Advocating

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the landscape of the country and made those of us with hearing loss acutely aware of new barriers to everyday communication. Working from home or...The coronavirus pandemic has changed the landscape of the country and made those of us with hearing loss acutely aware of new barriers to everyday communication. Working from home or attending school over the internet, confronting Plexiglas barriers and face masks in the grocery store and a trip to an overwhelmed hospital ER all challenge the old ways of accommodating our hearing loss. When the pandemic hit and shutdowns across... Read More >

What started as a mission to help the elder community has progressed to giving anyone with hearing aids or a cochlear implant the peace of mind that they will always...What started as a mission to help the elder community has progressed to giving anyone with hearing aids or a cochlear implant the peace of mind that they will always have a consistent supply of fresh batteries delivered to their home. We will break down the health benefits of always having access to batteries, describe some of our members’ journeys and the barriers they faced before joining, and define what... Read More >

Join Bill Barkeley, a deaf-blind adventurer, advocate and storyteller for a conversation on his most recent adventures to Spain and Nepal.   Bill will share insights on his journeys that...Join Bill Barkeley, a deaf-blind adventurer, advocate and storyteller for a conversation on his most recent adventures to Spain and Nepal.   Bill will share insights on his journeys that have led to his co-authoring the No Barriers Life Elements that anyone can use to build a richer and more fulfilling life − regardless if you have any physical challenges or not. Read More >

Do you let your hearing loss stop you from living a purposeful, meaningful, and productive life? Are you ashamed or embarrassed about your hearing loss? Are you unsure how to...Do you let your hearing loss stop you from living a purposeful, meaningful, and productive life? Are you ashamed or embarrassed about your hearing loss? Are you unsure how to handle your hearing loss at work/school, social environment or physical activity? Not only will Susanna share personal stories, she will give you suggestions on how to handle these situations successfully whether you wear hearing aids or cochlear implants. After this presentation,... Read More >

When Lexi was diagnosed as being deaf, 14 months of tirelessly asking for answers had gone by. Lexi had been missed. No newborn hearing screening, repeated trips to the pediatrician...When Lexi was diagnosed as being deaf, 14 months of tirelessly asking for answers had gone by. Lexi had been missed. No newborn hearing screening, repeated trips to the pediatrician who passed it off as “she’s fine. She heard the noise in the hallway. Some kids don’t talk until 18 months of age.” Finally, Lexi’s mom Jaime received the referral to Vanderbilt and learned Lexi was profoundly deaf. Fortunately, Jaime... Read More >

Juliëtte Sterkens presents an informative session on how to foster hearing loops in your community. This webinar reviews how to locate supportive hearing care providers and trained hearing loop installers,...Juliëtte Sterkens presents an informative session on how to foster hearing loops in your community. This webinar reviews how to locate supportive hearing care providers and trained hearing loop installers, how to rally support in your community for loop technology, how to “find” and leverage funding, and how to spread the good news once hearing loops are installed using social and local news media.  Read More >

Are you going to the hospital or doctor’s office?  Are you apprehensive about being able to communicate with your healthcare providers? Would you like to know what you can do...Are you going to the hospital or doctor’s office?  Are you apprehensive about being able to communicate with your healthcare providers? Would you like to know what you can do ahead of time to set the stage for more effective communication when it really counts? If you are a person with hearing loss, there are things you can do ahead of time that will prepare you to let your treatment... Read More >

Managing communication situations requires: identifying difficult and easy situations; knowing the causes of communication difficulties; knowing helpful and unhelpful reactions to communication breakdowns; knowing what to do to prevent/reduce communication...Managing communication situations requires: identifying difficult and easy situations; knowing the causes of communication difficulties; knowing helpful and unhelpful reactions to communication breakdowns; knowing what to do to prevent/reduce communication problems; and knowing what to do to manage negative emotional reactions when communication difficulties arise. Join Sam and learn better communication and coping skills. Read More >