NANCY CLULEY
BOARD MEMBER, HEARING ADVOCATE & MOTHER

We generally don’t think about a cause or a different lifestyle unless we are personally going through it or living it. Unless, of course, someone close to us is experiencing the situation. And this is Nancy’s story…

“My daughter, Hannah, is hearing impaired and I was looking for support as she graduated from Shawnee Park’s Oral deaf program to Immaculate Heart of Mary,” says Nancy. “I came across a magazine called, ‘Hearing Loss’ where I found information on a variety of topics that hit home for me.” The magazine is published by The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). As Nancy began to learn more about HLAA, she was invited to attend a kickoff meeting for the new local chapter. I initially ran through my list of other obligations…wondering if I had the time, and if I would be able to ‘fit it in.’ I was so glad I decided to attend.” 

It was 2004, and this new chapter was just getting started by Vic Krause, with help from a team of individuals who all had some degree of hearing loss. Because Nancy doesn’t have hearing loss, she was a minority in the group. “I am currently the Program Manager for HLA-GR,” explains Nancy. “Through my involvement with HLA-GR I have gained a much deeper appreciation of the challenges of hearing loss which I believe has helped me be a better/more knowledgeable parent for Hannah. Hannah is now a board member as well and has had the opportunity to speak at the state capitol, within her school and has been a strong contributor for the annual Walk for Hearing.”

Challenges come with the territory when a parent is raising a teenager. Add to that, the teen having hearing loss, and additional challenges are inevitable. Nancy describes the scenario… “While Hannah is succeeding as a sophomore at Catholic Central High School, there are on-going challenges which we continue to adapt to. Socialization during the middle school and high school years are a challenge WITHOUT a hearing loss and I am always on the lookout for signs of low self esteem. Fortunately, Hannah seems to be thriving. As a family, we’ve all had the benefit of strong support groups through family, friends, teachers and fellow board members of HLA-GR.”

Knowing what technology is available for those with hearing loss, Nancy has been a champion for bringing hearing assistance into the home and public areas. “We were successful in facilitating the funding of sound systems throughout Immaculate Heart of Mary, and on a limited basis at Catholic Central,” explains Nancy. “We had to explain that the technology benefits EVERYONE…not just someone with a hearing impairment like Hannah.” 

Along with being an advocate for those with hearing loss, Nancy stays busy at her job of 31 years at Steelcase where she currently manages a database team. Her passions include her family, community, and her constant striving to learn everything she can. Nancy and her husband, Dave, have three children and one daughter-in-law; Nick and his wife Erin, Liz, and Hannah. Having spent most of her life in Grand Rapids, Nancy attended Aquinas College and has a Masters of Management degree.

When you ask Nancy what being a parent of a child with hearing loss has taught her, she responds with enthusiasm. “With the blessing of Hannah in my life, I have gained a deeper awareness of life’s challenges…and I realize that EVERYONE has them. I like to refer to it as “Stuff.”  Some “Stuff” is just more visible (especially if one wears hearing aids). Early on, I tried to protect my daughter from participating in activities which heavily relied on auditory skills. (ie piano, public speaking, etc)  Ironically, what I was trying to protect her from was exactly what she needed to make her stronger. Hannah has taught me about tenacity and believing that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. She continues to teach me to face one’s challenges head on.”

And that’s Nancy’s story. Of course, this story is just the beginning for this special woman who embraces all that life brings to her and her family; and a woman who is an inspiration to many. Nancy wraps up her sentiments with an appropriate message to her daughter… “Thank you, Hannah!”