🎉 HLAA-LA Holiday Party: A Day of Joy and Connection

News

Celebrating community, laughter, and the spirit of the season.

Laura, Teri, and Leslie enjoying the food

Laura, Teri, and Leslie enjoying the company

We had a wonderful time at the HLAA-LA Holiday Party! From delicious food and festive drinks to holiday karaoke carols and hilarious White Elephant hijinks, the joy was contagious. A special shout-out to Chris—our DJ, lead singer, and Santa all rolled into one. Triple threat indeed!

We are appreciative to our amazing steering committee members—Wendi, Tim, Paulette and Anna—who were helpful in making this event possible, and to new member Cassandra for welcoming us and finding us a meeting space for the event. Huge thanks to everyone who pitched in to set up and clean up. Your efforts made the afternoon shine even brighter.

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Get Informed and Watch our Learn About ADA and Your Communication Rights

News

Book cover that says ADA on top of a desk

Summary: Ann, who is an award-winning advocate, provides an overview of disability access for people with hearing loss. Hearing loss is a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and numerous other federal and state laws, some of which are more stringent than the ADA. Watch and discover about your rights to communication access, what auxiliary aids and services are, and how to ask for them. » Read more

Halloween HOPE Meeting Brings Joy, Connection, and Celebration

Chapter, Events, News

Group picture of participants for the October 2025 HOPE meeting.

Our Halloween HOPE Meeting was a heartwarming success, filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit. A huge thank you to Tim and Wendi for organizing and leading the event with such care and enthusiasm. The room was buzzing with energy as we welcomed new faces and reunited with longtime friends, sharing stories, strategies, and support in a space that felt truly welcoming. And a very special thank you to Alicia and Michael for hosting and taking good care of us.

Wendi congratulating Fabiola for her Young Adult Ambassador award.

Wendi presenting the Young Adult Ambassador award to Fabiola Ramirez

We were thrilled to celebrate Fabiola Ramirez, who will continue as the HLAA Youth Ambassador for 2025-26—congratulations, Fabiola! Your dedication and leadership inspire us all. Special thanks to Nanci and Anna for bringing extra treats that added a sweet touch to the gathering. It was a night of all treats and no tricks, where everyone left with full hearts and smiling faces.
The presence of those who attend, warmth, and generosity continue to make our HOPE Meetings a place of encouragement and joy. Until next time—stay connected and keep spreading the hope!

If you would like to learn more or host our next HOPE gathering, please email us!

Breaking the Silence: Three Women, One Powerful Conversation on Hearing Loss and Identity

Accessible Entertainment, Advocacy, Social Event

In a moving and inspiring presentation at our September meeting, three African American women—Erika Jones, Vanessa Branch, and Nemiah Hobbs—shared their deeply personal journeys with hearing loss. Their stories and experiences, filled with resilience, advocacy, and transformation, illuminated the power of community and the importance of embracing one’s identity, even when it’s invisible to the world.

Voices that matter presentation featuring three black creative writers

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Enjoying a Day at the Movies With Captions!

Accessible Entertainment, Events, Social Event

A group of Los Angeles chapter members at the AMC theater at The GroveA group of chapter friends enjoyed an outing to a captioned movie, The Naked Gun. No complicated devices, no tech hiccups, just a smooth, relaxing experience where everyone could fully engage with the film. For many, it was the first time to truly feel included in a theater setting, where accessibility wasn’t an afterthought but simply part of the experience.

Moments like these remind us why this chapter matters. Sharing laughter, reactions, and the full experience was a powerful affirmation that inclusion can—and should—be effortless. This outing wasn’t just a movie night; it was a glimpse into what’s possible when accessibility meets connection. We’re already looking forward to the next one.

If you would like to learn more about this chapter and how it can help you or a loved one with hearing loss, please contact us at info@hlaa-la.org or use the contact us form. Don’t forget to join our chapter news email list. Just look for the “Subscribe to Chapter News” box on this page.

Make Your Voice Heard: Urge California Lawmakers to Support Expanding Hearing Health Coverage

Advocacy, Help Us

A man getting his hearing checked by an audiologistAB 224 and SB 62 are proposed California bills that aim to review and update the state’s essential health benefits benchmark plan for the 2027 plan year. Key provisions would expand health insurance coverage for certain services, including hearing exams and durable equipment, such as hearing aids.

These bills will be considered in early September, so act today! Urge your State Assembly and Senate members to support hearing health care coverage and pass AB224 and SB62, using HLAA’s easy new Action Alert tool:

Please share with all your California friends and neighbors!

Hear Your Best with Telecoils and Auracast Presentation

Better Hearing, Events, Meetings

In this insightful and engaging session, audiologist and advocate Dr. Juliëtte Sterkens explores why assistive listening technology—like telecoils and Auracast Broadcast Audio—remains essential, even with the most advanced hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Discover how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can support your hearing needs, and get access to practical templates for making effective accommodation requests. Learn how to engage your audiologist, use Google Maps to locate accessible venues, and advocate for broader hearing access in your community.

Presenter:

Juilette SterkensJuliëtte Sterkens, AuD

Juliëtte Sterkens, a Wisconsin-based audiologist with over 40 years of experience, is a nationally recognized advocate for assistive listening. Since 2012, she’s championed hearing accessibility through HLAA, earned top audiology awards, and serves on the board of HEAR-in-the-Fox Cities, supporting children in need.

Helpful Information:

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A Warm and Supportive HOPE Gathering at Anna’s

Chapter, Events, Meetings, Social Event
Anna our HOPE meeting.

Our host, Anna

The Los Angeles Chapter gathered for its latest Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) meeting, hosted by Anna Rubenstein. We want to thank Anna for opening her home for a warm and supportive gathering to discuss challenges from hearing loss. The energy in the room was one of genuine connection and hope.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with hearing loss, we are hear for you. Just email us at info@hlaa-la.org or use our contact us form. Our next HOPE gathering will be coming this fall so stay tuned.

Long Beach Walk4Hearing 2025: A Day of Celebration!

Events, Fundraising, News, Walk4Hearing

On May 31, 2025, the Long Beach waterfront was alive with energy, laughter, and purpose as hundreds of participants gathered for the Walk4Hearing event. The day was not just about raising awareness for hearing health—it was a powerful reminder that when communities come together, change happens.

A Day to Remember

Some friends posing at the Walk4Hearing

A day of celebration and hope

From the moment the first walkers arrived, the atmosphere was heartwarming. Smiling faces, colorful banners, and shared determination filled the air. Families and friends walked side by side, embracing the mission of hearing loss advocacy. The support was overwhelming—each step taken was a step toward accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment.
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Bring Hearing Aid Insurance Coverage to California

Advocacy, Better Hearing

Act Now: California Bills AB 224 & SB 62

A man getting a hearing screening

California is considering AB 224 and SB 62 to modernize health insurance coverage for the 2027 plan year. These bills aim to expand essential health benefits, particularly for hearing exams and medical equipment like hearing aids, ensuring better accessibility for residents in need. By updating the state’s benchmark plan, lawmakers hope to remove financial barriers and support individuals with hearing-related challenges.

Act now by accessing an easy-to-fill-out action form on the HLAA site to send to your legislators!

Advocates and residents can voice support for these critical measures to ensure equitable healthcare access. Contact your representatives today to push for these essential updates and help improve health coverage for thousands of Californians.

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