Presented by
Hyatt Regency Rochester
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
Join us for an experience to remember where you will meet other people with hearing loss, learn in the most communication accessible environment and enjoy the sights of Rochester: a world of art, theater, music, photography, history, nature and play! Registration for HLAA2019 to open soon. In the meantime, take a look at the video below for a glimpse of all the beauty that is Rochester, New York! Registration to open December 1.
Hyatt Regency Rochester
The HLAA room block at the Hyatt Regency Rochester is open! Simply go to the reservation site, select your arrival and departure dates and you’ll be on your way before you know it! See more details on the Hotel/Travel page.
Rebecca Alexander, Keynote Speaker
Rebecca Alexander is a psychotherapist, disability rights advocate, group fitness instructor, and extreme athlete. She is also the author of Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found. Born with a rare genetic disorder called Usher syndrome type III, Rebecca has been simultaneously losing both her sight and hearing since she was a teenager. She was told that by age 30, she’d be completely blind. Then, at 19, one year after a fall from a second-story window left her athletic body completely shattered, she discovered she would lose her hearing as well. Despite these difficulties, Rebecca refused to lose her drive and zest for life and rose above and beyond every challenge she has faced.
Now, with only 10 degrees of vision and significantly deteriorated hearing, Rebecca is a flourishing full-time psychotherapist with two master’s degrees from Columbia University in Public Health and Clinical Social Work. Rebecca received post-graduate training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy at the Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia and her psychodynamic psychotherapy training from the American Institute for Psychoanalysis. Rebecca is also certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and is fluent in American Sign Language and Tactile Sign Language. Rebecca works with individuals, couples, and families, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, loss, and disability. She is also an athlete who teaches indoor cycling, HIIT (high intensity interval training) classes, and regularly competes in extreme endurance races. Most notably, she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, swam from Alcatraz to shore in the San Francisco Bay, participated in the 600-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles AIDS Lifecycle ride, and regularly competes in the Civilian Military Combine (CMC) for extreme athletes.
Additionally, Rebecca travels around the country on a regular basis, speaking at corporate and nonprofit events across the globe. Rebecca has been featured in an array of media outlets including The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, Morning Joe, The Daily Rundown, One-On-One with Steve Adubato, Megyn Kelly TODAY, The Dr Oz Show, The Meredith Vieira Show, The New York Times, Huffington Post, New York Post, USA Today, ABC News, NBC News, Fox News, ESPN, People, Shape Magazine, Fitness Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, Marie Claire, Glamour magazine, Glamour UK, Cosmopolitan, The Daily Mail, Mercury News and various others. Rebecca has been honored with numerous awards including the American Foundation for the Blind Helen Keller Achievement Award, The Disability Rights Advocates’ Eagle Award, NO LIMITS for Deaf Children Spirit of Leadership award, and the University of Michigan’s Bicentennial Award.
Come hear Rebecca talk about her inspiring journey at the Opening Session on Thursday, June 20 at 9 a.m.
Exhibit Hall
It’s not everyday that you can experience the latest technology and services for people with hearing loss under one roof! The hall is open for free to the public – just pick up a badge at the Convention Registration Desk.
Research Symposium, The Latest on Genetics and Hearing Loss
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from world-renowned geneticists who will present the latest research on hearing loss that occurs later in life, and what can be done for families who have inherited the gene. In a rapidly moving field, much has been accomplished since the last symposium on genetics in 1999. There will also be a Genetics track for workshops that will feature families with known and perceived genetic hearing loss, talking about their experiences, genetic counseling and more.
New Year, New Format
We are shaking things up next year! Beginning in 2019, the Research Symposium will be two hours with the moderator presenting a 20-minute account of why the topic is relevant to people with hearing loss. The introductory talk will lay the groundwork for the science that will be presented. After a break, the program will move on to three presentations of 20 minutes each followed by a ten-minute Q&A.
Be sure to check back soon for more information on our panelists and their presentations!
Special Events
State and Chapter Awards Ceremony & Reception
Wednesday, June 19
The HLAA State and Chapters are the foundation of HLAA. This ceremony, on Wednesday evening, will highlight those people who have worked tirelessly in their communities to help others with hearing loss. Light fare and refreshments will be available during the State and Chapter Awards Ceremony & Reception.
Get Acquainted Party
Thursday, June 20
An annual tradition, the opening night GAP is always so much fun. See old friends, meet some new friends, and enjoy some refreshments. You don’t want to miss this so be sure to RSVP for this event on your registration. It is included in the General Package.
Night at the Museum, Off-site Event at the George Eastman Museum
Friday, June 21
The Eastman Museum is an educational institution with a mission to provide leadership in the field of photography and cinema; preserve and develop world-class collections, as well as George Eastman’s estate, a National Historic Landmark; and to serve the Greater Rochester community. Read more about the historic mansion and gardens at eastman.org
Unwind from the day’s Convention activities while you enjoy and explore this amazing property. This event is not included in the General Package, so be sure to add a ticket ($45) which includes entry to the museum, light fare, and transportation.
Cheers to 40 Years! HLAA Anniversary Celebration and Awards Gala
Saturday, June 22
We want you to come be part of a special night, paying tribute to our many accomplishments over the years, as well as honor those receiving a HLAA National award. We’ll end the evening with entertainment. Wear your special cocktail attire and be ready to have a great night! More details to come.
Event Photography Notice
Photography will occur during the HLAA2019 Convention. Photos may be used to for future marketing materials, so if you do not wish to appear in the published photos, please let us know by emailing convention@hearingloss.org.
Communication Access
Hearing loops and CART/Captioning will be in use in all workshops and plenary sessions. Sign Language Interpretation is available for all plenary sessions. You may request interpreters for specific workshops by emailing convention@hearingloss.org. All requests must be sent by May 31, 2019.
Two chapter members stood up and talked about their first-time experience at an HLAA Convention. It was so wonderful to hear their excitement and enthusiasm as they spoke of meeting so many "just like them," having everything accessible, learning so much at such a variety of workshops, loving the evening socials, and already planning to be in Minneapolis!
