Millions of people around the world live with hearing loss, yet the everyday challenges they face are often invisible. Simple interactions, speaking with a healthcare provider, ordering a meal at a restaurant, or having a conversation with a family member, can become frustrating, stressful, and isolating when communication breaks down. For both the person experiencing hearing loss and the person trying to communicate with them, these moments can lead to misunderstandings, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection.
At UR Community Cares, we believe that access to clear communication is essential to independence, dignity, and quality of life. That belief led to the launch of UR Hearing Resources, a new program designed to connect individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing with the tools, education, and community support they need to feel more confident, included, and empowered in their daily lives.
The inspiration for UR Hearing Resources began with a meaningful connection. After being featured in UConn Magazine (“The Good Neighbor,” Summer 2025), Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director of UR Community Cares, was contacted by Dr. Suzanne Ondrus. As highlighted in the Spring 2026 edition, Ondrus, based in Bogotá, Colombia, partnered with Puzzo to deliver a remote training on effective communication strategies for individuals with hearing loss. What started as a single collaboration quickly revealed a significant community need and sparked the vision for a broader initiative. Click here to watch the YouTube video.
Since then, UR Community Cares has been building momentum. In just a few months, the organization has hosted a series of impactful events:
October 1, 2025 – Human Guide Training presented by the Helen Keller National Center – Click here to watch the YouTube video.
November 18, 2025 – Community Discussion for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals – Click here to watch the YouTube video.
December 5, 2025 – Multiple guest speakers, with ASL interpreters, presenting to high school students to increase awareness and understanding
February 20, 2026 – Technology Support session for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community – Click here to watch the YouTube video.
And the work is just getting started, with additional programs planned for April and May 2026, flyers below:
Sign up for the April 23rd Lunch & Learn by clicking here.
Sign up for the May 6th Virtual Lunch & Learn by clicking here.
UR Hearing Resources focuses on practical solutions that make everyday life easier, communication strategies, assistive technology, community education, and opportunities for connection. The program also raises awareness among the broader community, helping healthcare providers, businesses, students, and families learn how to communicate more effectively and respectfully.
Hearing loss should never be a barrier to receiving care, participating in conversations, or feeling included in the community. By bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and expanding access to resources, UR Hearing Resources is helping to create a more accessible and understanding world, one conversation at a time.
Because everyone deserves to be heard.
“My work is deeply personal. Through my late grandmother and the patients I served as a physical therapist, I saw how the loss of clear communication can slowly lead to frustration, withdrawal, and isolation. When people struggle to hear, they often begin to feel invisible. I created UR Hearing Resources to help restore connection, dignity, and confidence by making sure individuals and families know what support and resources are available.”
Kindness Matters,
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director
860-430-4557
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