Updated January 01, 2014.

Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation - What is It?:

The CIAF is based in Springfield, Illinois. It was founded by a mother, Michelle Tjelmeland, who has an implant. Her daughter also received an implant.

Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation - Who is Involved?:

CIAF board members include a director of a cochlear implant team, and also the coordinator of the Cochlear Implant Education Center at Gallaudet University.


Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation Website Highlights:

As would be expected, the website provides basic info on the implant, and has a section for stories about cochlear implant recipients.

Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation Activities:

Although a young organization, the CIAF provides financial assistance to help cover additional costs indirectly related to surgery that may not be covered by insurance. Examples of such costs include the cost of staying in a hotel near an implant center.

Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation Fundraising:

People can donate to CIAF in amounts as small as $10 for Friends of CIAF (at the time of this writing). The organization also fundraises by selling cochlear implant awareness wristbands. There is also an online CafePress store selling various products with the CIAF logo.