HSDC invites you to come together and celebrate at our spring fundraiser, Coffee & Connection!

THE COMEDIAN OF BREAKFAST: Nina G.

Nina G is a comedian, professional speaker, author, and comedy historian whose work explores disability, culture, and humor. Her comedy album debuted at #1 on iTunes and Amazon, and her stand‑up special, Nina G: Stutterer Interrupted, is available on Amazon Prime and YouTube.

Nina has been featured by NPR, BBC, Variety, HuffPost, TEDx, Psychology Today, and KQED, and appeared in the Emmy‑winning documentary More Than My Stutter. A sought‑after headliner and keynote speaker, she performs for corporations, colleges, and community events, using humor to challenge perceptions of disability and create meaningful connection.

THE HEARTS OF THE MORNING: Ariele Belo & Lindsay Klarman

Ariele and Lindsay serve as Co‑Executive Directors of HSDC, leading with a focus on collaboration, community partnership, and inclusive access. Together, they have supported HSDC’s growth and impact across programs and services. Coffee & Connections is an opportunity to recognize this shared leadership and to honor Lindsay as she steps into retirement.

THE EMCEE OF THE MORNING: Bill Schiffmiller

Bill Schiffmiller is the founder of Akoio®, a consultancy that helps organizations understand how sound, noise, and hearing shape health, performance, and business outcomes. A lifelong hearing aid user, Bill brings over two decades of experience in design management, accessibility leadership, and hearing health advocacy. He previously led Accessibility Initiatives at Apple Retail, serves as Board President at HSDC, and is a Forbes contributor writing on hearing health, accessibility, and auditory design.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Katheryn Bradley | Ballard Spahr

The Connection: Since 2015, Lane Powell, now known as Ballard Spahr, has worked with Lindsay Klarman and HSDC towards the goal of helping HSDC continue to be the employer of choice in the Puget Sound area for those who serve the Deaf and hard of hearing communities.  As Lindsay retires, we know she leaves behind a stable and inclusive workplace culture.  Congratulations, Lindsay, for your legacy!

The Why: HSDC’s mission – fostering inclusive and accessible communities through communication, advocacy, and education — resonates with our firm’s culture of creating an inclusive environment where we all thrive together.  Personally, I practice as a labor and employment lawyer who helps businesses navigate through the sometimes-challenging process of accommodating individuals with disabilities in the workplace.  I have witnessed how when this process works as intended, it is a win/win for everyone.  Employers gain happy and loyal employees who often bring fresh perspectives and ideas.  And employees are valued as productive members in the workplace and their community.  

When we invited HSDC to speak to our firm last year about more ways that we can all better serve Deaf and hard of hearing community members, we walked away with even more admiration for this wonderful organization.  We are proud to sponsor HSDC.

Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center (HSDC) is a resource hub redefining language and communication. Our multi-dimensional approach is driven by Deaf Culture and Sign Language and benefits the diverse community we share our lives with everyday.

HSDC is a nonprofit organization serving the Puget Sound area. We foster accessible communities through communication, advocacy and education. We offer services for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or have speech/language differences as well as their families and friends. We also offer trainings for organizations that wish to better serve Deaf and hard of hearing community members.