West Michigan entrepreneur, hearing loss advocate Rachel Raak receives 2026 Ability Award

HOLLAND — Rachel Raak, founder of SolaceShield, was honored with the 2026 Ability Award from Disability Network Lakeshore during a celebration held Thursday, May 21, at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant in Holland.  

The annual award recognizes individuals whose leadership, advocacy and innovation help people with disabilities live with greater access, dignity and belonging. Raaka, whose company created a patent-pending product designed to help hearing aid and bone-anchored hearing aid users stay active, comfortable and confident in winter outdoor environments, accepted the award in front of nearly 150 community members, advocates and local leaders.  

Raak was selected by the Ability Award Selection Committee, led by Secretary of the DNL Board of Directors, Natalie DeVries, owner of Mobility City of Grand Rapids. 

“The Ability Award is one of the many ways we advance the mission of Disability Network Lakeshore by honoring those who are encouraging people with disabilities to live the lives they choose,” said DeVries. “Rachel’s innovative product, advocacy and fundraising efforts to expand access to hearing technology empower others while advancing awareness, inclusion and opportunity within the hearing loss community. We are thrilled to recognize her as this year’s Ability Award recipient.”  

For Raak, this recognition reflects a deeply personal journey rooted in her lived experience, resilience and a passion for helping others. 

Adopted from China at the age of 2.5, Raak was diagnosed with hearing loss shortly after joining her family. Born without a functional ear canal in one ear and without an opening in the other, she received her first BAHA hearing device at age five — technology she says transformed her life.  

Growing up as the only deaf student in many of her schools, Raak often experienced feelings of isolation and the exhaustion that can come from constantly trying to follow conversations.  

“Sometimes I even pretended to hear because I didn’t want to feel different,” Raak shared during her acceptance remarks. “But disability is not something that limits my life. In many ways, it shaped my purpose.”  

That purpose eventually led to the creation of SolaceShield.  

Inspired by years of painful pressure and loud hearing aid feedback caused by winter hats and outdoor gear, Raak developed a solution specifically designed to help hearing device users comfortably enjoy activities such as running, biking, skiing and everyday outdoor life during cold-weather months.  

What began as a personal challenge evolved into a broader mission centered on accessibility, independence and inclusion.  

“SolaceShield is about accessibility, independence and making sure people with hearing devices feel included in spaces that are often overlooked,” Raak said.  

In addition to launching SolaceShield, Raak has become an advocate for greater awareness and affordability of hearing technology. This year, she also launched “Running to Give Back to the Hearing Loss Community,” dedicating races and miles run to raising awareness and support for Ear Community, a nonprofit that helps individuals and families gain access to hearing devices, resources and support.  

“As someone whose life was transformed by hearing technology, this mission is deeply personal to me,” Raak said. “Hearing devices can cost thousands of dollars, and many families are forced to make impossible decisions because access is simply too expensive.” 

During her remarks, Raak also credited her parents, faith and fiancé for encouraging and supporting her throughout her journey.  

“One thing I’ve learned throughout my life is that representation matters,” she said. “I want young people with disabilities to know they are capable of incredible things. Disabilities are not something we should hide. They are part of our resilience, perspective and identity.”  

Amanda Rhines-Poehlman, Executive Director of Disability Network Lakeshore, said Raak’s story exemplifies the spirit of the Ability Award.  

“Rachel has transformed her lived experience into meaningful innovation and advocacy that is improving lives and creating greater inclusion for others,” Rhines-Poehlman said. “Her leadership, perseverance and commitment to accessibility make her incredibly deserving of this recognition.”  

To learn more about SolaceShield, visit solaceshield.shop.  

Founded in 1992, Disability Network Lakeshore empowers individuals with disabilities through resources, support and advocacy that foster independence and self-determination.

The organization works alongside businesses, organizations and community leaders to remove barriers, promote accessibility and build more inclusive communities where all individuals can participate, contribute and belong. Learn more at dnlakeshore.org. 

— Submitted by Disability Network Lakeshore. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.