Listen and Talk’s Equity Statement
We believe all families and children should have the support needed to reach the listening and spoken language
outcomes they want for their child no matter their backgrounds or identities. But we see that race, education,
income, refugee or immigrant status, additional disabilities, gender identity, and other factors create additional
barriers and complicate getting access to services.
No two families experience the same benefits, barriers, or burdens. Our responsibility is to consider that when we
design programs, services, and policies. We know we have not always done that and may have contributed to
oppressive systems with unexamined policies and actions. This statement articulates how we mean to change.
Today, Listen and Talk aims to create equitable access to our services for the families and their children who need
them. We strive to increase diversity, foster inclusion, and create a space of belonging for our families and our staff.
This work is dynamic, evolving, and part of our everyday lives. Some of the work we are doing includes:
- Ongoing learning to better understand how our assumptions, policies, and practices may contribute to
systemic barriers. - Creating opportunities to talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice as part of
our regular work. - Examining our programs and services to break down barriers that unjustly limit access.
- Improving our culturally responsive practices, honoring the diversity of our families.
- Supporting our staff and community in the fight for equity and social justice.
We recognize that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are essential for our work. At Listen and Talk, this is
what we mean:
- Diversity: The intentional consideration and inclusion of all individuals regardless of race, culture, home
language, gender identity, ability, ethnicity, or other identity in order to build an inclusive environment. - Equity: Every child with hearing loss and their families have access to the supports and services they
need to prepare them to communicate, learn, and connect through listening and spoken language. - Inclusion: Every person experiences safety, honor, consideration, and respect. Every person knows they
are valued. They see their contribution matters to the organization. - Belonging: A feeling of belonging is created when a space is inclusive, diverse, and equitable. Individuals
trust they will be accepted as they are for who they are.
We honor the work that has already been done and look forward to the work we will do.
This statement was created by a steering group made up of staff and teachers and received input and approval
from the board and full staff. It is one step in our ongoing journey.
If you would like to join the conversation, please reach out to Maura Berndsen at maurab@listenandtalk.org.