CHC Honors Apple for 40 Years of Accessibility Leadership
- CHC
- 22 minutes ago
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY — The Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) is proud to host its 32nd Annual Gala; welcoming special guests from Apple for an evening celebrating innovation, inclusion, and the transformative power of accessible communication. The event, presented in cooperation with Wine Spectator, will take place on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers.
This year, CHC will present the CHC Impact Award to Apple in recognition of the company's pioneering leadership in accessibility and inclusive design. Through groundbreaking features that expand communication access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Apple has set a global standard for technological inclusion, transforming how millions connect, communicate, and participate fully in everyday life. Celebrating 40 years since starting its first office of accessibility in 1985, Apple’s ongoing commitment continues to transform lives and inspire change across industries. Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives, will accept the award on Apple’s behalf.
The evening will also feature personal stories from individuals such as Mark Stern, Director of Product Management at ZP Better Together and a longtime friend of CHC who is profoundly deaf. Mark experienced firsthand the transformative impact of Apple’s accessibility innovations continually throughout his life, from young adulthood to joining the team working on early Macintosh system software. We’ll hear from Mark, and others for whom Apple sparked a lifelong passion for technology that empowers communication and drives inclusion.
Also featured is college sophomore Rex Popick, who was born profoundly deaf, and has excelled in school and in life. For people like Rex and Mark, Apple’s accessibility features such as Live Captions, Sound Recognition and support for Hearing Devices have become instrumental parts of daily life. For these users, accessible technology supports a sense of dignity and privacy reflective not only of Apple’s values but also CHC’s vision of communication without limits for individuals with hearing loss.
“These stories are a powerful reminder that technology can be a bridge to connection, confidence, and community,” said Nancy Nadler, Deputy Executive Director of CHC. “We’re honored to celebrate Apple for its decades-long leadership in designing technology that listens, adapts, and empowers.”
About the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC)
Founded in 1910, CHC serves people of all ages with hearing loss and deafness offering a full spectrum of care, including audiology, speech-language therapy, mental health counseling, educational services, hearing aid technology, and community outreach. With locations in New York City and South Florida, CHC is known for its personalized, multidisciplinary approach that helps people communicate, connect, and thrive.