In this issue, we get inspired by a ballerina, we get ready for the 2026 convention, and learn about case management services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing folks here in Washington State.
Our Warmest Holiday Wishes to You
May your holidays be filled with sweet treats, happy loved ones, and heartfelt memories.
Thank you for being part of our community of people helping people in 2025.
We’re planning some terrific programs for next year: a revamped annual meeting, thoughtful outreach to new people who really need our support, and expanded efforts toward making our neighborhoods hearing-friendly and welcoming to everyone.
Will you help us build an inclusive Washington State in 2026? We can do so much more with your support. Your end-of-year donation will help us dream even bigger and do even more for people with hearing loss.
You Might Be Eligible for an ABLE Account
Starting in January 2026, people with disabilities are eligible for an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account if they became disabled before age 46. The age requirement used to be 26.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without it affecting certain public benefits, like SSI and Medicaid. Money you put into an ABLE account won’t count toward your resource limit.
To find out more, read this excellent blog from our friends at NW Access Fund. And stay tuned for more on all that NW Access Fund does to help people with hearing loss and other disabilities.
Did You Know that Case Managers Are Available in Washington State?
The Washington State Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers case management services to Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing Washingtonians.
Your case manager can help you access healthcare, housing, or social services, and can connect you with community resources. Help is available all across the state, including in King County.
Somewhat relatedly, if you’ve been affected by recent flooding in our state, Washington State’s DSHS can help with emergency cash and replacement food benefits.
To find out more about case management, email odhh.cms@dshs.wa.gov, or click below.
National Hearing Loss News
Ballerina Turns Her Hearing Loss into a Superpower
Sara Mearns, a New York City Ballet principal dancer, was initially frightened when she lost her hearing in 2014. She started missing her cues because she couldn’t hear the music. But she eventually got hearing aids, which she said was a “revelation.”
Planning Your Travel for 2026?
Consider the HLAA Convention in Louisville June 10-12
Early bird registration opens in January for the 2026 HLAA convention. The research symposium this year is “The AI Revolution in Hearing Health: Smarter Tech, Greater Access.”
Watch for registration links in January. Meanwhile, you can nominate someone for a hearing loss award.
Can a Speech-Reading Class Help You?
When you have a hearing loss, there are lot of things you can do to help yourself. For some people, lip reading, also called speech reading, is a good way to build confidence and improve communication with others.
On HearingLossLive, Chelle Wyatt explains how speech reading helped her, though she initially didn’t see the benefits.
Note that HearingLossLive offers speech reading classes and one-to-one coaching.
Have you benefited from learning to speech-read? Let us know.
Hearing Access Technology Spotlights
Miss the Auracast Webinar on December 3? Watch the video.
If you missed HLAA’s excellent webinar, Better Together: Auracast & Hearing Loops, you can watch the recording here.
The video is captioned. Scroll down to the bottom of the webpage to watch.
Hearing Loss Support Meetings
Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss
- January 9, 2026, 1:00 pm, Renton
Our Renton Support Group meets the second Friday of each month at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Avenue North. Looped, open to everyone, and free. Simply check in at the front desk. - January 17, 2026, 9:30 – Noon, Bellingham
HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter.
The HLAA-NWWA chapter meets the third Saturday of the month at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped and free. Open to all.
Join Our Next HOPE Meeting
January 7, 2026
Need HOPE and support for your hearing loss? You’re warmly invited to come an online hearing loss support meeting. At our January meeting, our president, Cheri Perazzoli, will receive a special award from AARP.
Facilitated by a caring, compassionate team, these monthly virtual meetings are free, live-captioned, and open to everyone with hearing loss and to their friends and family.
HOPE meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm.
National Online Hearing Loss Support Groups
Led by HLAA
- January 20, 2026, 5-6 pm Pacific
Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter Meeting
Veterans and their friends and family are welcome to attend. Free and captioned. - January 21, 2026, 5-6 pm Pacific
Hear Together: Parents of Children with Hearing Loss
Toastmasters Online for People with Hearing Loss
Need a boost in confidence? Some friendly coaching to improve your speaking skills?
If so, you might like to join the Audible Talkers Toastmasters, which is specifically designed for people with hearing loss. This friendly group meets twice a month, online via Zoom, the first and third Mondays from 6-7:15 pm Arizona time. Their next meeting is January 5, 2026. Everyone is welcome.
Access the meeting at zoom.audibletalkerstoastmasters.com. Questions? Contact Christy Abrams (c.abrams@acdhh.az.gov) or Harry Wolfe (hwolfeaz@gmail.com).
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?
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and HLAA-WA do not endorse specific products or services,
but educate and advocate for a range of assistive technology options to help people with
hearing loss understand, connect, and stay engaged in their lives.
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.