Central Wisconsin News

A University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point professor is helping to pave the way for all to receive the hearing care they deserve.

As the Clinical Director for the Special Olympics Wisconsin Healthy Hearing Program, Rachel Craig, an associate professor of audiology, has trained and coordinated numerous UW-Stevens Point graduate student volunteers to provide hundreds of free hearing screenings and follow-up recommendations to athletes competing in Special Olympics. Her work earned her the 2024 Ethel and Ward Cable Faculty Heroes Award in the College of Professional Studies.

Craig began working in the Healthy Hearing program through a volunteer opportunity as a student in the Doctor of Audiology program at UWSP. Staying involved for many years post-graduation, Craig eventually became the clinical director in 2019. “It’s just a population I am extremely passionate about,” she said. “I wanted to be involved as much as I can and make the changes I can within audiology and its training.”

Her eagerness to participate and make a difference has led her to also serve on the Healthy Hearing Global Faculty Advisory Panel, a group working on an inclusive health initiative to create standards that will mandate students be taught how to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities. The panel is also working on creating better protocols for follow-up with athletes.

“It’s great, they come to the games, and get all of these awesome tests done,” said Craig. “However, once we refer them, that is kind of where it stops. I would lay awake at night and wonder if they are going to get it taken care of.”

While improved follow-up protocols are being developed by the panel, Craig has taken on coordinating care with many athletes after the games. She trains and coordinates student volunteers who conduct free hearing screenings for Special Olympic athletes.

Craig noted that she often gets to see athletes from Central Wisconsin follow up at UWSP’s Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic. “We see some of the athletes on campus here, which is really awesome because the students get even more experience,” she said.

She emphasized that her role in Special Olympics allows her students access to interprofessional education by working with medical students and serving a population they otherwise may never encounter. “You are not going to get that experience anywhere else besides getting out and getting involved,” said Craig.

The impact on both student volunteers’ professional development and athlete well-being keeps her passionate about her work. “I do this because it is important to me, but I also genuinely have so much fun,” said Craig.

Without these screenings, most athletes’ hearing problems go undetected or undertreated. “Individuals with intellectual disabilities are more prone to ear issues, so we see a higher rate of middle ear issues and hearing loss in that population,” she explained.

Craig credited one of her mentors Maggie Watson, a retired UWSP professor: "She made me realize that I can do things I put my mind to." Watson remarked: "Her strong work ethic and passion for helping others makes her a deserving hero."

Craig's contributions have significantly impacted countless athletes' health, communication abilities, social interactions, and quality of life. She encourages everyone: "Protect your ears and get out and volunteer...it’s a win-win situation for everyone.”