In the world of Special Olympics Kansas, where the commitment to athletes’ health and well-being takes center stage, one individual stands out for her unwavering dedication and passion—Carmen Schulte. As a Healthy Hearing Clinical Director, Carmen has been instrumental in ensuring that athletes receive essential hearing care, a service that often goes overlooked but is crucial for their overall quality of life. Her journey into this role is both inspiring and a testament to her lifelong commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.
Carmen’s journey began at a young age, influenced by her father’s work with the United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas. “I have worked with individuals with disabilities since I was very young,” Carmen recalls. “My father worked for UCP of KS, so I have been exposed to many different types of disabilities. I started at the cerebral palsy ranch during the summers in high school.” This early exposure planted the seeds of compassion and dedication in Carmen, guiding her toward a career that would make a difference in the lives of many.
Her path to audiology was shaped by her experiences as an educational interpreter for deaf and hard-of-hearing students during her college years. “Working in the classroom with D/HH students is what led me to audiology,” she explains. Although she initially considered a career in deaf education, Carmen discovered a deeper interest in the clinical side of audiology. “I love working with individuals with hearing loss and improving their quality of life through cochlear implants and other assistive technology,” she says. This passion for audiology eventually led her to become involved with the local cleft palate team, further expanding her expertise in the field.
Carmen’s involvement with Special Olympics Kansas began in 2018 when Susie Ternes mentioned the need for additional Clinical Directors in Kansas. Recognizing the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, Carmen stepped forward to volunteer. Since then, she has been an invaluable member of the Healthy Hearing team, bringing her expertise and compassion to the forefront of the program.
While Carmen modestly notes that the impact of her work is not always immediately visible, she remains hopeful that the screenings she conducts lead to necessary care and interventions for athletes who need further evaluation. “We don’t see the follow-up care that the athletes get based on our recommendations, but I certainly hope that the screenings are leading to care and interventions,” she reflects. This hope underscores the vital role that Healthy Hearing plays in ensuring that athletes’ health needs are met.
One of the challenges Carmen faces in her role is establishing trust with athletes during one-time encounters at screenings. “It’s easier in the clinic setting to establish a relationship of trust with the individuals than in a one-encounter screening,” she explains. However, Carmen’s approach is rooted in respect and patience, making athletes feel comfortable and cooperative during their screenings. Her ability to connect with athletes on a personal level is one of the many reasons she has been so successful in her role.
The broader context of the Healthy Hearing program reflects ongoing efforts by Special Olympics Kansas, Special Olympics North America, and Special Olympics International to improve follow-up care and the referral process. Breaking down barriers to ensure athletes receive the care they need is a constant focus across all levels of the organization. This challenge also extends to the screening paperwork, an area where improvements are continually sought.
Looking ahead, the landscape of athlete care within Special Olympics is poised to undergo significant transformation. In the summer of 2025, Special Olympics North America plans to roll out a new and much more comprehensive electronic reporting system. This system will allow Special Olympics Kansas to track athletes’ health profiles over their time spent within a Special Olympics program and, eventually, with Special Olympics Kansas. The implementation of this system represents a major step forward in providing more comprehensive and continuous care for athletes.
“The success of these initiatives hinges on the collective efforts of volunteers like Carmen and the important partnerships we establish with community healthcare organizations,” notes Erin McDaniel, Health and Fitness Manager for Special Olympics Kansas. “The more people we have on board, the more comprehensive care and follow-up services we can provide to our athletes, ensuring their health needs are met with the attention and urgency they deserve.”
Over the past two years, Special Olympics Kansas has embraced a movement of digitization and easier access for athletes, caregivers, Clinical Directors, and all others involved in SOKS’s success. This shift includes the use of technology to screen athletes, replacing traditional paper forms. By using tablets and other digital tools, SOKS can process health data live, enabling them to quickly identify athletes who need follow-up or urgent care. This technological advancement not only streamlines the screening process but also enhances the ability to provide timely and effective care.
Carmen is a strong advocate for the continued importance of the Healthy Hearing program. “The screenings may be the only opportunity many of these athletes have to be in contact with hearing care providers due to many factors, and many of them have needs that might be missed without the screenings,” she emphasizes. Her work ensures that these needs are identified and addressed, making a tangible difference in the lives of the athletes she serves.
Looking ahead, Carmen is curious about the future of the Healthy Hearing program and how it can evolve to better meet the needs of athletes. “I would like to see how the athletes are followed up and outcomes after the initial screenings,” she says, expressing a desire for more comprehensive follow-up care. She also envisions improvements in the documentation process, noting the challenges posed by the current forms. “This may be resolved when the tablets are widely available, but for right now it is challenging,” she adds.
For Carmen, the most rewarding part of her journey as a Clinical Director has been meeting the athletes and celebrating their individual successes. These moments of connection and joy fuel her ongoing commitment to the program and the athletes it serves.
To those considering involvement with Special Olympics or similar programs, Carmen offers sage advice: “Getting involved with SO or other community organizations is not only good for you and the consumers, but it is also good for the profession. I think it makes me a better provider for my patients in my work setting.” Her words reflect the profound impact that volunteering can have, not only on those who are served but also on those who serve.
As Special Olympics Kansas celebrates Carmen Schulte as their September Partner of the Month, they are reminded of the incredible difference one person can make. Her years of dedication, her passion for audiology, and her commitment to the athletes of Special Olympics Kansas are an inspiration to all. The organization looks forward to seeing how Carmen continues to shape the future of the Healthy Hearing program and the lives of the athletes she so diligently serves.
