Scholarship & Endowment Funds

The Jack Artz Scholarship Fund for Children supports children who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and those with communication challenges and speech-language disorders, in accessing critical education intervention and therapy at the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center.

Frederick "Jack" Artz was a leader, a friend, and a supporter of HSDC. Although Jack passed away in August of 2008, he will always be a part of our family at the Center. Jack Artz served as the first Executive Director (1950 - 1957) of what is now the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center. He was a pioneer in the field and through his visionary commitment and strategic planning, set the stage for HSDC to become the only nonprofit agency in Puget Sound serving thousands of individuals and families each year through education, therapy, clinical services, advocacy and technology. We remember Jack by supporting the people he loved the most - children. Through the Jack Artz Scholarship Fund for Children, Jack's legacy will continue to provide the best in services and education for children with disabilities.

THE CONNOR R. McRAE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Connor R. McRae Scholarship Fund supports critical early learning services for children who are deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing. Connor, who passed away January 8, 2009, left a legacy of smiles and joy... he touched many lives and made the world a better place during his 16 short years here on earth. He’s smiling down now as we journey forward to help other children with disabilities get the chance they deserve to make a difference and live a full life.

In the McRae Family’s words:
“Connor didn’t speak... but his smiles, laughter and his eyes spoke volumes of his love for people and life. Thanks to HSDC, our family was able to communicate with sign language and create a communication system that was valued every day. We encourage you to help grow a scholarship fund to bring smiles and joy to other children and their families.”

THE CLYDE E. MOTT ENDOWMENT FUND

The Clyde E. Mott Endowment Fund will support general operating costs at HSDC, to help ensure the Center’s presence in the community for decades to come.

Clyde E. Mott served as Executive Director of HSDC for 25 years (1957 – 1982), and was an important fixture in Seattle’s nonprofit community. Clyde will be remembered for his leadership, his humor, and most definitely for his hats! During his 25 year tenure at HSDC, his accomplishments included expansion of the Parent-Infant Program, the development of comprehensive rehabilitation services for Deaf adults and the establishment of an in-house hearing aid sales department. It was Clyde who first insisted on using American Sign Language at the Center.

Additionally, Clyde was responsible for the acquisition of land in the neighborhood surrounding the Center, which eventually led to the development of a brand new facility for the Hearing, Speech & Deafness Center, along with 96 units of affordable housing for the communities of Capital Hill, Madison Valley and the Central District of Seattle.  Before his passing in July of 2009, he never lost his passion for HSDC, offering support and referrals, and attending Center events throughout his life.