Clearly winning: GE Aviation is honored with awards from Hearing Loss Association of America

The strength of GE Aviation is due to the incredible employees who inspire us to be better despite challenges or circumstances.

Kevin Knabe, Advanced Lead Engineer at GE Aviation, is no exception. Born with hearing loss, Kevin has never let his “hidden” disability stop him from achieving his dreams. When not in the office, Kevin advocates for those with hearing loss and other disabilities and has been involved in various programs in the civic community for over two decades.

Kevin was recently selected to be the recipient of the 2017 Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Marcia Dugan Advocacy Award. He was awarded this prestigious honor for his outstanding advocacy on behalf of people with hearing disabilities. GE Aviation is extremely proud of Kevin and his support for the hearing impaired and GE’s own People with Disabilities Network.

We are also excited to announce that GE Aviation received the HLAA 2017 Outstanding Employer of the Year Award! This award is given to companies that have provided or significantly improved communication access for their employees with hearing loss to reach their fullest potential. HLAA selects the recipient based on the contributions made to change and improve the quality of the work environment for employees with hearing disabilities. GE Aviation was selected by the executive committee of the HLAA Board of Trustees. Kevin graciously accepted the award on behalf of GE Aviation. 

Working at GE, Kevin is naturally inspired by Thomas Edison, who was also hearing impaired. He keeps a quote in his office that reads, “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”

Kevin’s goal is to help GE continue to create an inclusive environment for employees with disabilities and spark innovation for the next 125 years!  

More about the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA):

HLAA is the nation’s leading organization representing people with hearing loss. It provides assistance and resources for people with hearing loss and their families to learn how to adjust to living with hearing loss. This organization has an impact on communication access, public policy, research, public awareness, and service delivery related to hearing loss.  More information about HLAA can be found here.

About the Marcia Dugan Advocacy Award:

The Marcia Dugan Advocacy Award is one of HLAA’s most prestigious awards as it is presented to an individual, a chapter or a state organization in recognition of their outstanding advocacy accomplishment.  outstanding efforts of an HLAA Chapter or State organization, an individual HLAA member or a team or committee of members who serve as advocates with decision makers and others about laws and other crucial issues affecting people with hearing loss. This award is This award is in memory of Marcia Dugan, a former HLAA Board of Trustees President.