2025 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 9-11, 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA
Award Winners 2024
Tony Ronco
Tony is the father of Dakota, a bilingual Deaf child, who went to Gallaudet, graduated, and now teaches at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf. Tony is also the father of Austin, who is hearing, and Tony has been very involved in Austin’s activities as well - for instance, the Boy Scouts.
Tony is an ASTra advocate, and he takes that job seriously. The thing that we appreciate about Tony is that anytime a family is in need, he is there. He shows up at all events, attends all of the family camps, goes to all of the conferences... he is always there! We appreciate that so very much about him.
Tony started the California Chapter of Hands & Voices. It was an arduous task, because so many people in California are ideological. He stuck in there through three attempts to get the chapter set up.
He participated in the Department of Developmental Services zoom grant program, giving 300+ parents and professionals an introduction to California Hands & Voices. He is now on the national Hands & Voices board.
Tony also served on the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) conference planning committee for many years, and has lead the state EHDI website competition project. While on the committee, he always pushed for Deaf representatives to serve on the planning committee. He has been on the California state EHDI team for many years, and his leadership has been well recognized.
Tony is not only a parent leader, but he is also a strong ally for Deaf leaders in the EHDI system. He was part of the national committee that spearheaded the LEADK movement and helped to pass the first LEADK law, Senate Bill 210. He recognized the importance of Deaf leadership, so he worked as a parent of a Deaf child hand in hand with Deaf leaders without taking over. He is always unpacking internalized audism and is very transparent about his process. Because Deaf professionals trust his leadership, Tony has been the "go-to" parent for policies, legislation work, and strategic projects to improve the newborn hearing screening system. His leadership should be the model for all families, especially when it comes to partnership with the Deaf community in EHDI system, especially "I" part - Intervention.
Please strongly consider Tony for the Parent Leadership Award at the national EHDI Conference.