ATSU-ASHS Audiology students hold 10th annual E.A.R. Day
Posted: November 12, 2025
The Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program at A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) hosted a Halloween-themed Education And Recreation (E.A.R.) Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
First held in 2015, E.A.R. Day was organized by ATSU-ASHS alumna Lisa Bell, AuD, ’16, after Bell received a HEAR (Humanitarian, Education, and Awareness Resources) grant from the National Student Academy of Audiology (SAA).
This year’s festivities included laser tag, face painting, pumpkin coloring, bracelet making, and more, as well as an educational component where children labeled and colored the parts of a hearing aid and cochlear implant. Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program students and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program students also joined in the fun this year, organizing an obstacle course and activities.
Parents participated in a dedicated session focused on advocacy strategies and experienced a hands-on activity using earplugs to simulate hearing loss, offering insight into what students with hearing differences may experience in a classroom setting.
Guest speakers included Tracie LeBlanc, speech-language pathologist at Desert Voices; Najwa Ghattas, cochlear implant coordinator at Phoenix Children’s Hospital; and Brianne Fink, educational audiologist with the Paradise Valley School District, who led an advocacy panel.
Additionally, Kelly Hernandez of Advanced Bionics and Tricia Dabrowski, AuD, associate professor of audiology, facilitated an informative device workshop, giving attendees hands-on learning opportunities and insight into hearing technology.
“Bringing together children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, their families, and our University community reaffirmed the power of inclusion, education, and celebration,” said Alyssa Richards, ’27, chair of this year’s event. “From lively games and creative crafts to hands-on educational activities and meaningful parent sessions, every moment underscored our shared commitment to empowering children and their families.”
