Save Your Seat for our Next HOPE Meeting!

Better Hearing, Chapter, Social Event

Hearing Other People's Experiences logoPlease plan to join us for our next Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) gathering.

This is an opportunity for you to connect at our HOPE gathering with members to talk about hearing loss and how it affects you and your chance to support others. You can also ask questions and share information. This meeting will be in person and will ensure everyone’s voice is heard and respected in a confidential and private setting.

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 12 PM (Please arrive by 9:40 AM to give time to settle in)

Location: Mission Hills area

Note: If you have any trouble registering or have questions, please email us at info@hlaa-la.org.

Deadline: Register by Thursday, February 26

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoying Super Bowl LX!

Accessible Entertainment, News, Social Event

Group of Los Angeles chapter members posing during the Super Bowl party
Chapter members enjoying food during the game
The LA chapter community came together for a wonderful Super Bowl gathering hosted by Tim and Blanca, and the afternoon couldn’t have been more enjoyable. Even though the game itself wasn’t the most thrilling, the relaxed energy in the room made up for it. Members and friends filled the space with conversation, laughter, and the kind of easy connection that we are known for.
Chapter members enjoying food during the game

Throughout the game, people drifted between the TV, the food table, and each other—sharing stories, catching up, and welcoming new faces with open arms. Whether folks came for football, friendship, or simply a fun afternoon out, everyone found something to enjoy.

Sandy, Nanci, and Teri smiling to the cameraOf course, no chapter get‑together is complete without great food and even better camaraderie. There was homemade dishes to plenty of pizza and buffalo wings, and the spread was as inviting as the calories! As the day wrapped up, events like this remind us how meaningful it is to show up for one another, celebrate community, and create memories that last long after the final whistle.

Would you like to host a social event or have ideas for the chapter? Please email us at info@hlaa-la.org and let us know!

 

Watch the Emergency Preparedness Presentation for the Hearing Loss Community

Accessible Entertainment, Meetings, News

In January 2025, devastating fires hit the Los Angeles area. Going forward, emergency readiness remains a critical priority for everyone. In 2025, we discussed as a chapter the importance of being prepared for situations like these. In this presentation, we revisit that question with a focus on whether the hearing loss community is equipped for future emergencies.

Richard Pope, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles, presents an in‑depth session on practical preparedness. Watch to receive reliable information, actionable tips, and essential resources designed to support safety and communication during emergencies.

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🎉 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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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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