearing healthcare. “It’s always validating and encouraging to be in a room full of people who are seeking answers and ideas just like I am,” she shares. Her presentation will focus on Special Olympics’ remarkable initiatives for individuals with IDD, with a special emphasis on the Healthy Hearing program and its partnership with Starkey Cares.

Denise is eager to ensure that clinicians leave the convention feeling confident and equipped to serve Special Olympics athletes in their offices. “Addressing the specific hearing needs of athletes can be different from what clinicians may encounter in their usual practice,” she explains. Through her presentation, Denise hopes to not only expand awareness of hearing healthcare for individuals with IDD but also foster a deeper understanding of the correlation between hearing loss and IDD. By providing the right resources and training, she aims to inspire a new generation of clinicians and researchers dedicated to improving access to care for Special Olympics athletes.

Austin Landon: Sharing His Story of Empowerment Through Hearing Aids

Joining Denise on stage is Austin Landon, a proud member of the University of Washington Huskies Special Olympics Unified Team. Austin is an enthusiastic participant in flag football, basketball, and soccer, and is equally passionate about singing and dancing. He’s excited to share his “Awesome unique powerful story” at the ASHA Convention, describing how hearing aids have profoundly impacted his life and his performance on and off the field.

“For me, this is a huge happy opportunity,” Austin says of his upcoming presentation. “I want people to be inspired by my story, learn from it, and be educated to bring happy and smiles.” He hopes to show how hearing aids have helped him connect better with his teammates and experience life more fully, encouraging others to embrace hearing devices as a positive resource.

Austin’s involvement with Special Olympics Washington extends beyond sports. In 2021 and 2022, he worked as an Athlete Leadership Contractor, and in 2023, his Unified Team became Flag Football Champions! He credits Special Olympics Washington and his family for providing him support throughout his journey, and he looks forward to attending more Special Olympics events both locally and globally.

The Power of the Healthy Hearing Program

Both Austin and Denise’s stories highlight the critical role that the Special Olympics Healthy Hearing program plays in improving the lives of athletes with IDD. Through early detection of hearing issues, free hearing screenings, and ongoing care provided by partnerships like Starkey Cares, the program ensures that athletes receive the support they need to thrive. Healthy Hearing doesn’t just provide screenings—it also helps athletes receive hearing aids and follow-up care, via the Starkey Cares partnership, all at no cost, which significantly improves their quality of life.

Denise is particularly passionate about advocating for more comprehensive hearing care for individuals with IDD. “Our athletes often have untreated or under-treated hearing issues,” she explains. “By connecting them with specialists in their communities and providing them with hearing aids and follow-up care, we’re not only addressing their hearing health but also enhancing their overall well-being.” This program exemplifies the importance of inclusive healthcare, advocating for regular screenings and raising awareness about the unique health needs of individuals with IDD.

Together, Denise and Austin’s presentations at the ASHA Convention reflect Special Olympics Washington’s broader mission of advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment. By sharing their expertise and personal stories, they are helping to break down barriers to healthcare for individuals with IDD and ensuring that clinicians are better prepared to meet the needs of all patients. Their voices at the ASHA Convention will undoubtedly inspire attendees to rethink how they approach hearing care for individuals with IDD, ensuring that more athletes receive the support they need to succeed both in sports and in life.