Multiple parents and staff from Hear Wisconsin told the board on Oct. 27 that the organization is the only provider of hearing‑loss‑specific early intervention in Wisconsin and that a loss of county funding would leave infants and toddlers without specialized services.

“I truly don't know where we would be without them,” said Aubrey Klein, a parent whose deaf, hard‑of‑hearing child receives services from Hear Wisconsin. Speakers described measurable improvements since the county partnership began: increased enrollment, earlier entry into services (average age approaching six months) and better language outcomes for children served.

Hear Wisconsin staff and board members asked supervisors to include $150,000 in the 2026 budget to replace ARPA funds scheduled to sunset and to preserve services that families cannot obtain through existing Birth to 3 funding streams, they said. “When babies with hearing loss receive specialized therapy early, ideally by 6 months of age, it builds the brain pathways for language and connection,” Amy Larios, director of Hear Wisconsin’s child and family program, said.

Ending: Parents and providers said sustaining Hear Wisconsin would keep early‑intervention gains intact for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing children across Milwaukee County and urged the board to consider the $150,000 appropriation along with broader Birth to 3 funding discussions.