Our annual picnic, hearing access in healthcare, and more hearing loss support and news from Washington State.
Washington State Hearing Loss News
Our Picnic Is On — Save the Date!
Mark your calendar for our annual picnic, July 20, 2024, at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle, Washington. Everyone is welcome. A hearing loop and PA system are provided.
Stay tuned for more details, including our program, lunch, and special guests.
Yes, It’s Possible to Get Hearing Access in Healthcare
Hearing access in healthcare settings can be uncertain and stressful. Our president Cheri Perazzoli shares how she recently secured access for several medical tests here in the Seattle area, and she offers tips on how you can hear better at your next hospital or doctor visit.
Next HOPE Meeting: May 1, 2024
Guest Speaker: Cynthia Moynihan
“Life with a Hearing Dog”
Our May meeting features an opportunity to learn about hearing dogs from our special guest speaker, Cynthia Moynihan. Cynthia is also a Gallaudet-trained peer mentor for people with hearing loss.
Facilitated by a caring, compassionate HOPE Crew, these monthly virtual meetings are free, live-captioned, and open to everyone with hearing loss and to their friends and family. You’re welcome to ask questions, and also to simply relax, listen, and spend time with people who understand what it’s like to live with hearing loss.
We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm. We hope you can join us! Register for the May HOPE meeting here.
GiveBIG Launches TODAY, April 23, 2024
GiveBIG, Washington’s statewide celebration of giving, kicks off today with opportunities for early giving.
Hearing loss may be invisible, but it’s everywhere. Every fifth American has some level of hearing loss, and they risk becoming isolated. Health problems can follow hearing loss too, including cognitive decline and falls.
You can help by giving to HLAA-WA. Your generosity means we can bring more help, hope, and resources for the million-plus Washingtonians with a hearing loss.
We’re stronger together. Thank you for your support!
Legislative Update: ASL Workgroup Established
Good news for people who are Deaf: A sign language workgroup is in Governor Inslee’s 2024 supplemental budget. This workgroup, led by ODHH, aims to address the shortage of ASL interpreters in our state.
At HLAA-WA, we supported this legislation, as did many of you! Thank you for your advocacy.
National Hearing Loss News
Exploring Self-Employment for People with Hearing Loss Webinar, April 30, 2024
Thinking that self-employment might be a good option for you? This free, captioned HLAA webinar can help you decide.
Three panelists — Eyra Abraham, Dr. Anne McIntosh, and Shari Eberts — will share how they made self-employment work for them, and they’ll discuss the pros and cons of leaving office jobs behind.
Local Leaders Win, Present at the HLAA National Convention
You’ve got even more reasons to attend the national HLAA convention in Phoenix this year: Several HLAA-WA members are presenters and award-winners.
Kimberly Parker (Spirit of HLAA Award), Cynthia Stewart, Jill Bujnevicie, and Hugo Esterhay (Excellence in State Advocacy Awards) will be honored at the awards ceremony this summer! Cynthia and Kimberly are also presenting workshops.
Register before May 26, 2024, for the convention, which runs June 26 through June 29, 2024, at the Sheraton Grand Resort at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona.
Hearing Loops & Telecoils Spotlight
What Do Hearing Loops Sound Like?
Hearing loops are the most-preferred assistive listening system. One reason is the incredible clarity of sound. With a switch of a hearing aid, CI, or BAHA to “Telecoil” mode, the sound can feel like it’s coming from inside your head — in a good way.
Listen to the difference between non-looped audio and looped audio in these videos.
Hearing Loss In-Person Support
Lacey-Area Hearing Loss Support Group
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Stop by the next hearing loss group meeting on May 1 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm in the Quinault Auditorium at Panorama Senior Living. May’s meeting is a hybrid meeting; please contact Carolyn Odio for the Zoom registration (carolyn@odio.com).
Carolyn also sends a regular newsletter and has a small lending library; please contact her to receive the newsletter or find out more.
Renton Hearing Loss Support Group
Friday, May 10, 2024
Our Renton support group meets the second Friday of each month (except July and August) at 1 pm at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Avenue North, Renton. No need to register; simply check in at the front desk.
This group is led by our award-winning HLAA-WA Secretary Glenda Philio. A hearing loop is available, and everyone is welcome. Always free.
HLAA-Whatcom County Meeting
“Getting to Know You,” May 18, 2024
The award-winning HLAA-Whatcom County Chapter meets the third Saturday of every month at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Social time starts at 9:30 am and the meeting runs from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Live CART and a hearing loop provided. Everyone is welcome.
For more information on in-person hearing loss support, visit our website.
Stay Involved with HLAA and HLAA-WA
We’re glad you’re part of our community.
What more can you do to support people with hearing loss here and across the country?
HLAA-WA does not endorse any technology, nor does exclusion suggest disapproval. We support the full spectrum of hearing technologies for everyone. As an all-volunteer run organization, 100% of every dollar donated is directed to our programs. HLAA-WA is an IRS non-profit 501(c)(3) organization; all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by relevant IRS code.
Thanks so much for showing the 2022 and 2023 HLAA-WA picnics (and 2024, of course). I haven’t been able to attend and it was fun seeing who was there each year.
As usual, TERRIFIC Newsletter!!
Thanks so much!
Erlene VanDerMeer