Entrepreneur honored for advancing accessibility and inclusion

May 28

Written By Staff

Rachel Raak | Photo courtesy of Disability Network Lakeshore

Rachel Raak, Founder of SolaceShield, a patent-pending product designed to help hearing aid and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) users stay active, comfortable, and confident in winter outdoor environments, 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. 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.

Adopted from China at the age of two and a half, 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 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.”

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