EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA – Starkey has been named the inaugural corporate partner of the newly established UNICEF Children with Disabilities Fund, which aims to provide timely and effective interventions for children with disabilities worldwide. As the first official partner, Starkey is supporting UNICEF’s efforts to accelerate disability-focused programming and expand opportunities for children and youth with disabilities.
The partnership aligns with Starkey’s corporate social responsibility initiative, Starkey Cares, which seeks to expand access to hearing care in underserved communities. Through this collaboration, UNICEF will advance its work in areas such as early screening, assistive technology, and disability support services.
“We are honored to be the first corporate partner of the UNICEF Children with Disabilities Fund. At Starkey, we believe in a world where everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. This partnership reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world — a world where hearing health isn’t a barrier, it’s a bridge to connection.”
–Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey
The fund was established to support systemic improvements in how children with disabilities are included in education, healthcare, and community life. Starkey’s founders, Bill and Tani Austin, have long supported global hearing health initiatives and continue to advocate for broader disability inclusion efforts.
“Starkey’s leadership and compassion will help transform lives on a global scale,” said Michael J. Nyenhuis, President and CEO of UNICEF USA. “With their support, the UNICEF Children with Disabilities Fund can deliver upon its critical mission to give every child — including those with disabilities — the opportunity to thrive.”
Starkey Cares has provided hearing healthcare and devices to millions worldwide. The company’s support of this new UNICEF initiative represents an extension of its broader commitment to community impact.
For more information, visit www.starkey.com/starkeycares.
About Starkey
Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at starkey.com.
*Photo credit: © UNICEF/UNI561147/Khatri
