Dr. Samuel Atcherson, a faculty member of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, was honored for his work with Arkansas Hands and Voices, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families and their children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

On Oct. 26, the organization presented Atcherson with the Nan Ellen East Spirit of Advocacy Award during its 10th annual Tasting at Twilight event held at Historic Union Station in Little Rock. The award is presented annually to acknowledge an outstanding advocate who encourages, supports, and educates children with hearing loss, their families, and the professionals who serve them.

Atcherson, an audiologist, is a past board member of Arkansas Hands and Voices and has presented at Arkansas Hands and Voices winter meetings. He is a long-time sponsor of Tasting at Twilight and has promoted Arkansas Hands and Voices as the charity of choice for the 2016 Little Rocktoberfest event.

“Arkansas Hands and Voices is grateful for all that Dr. Atcherson has done and continues to do for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing,” said Mandy Crow McClellan, the Guide by Your Side coordinator at Arkansas Hands and Voices. “Dr. Atcherson serves as a great role model to children and families, proving that being deaf or hard of hearing should never keep one from pursuing their dreams. His unceasing work in the areas of support, education, and advocacy continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and their families and the professionals who work with them.”