HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA NEWSLETTER, NO. 1 APRIL 2006 Hear Ye, Hear Ye
HLA-FL to host 2006 National Convention in Orlando THE HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA IS “HEAR” TO Lou Ferrigno and Michael Chorost SERVE YOU to be featured speakers With this premiere issue, we invite you to join us in The HLAA Annual making it a tool of Convention will be held communication among the at the Disney Coronado state organization, its chapters Spring Resort, in Orlando, and all people with a hearing Florida from June 29 – loss in Florida. July 2. This highly interactive convention In the months ahead, we program provides current plan to publish timely and and emerging innovation educational items of interest to for the people with the community. We welcome hearing loss. You will your ideas, articles and photos. have the opportunity to Hear Ye, Hear Ye will be learn and share with other accepting advertising from adults with hearing loss, interested parties as a way to parents of children who defray publishing and mailing are deaf or hard of costs. Please ask your local hearing and their family audiologists, hearing centers members. This year’s and ENTs to consider an ad to convention promises to be support us. Advertising rates a most memorable event. are listed on the back page. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is one of the largest convention hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort with rich textures and vibrant colors bringing Northern Mexico and the American Southwest to life. Nestled around a 15-acre lake, this beautifully landscaped, cultural resort captures the warm and gracious spirit of its heritage. The featured speakers are Lou Ferrigno and Michael Chorost. Ferrigno is widely known for his portrayal of the Incredible Hulk, a television series that ran from 1978- 1982. His other acting credentials have been TV’s 1983 Trauma Center, along with several movies including Her- cules, Sinbad and Cage. Ferrigno also continues his recurring guest star role on King of Queens, airing Monday evenings at 8 o’clock on CBS. In February of this year, Ferrigno completed an extensive physical and academic training program and was commissioned as a Reserve Deputy for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Fans of TV in the 1970s, comic book fans, and deaf and hard of hearing people will remember Lou Fer- rigno's performances. This hard of hearing former sheet metal worker and body builder became an instant role –continued on page 4
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES CONVENTION PROGRAM HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA President: James Diaz, Oviedo HIGHLIGHTS [email protected] THURSDAY, JUNE 29 407-366-3024 8:30 a.m. Open Board/Business Meeting State Coordinator:Lynn Rousseau,Gainesville Come meet the HLAA Board members and [email protected] HLAA Florida Committee members 352-331-9808 11:00 a.m. Registration Opens Barbara Bavido, Orlando Exhibit Hall Opens [email protected] 1:00 p.m. First Time Attendees Meeting Francis Beecher, Sarasota HLAA would like to invite all first-time Attendees [email protected] to a special get-together. If you’re new to the 941-952-9011 HLAA Convention we want you to have the best Kathy Borzell, Tampa experience possible. To help you get off the [email protected] ground, you’re invited to attend the First-Time Attendee Program which will offer plenty of in- 813-832-6810 formation to help you navigate the conference. Alan Brown, Maitland 5:00 p.m. Opening Session [email protected] Begin your HLAA Convention experience with 407-644-0650 Lou Ferrigno, motivational speaker, two-time Mr. Carol Christopherson, Jacksonville Universe and TVs “The Hulk” followed by a re- [email protected] ception sponsored by Cochlear Americas. 904-771-7091 8:00 p.m. Get Acquainted Party Frank Corica, Venice Come celebrate with the HLAA Headquarter staff [email protected] and the HLAA Florida Committee with Tama 941-486-1068 Leao’s Polynesian Show. This Polynesian Show Merv Daniels, Winter Garden will be the Talk-of-the-town! Experience the ex- [email protected] otic setting of the South Pacific Islands without leaving your seats. 407-656-9283 James Forstall, Tallahassee FRIDAY, JUNE 30 [email protected] 8:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony and Breakfast 888-292-1950 X230 Join us as we recognize our extraordinary and dedicated people and organization that helped Joan Haber, Sarasota us to advance to our mission, goals and values. [email protected] 10:30 a.m. Workshops, State meetings 941-921-9197 and Roundtable discussions Flo Innes, Sarasota 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. “Celebrate Technology” [email protected] Special Exposition Mexican buffet in the exhibit 941-349-3057 hall. Judy Martin, Jacksonville SATURDAY, JULY 1 [email protected] All Day Workshops and Presentations 904-778-2265 6:00 p.m. Banquet Reception Jane Motrinec, Naples 7:00 p.m. Association Banquet [email protected] Featuring Michael Chorost, author of “Rebuilt: 239-455-1870 TTD/V How Becoming Part Computer Made Me More Kerry Payne, Jacksonville Human” Sponsored by Advance Bionics Corpo- [email protected] ration 904-998-9888 SUNDAY, JULY 2 Andrea Wilson, Davie 8:00 a.m. Worship Service [email protected] 9:00 a.m. Research Symposium Hearing Aid Manufacturer's Forum 954-475-3125
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT BY JIM DIAZ Though numbers fail to weigh the tremen- volume is loud and clear. I know my hearing aids dous motivation of our Hearing Loss Association aren't outdated because I can test some of the of Florida population, I can't help wonder why we newer models at the convention exhibit hall. have a 3 to 1 ratio of When the Florida rain catches me in the parking hearing aid specialists lot on the way to my car, I know my hearing aids and audiologists to our won’t be affected because they are enclosed by Florida membership water resistant hearing aid socks I purchased at count. This wonder the convention exhibit hall. especially rings true Each year, our Hearing Loss Association of when I look back at the America convention brings us news of cutting benefits I have person- edge technology, news of new products, and news ally received from be- of successful self advocacy. But, I must say, of ing a member of the most importance, I value the experience I have Hearing Loss Associa- meeting others who understand the invisible tion of Florida. In the past ten years I have at- struggles we all go through with hearing loss. tended nine of the ten Self-Help for Hard of Hear- For Floridians, it is a special year. The con- ing People (SHHH) conventions. Each time, my vention is at our doorstep. This year Orlando is life has improved tenfold. host to the Hearing Loss Association of America I have directional microphones sold in the Convention. I ask you to do yourself a favor. exhibit hall that make my hearing sharp and clear. Come to the convention. Please share the news As a result, I speak louder and have more control with your favorite audiologist or hearing aid spe- of my voice. This is all due to a product that cialist or doctor. Spread the news of the conven- many people do not have a clue even exists. tion like wildfire; it’s simply too much of a treas- Armed with product information, I’m able to ure to hoard. Maybe soon we can say we have wisely purchase a cell phone that does not cause thirty members per audiologist. my hearing aids to buzz or produce “snake rat- I look forward to seeing all of you this tles” from cell phone interference. To boot, the summer at the Coronado Resort in Orlando. Boca Raton Chapter The Boca Raton Chapter has to the program. In a communica- speech reading techniques; cochlear been in existence for over 11 years. tively accessible setting, members implants; the Americans with Dis- Our meetings are held the fourth of all ages and degrees of hearing abilities Act; and other educational Monday of every month from Sep- loss, along with their families, learn topics. Assistive listening devices tember through May from 7 to 9:30 about hearing loss and self help are available during the meetings. p.m. Meetings take place at the practices. To join our chapter, please James Rutherford Building in Patch Interesting speakers are in- send in membership application. For Reef Park, Boca Raton. Guests at- vited each month and cover such more information, please contact the tend meetings for a maximum of topics as: the latest in hearing aids Boca Raton Chapter President, Geri three times without charge. Annual and assistive listening devices; Young at [email protected] dues are just $15.00. where to find help for the hard of or by phone (561) 451-8494. Refreshments are served prior hearing; coping with hearing loss; Hearing Loss Association of America National Convention in Orlando June 29 - July 2, 200 6
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Ferrigno and Chorost to worked at dot-coms and research News from the Board speak institutes as a technical writer. He taught academic writing at the Uni- of Trustees (continued from page 1) versity of San Francisco in 2005. model for deaf and hard of hearing –Kathy Borzell Chorost now earns his living as a youth. A winner of major body- freelance writer, speaker, and con- building titles when only in his early The Board of Trustees of the sultant in San Francisco touring the 20s, Ferrigno was motivated to be- Hearing Loss Association of Amer- USA and Europe on a regular basis. ica met in Bethesda, MD on the come a bodybuilder as a teenager by Among other things, Chorost dis- weekend of March 3-5, 2006. It experiences all cusses the role computers have was a productive weekend with the too common to played in our lives and bodies, how board approving the new HLA logo the hard of hear- society misuses computers, and how and chapter naming guidelines. ing youth of the HLAA staff gave reports on we might reorient ourselves so that 70s; he was developments with respect to advo- technology makes us more human. teased by his cacy and public policy, the upcom- He has plans to get the other ear hearing peers. ing Orlando convention, chapter implanted. He has talked developments, website updates, He is another person whose magazine and e-news and the Acad- about having behavior we would wish to imitate. emy of Hearing Loss Support Spe- b e e n c a l l e d cialists. "Deaf Louie." The Board is excited about its His bodybuilding consequently led Spotlight upcoming convention in Orlando. to his memorable role as the Hulk. For more information or to register Today, Lou Ferrigno focuses on for the convention call 301-657- on bodybuilding education instead Flo Innes, 2248 or go to the web site at of acting. Both he and his wife, www.hearingloss.org/html/2006con Carla, offer personal fitness training Advocate v.html. In May, HLAA will be spon- services to residents of his Califor- For the last two years, Flo soring Walk4Hearing walk-a-thons nia region. has served as treasurer of Hearing to be held in New York (Downstate You won’t want to miss this dy- Loss Association of Florida. & Rochester), Texas (Ft. Worth & namic speaker and role model for all Born with a profound hearing Houston), California (San Fran- of us. loss, Flo has been involved for cisco) and Pennsylvania (Newtown Michael Chorost, the author many years with Self Help for Square). of Rebuilt: How Becoming Part the Hard of Hearing (SHHH) Walk4Hearing i s a nationally-coordinated effort spon- Computer Made Me More Human where she also served as presi- (Houghton Mifflin, June 2005) is his sored by Hearing Loss Association dent. of America to increase awareness story of becoming cyborg. In Sarasota, she eventually about the causes and consequences C h o r o s t opened a non-profit organization, of hearing loss and to raise funds to was born in Advocates For Better Hearing, provide information and support for 1964 in West- Inc., an assistive listening device people with hearing loss. field, NJ with a resource center. In the showroom For more information or to severe hearing are over 100 items to help the sponsor one of the walks call 301- loss in both ears deaf and hard of hearing. Much 657-2248 or go to the website at: www.hearingloss.org/Walk4Hearing because of an of the merchandise can be used edemic of ru- /index.htm. by hearing people as well. The next Board of Trustees bella (German The ABH website will be meeting will be held on June 29 in m e a s l e s ) , available soon, so please watch Orlando. Chorost did not learn to talk until he for it. To the best of Flo’s knowl- was fitted with hearing aids at the edge, this is the only ALD show- Please support age of three and a half. He received room of its size in Florida. Their a BA in English from Brown Uni- goal is to have workshops, meet- this newsletter. Ask versity in 1987 and completed a ings, and support groups, etc. your audiologist or PhD in educational technology at For more information, you hearing aid center to the University of Texas at Austin in may reach Flo at advocatesforbet- advertise. 2000. Between 1999 and 2004, he ter [email protected].
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available by contacting Joan Haber, how to apply for this scholarship, HLA-FL Chair, Nominating Committee, 1768 Contact Haber at joan1@ Pine Harrier Circle, Sarasota, FL comcast.net or 941-921-9197. seeks applicants 34231 or by e-mail: joan1@ • • • for Board comcast.net The next Council meeting is Applications must be returned The Hearing Loss Association in Miami on May 4 and 5 at Radis- no later than August 15, 2006. of Florida (HLA-FL) is seeking son Kendall Hotel & Suites, 9100 S. qualified individuals to serve on the Kendall Drive, Miami, Florida HLA-FL Board of Trustees for a FCCDHH offering 33176. Call (305) 779-9172 (direct) three-year term beginning October Convention or visit: www. radisson. com/ 7, 2006. Scholarships miamifl_kendall . The public com- Who is eligible? All members ment period will be on May 4 from of Hearing Loss Association of Joan Haber, a resident of 3:30-5:30 p.m. America HLAA who are Florida Sarasota and a long time member of The Council will next meet in residents are eligible. HLAA, is the vice- Gainesville on August 17 and 18 at HLA-FL is committed to as- chair of the Florida a place to be determined. Check the sembling a board composed of indi- Coordinating Coun- Council website for further details. viduals with a diversity of skills, cil for the Deaf and The public comment portion of that backgrounds, hearing loss and ages. Hard of Hearing. meeting will be on August 17 from Hearing applicants with sensitivity Appointed to the 3:30 to 5:30 pm. For more informa- to the needs of people with hearing Council by Governor tion on both meetings contact Mary loss will be considered. Ability to Bush, she is also Grace Tavel at MaryGrace_Tavel work with others is essential. Posi- serves as the chair of @doh.state.fl.us tive thinkers with the desire to im- The Citizens with Disabilities Advi- prove the qualify of life for hard of sory Board for the City of Sarasota; Hearing Loss hearing Florida residents are urged as secretary of the Hearing Loss As- Association to apply. HLA-FL members can sociation of Sarasota; and as a board nominate themselves for board member of the Hearing Loss Asso- of Broward County membership or nominate another ciation of Florida. Broward County, FL chapter Up- Florida HLAA member (with per- The FCCDHH’s mission is to coming meetings - both at the mission). serve as an advisory and coordinat- Northwest Regional Library in What is required? The board ing body which recommends poli- Coral Springs, FL - April 19 - "Any- meets at lest three times a year in cies that address the needs of deaf, thing You Want to Discuss or Ask locations that vary to provide equi- hard of hearing, late deafened and Questions About" - Speakers: table geographical access. Members deaf-blind persons, as well as meth- Those at the meeting. May 10 - are encouraged to attend all meet- ods that improve the coordination of "What's New in Hearing Aid De- ings. Costs of travel are the mem- services among public and private sign?" - Speaker: Kim Schur, audi- bers’ responsibility. Members are entities and to provide technical as- ologist and director of League for asked to take active roles on stand- sistance, advocacy and education. the Hard of Hearing. ing and ad hoc committees. Meet- The Council is providing We also give out information ings are presently held on Saturdays scholarship funds in the amount of sheets at our meetings such as "Pre- to accommodate employed mem- $2,500 to be used for families with paring for the Upcoming Hurricane bers. Major committee work occurs children to attend the Hearing Loss Season." If you would like addi- between board meetings and is most Association's annual convention in tional information about our chapter, often transacted by e-mail or cha- June in Orlando. The FCCDHH please call Karen Frauman at 954- troom and thus, Board members are Council believes in encouraging 984-9541 or send an e-mail to required to have e-mail access. Re- children to become involved in the [email protected]. imbursements of previously ap- HLAA's convention and to become proved expenses on behalf of LA- advocates for themselves at an early HLA of Naples FL are available to trustees upon age. A maximum of $500 can be Jim and Lois Smith are co- request. used per family with minor children leaders and ask that you check their How to apply for the HLA- to offset costs of registration and website. FL Board. Application forms are convention expenses. To find out www.naples.net/presents/naplesears
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A Message from the State Chapter Coordinator --Lynn Rousseau As a native Floridian, I wel- all with her homecooked meals! Flo's Danscompany of Gainesville. I am come the chance to be your State Advocates for Better Hearing store is Mom to three and grandmother of Chapter Coordinator for Hearing a place everyone should visit. She three (with one more due in July!) Loss Association of Florida. has assistive listening devices and and finally, wife and friend to Joel I have been a member of the helpful ideas to suit all hearing for over 35 loving years! Hearing Loss Association Board of losses. Angie also works there and I have had a hearing loss, Directors for over eight years and can solve just about any problem one nerve deafness, since age three. Vis- have seen it has with any device. Together, they its to Johns Hopkins as a child led grow into a work hard to serve the needs of the me to wear hearing aids starting with wonderful or- community and really came to the a body pack and then gradually to ganization. We rescue of many during the hurricane behind the ear. I am excited to be have had some season. So many people, past and getting new ones this month! I've great leaders present, have made the Florida As- been blessed with an uncanny ability and involved sociation of Self Help for Hard of to read lips and so get along well in members who Hearing (FLASHHH, as it was the mainstream of society. But it isn't volunteer be- known) a vital part of our lives. easy. Knowing what I know now-- yond the call of duty. Jim Diaz, Thank you to all for the hard work and wishing someone had helped me President, has led us all for six years and long hours put into this effort. along the way to make life a little now! Kathy Borzell and Joan Haber As for me, when I am not ad- easier--is what leads me to make sure represent us at state and national vocating for the rights of the hard of I share all I can with others so they, level. Carol Christopherson and Joan hearing through this organization, I too, can enjoy life to the best of their Haber also represent us on the Gov- am chair of the Alachua County Citi- ability. ernor's Florida Coordinating Council zens Disability Advisory Board, part To keep silent is to accept the for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. of the ADA Human Rights Council, situation. Flo Innes has always been there to and member of the board of directors boost morale at meetings and feed us and performing member with the • • •
At the convention banquet in Washington, DC in 2005, Florida members added a special spark with their surprise “Disney Welcome to Orlando” live performance and fashion show. The award-winning cast included Francis Beecher, tourist; Kathy Borzell, Snow White; Betty Brewster, bathing beauty; Jim Diaz, Aladdin; Flo Innes, Cruella; Angie Nibert, Pocohontas; Dr. Patricia Krico, tourist; Larry Kavanaugh, movie director; Lynn Rousseau, Esmerelda; and Alan Brown, Sleepy. Lynn and Alan led them in an enthusiastic rendition of “off to work we go.” These two had worked tirelessly to form the Local Host Committee for Convention 2006 in Orlando.
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FLASHHHistory Highlighted, Part 1 --submitted by Frank Corica SHHH-Brevard met in February 1991 for the the acronym FLASHHH. purpose of starting a state organization. In May Most of the time from June 1995 through June SHHH Florida, Inc. was formally incorporated. The 1996 was devoted to planning for the 11th SHHH first president was Bob Dempsey. Convention in Orlando. At that time, a permanent seat was In December 1997, Joan Andrews was elected granted to this group on the TASA president. That same month the By-Laws were (Telecommunication Access Sys- amended to establish rolling terms for the Board of tem Act) Advisory Board. Trustees to limit changeover to one third of Trustees. In October 1993 Alan Brown was The next year, in July, the IRS granted the state elected president. In November organization status as a non-profit corporation. Orlando was selected to host the In 1999 FLASHHH launched the JEB Project, 11th International SHHH Conven- a survey of other states to determine the type and tion. In April of the following year, extent of services provided to their deaf and hard of an application was submitted for hearing citizens and co-sponsored Beyond Amplifica- recognition as a State Association and the By-Laws tion workshop at the University of South Florida for were amended to conform with National’s require- the Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened and their ments. families. The Mildred Savell Scholarship was estab- Jim Diaz was elected fourth president in Febru- lished in December 1994 to send deserving members ary 2000. to the annual Convention. During the same month, the (continued in the next issue) first Board of Trustees was elected. SHHH Florida, Inc. received approval as a state association and consequently was to be referred to by Guidelines for speakers on t-coil is often referred to as telephone speechreading to help them understand and, switch, telecoil, and T-switch.) therefore, need to see the speaker’s mouth. ways to communicate with an The chapter leader should do a check Although visual aids are often help- audiences who have hearing at the beginning of the meeting to ensure ful, speakers should avoid speaking while loss that the loop is on and that those who have t- facing a chalk board, screen, or easel, or --submitted by Karen Frauman, coils can hear. The leader will suggest that when looking away from the audience. Broward County anyone in the group who wears a hearing aid Speakers should avoid turning too far away with a t-coil should turn it on. This enables a from the microphone as can happen during a t-coil in the hearing aid to pick up a signal slide presentation for example, and waving a This guide was compiled by the Hearing from either a room loop or a neck loop. hand-held microphone to point. Loss Association of America’s Rochester Occasionally, seating may need to be Speakers should speak slowly and dis- (NY) Chapter to brief guest speakers on the rearranged so a hard of hearing person can tinctly and project their voice to the person ways to communicate with audiences who see speakers more clearly and also so that farthest away. have hearing loss. Use it as a guide and tai- those who do not have t-coils can hear. Speakers should avoid covering their lor it to your specific situation. The speaker will be provided with a spe- mouth with their hands or other objects. Members of Hearing Loss Association of cial mic that will enable those members with Sufficient ambient lighting should be America have varying degrees of hearing t-coils in their hearing aids to hear whatever provided when showing slides or movies to loss and a variety of ways of receiving in- the speaker says clearly with no interference allow for speechreading. formation. Although a small number may from extraneous noise. The mic is not ampli- During the question and answer period, prefer some form of sign language, the ma- fying sound for those in the audience who speakers should repeat the questions from jority access information using technology. are not using the loop. the audience since those using the t-coil will As a result, guest speakers for the general Speakers should always use the micro- not hear the questions when they are called meetings need to be made aware of how phone. It is a part of the system that helps out without a microphone. they can best communicate their message in the audience. order to maximize receptivity. Speakers will be offered a lapel mic; Guest speakers should be informed that however, some speakers may prefer to use a the room . . . is fitted with an induction wireless hand-held microphone. The micro- loop. They should be told that the loop only phone should not be directly in front of the benefits people who have t-coils in their mouth, and preferably no higher than chin hearing aids and that it is not amplifying level. People who are hard of hearing usu- sound for others in the audience. (The term ally supplement what they hear with
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Hearing Loss Association Advertising Rates of Sarasota Calendar Full page $325.00 The Sarasota Chapter meets at Half page $175.00 Selby Public Library, 1331 First Street, Quarter page $100.00 Sarasota from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. On April April 22, 2006 19, Dr. Andrew Marlowe, Sarasota Ear, HLA-FL Board of Trustees - Boca Raton (These rates are subject to change) Nose and Throat specialist, will give a Donor (one line) presentation on Sudden Deafness. On May 4-5, 2006 Individual - $10 company $20 May 17, Michelle Martin, member FCCDHH - Miami of the Sarasota Human Relations Board June 29 - July 2, 2006 Make checks payable to will present "How to Make a Discrimi- Hearing Loss Assn. of Florida nation Complaint" and will provide Hearing Loss Association of America and mail to: complaint forms, ordinances and rules Annual Convention - Orlando 1074 Shaffer Trail of procedures. June 29, 2006 LaVonne Stocco, President Oviedo, FL 32765 HLAA Board of Trustees - Orlando Send news items and photos to Hearing Loss Association August 15, 2006 [email protected] or HLA-FL Board of Trustee Applications Judy G. Martin of Jacksonville The Jax Chapter meets the third Due 8019 Leafcrest Drive Tuesday of the month at Jax Public Li- August 17 - 18, 2006 Jacksonville, FL 32244 brary, West Regional. For more details FCCDHH - Gainesville • • • go to: http://www. freewebs. com/ October 7, 2006 Member photos in this issue hearinglossassociationofjacksonville or by Lynn Rousseau [email protected] HLA-FL Board of Trustees - Jacksonville
Hearing Loss Association of Florida 1074 Shaffer Trail Oviedo, FL 32765
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