Enjoying Super Bowl LX!

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

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.

» Read more

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

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

» Read more

Enjoying a Day at the Movies With Captions!

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.

Save the Date – Learn About Wendi’s Lifelong Journey

Wendi Washington presenting

 

On Saturday, September 21 at 9 a.m. PT, our chapter president, Wendi Washington, will share a touching presentation. Wendi will chronicle and discuss lifelong discoveries from her own personal experience with hearing loss.

Please plan to join our friends from the Essex County Chapter in New Jersey led by our chapter friend and previous presenter, Dr. Latisha Porter-Vaughn.

Date: Saturday, September 21
Time: 9 a.m. PT
(On Zoom – join at the time of the presentation)

JOIN MEETING

Meeting ID: 820 5547 1466
Passcode: 084733

Join our First 2024 Meeting!

Woman talking into laptop during zoom meeting

Join our first 2024 chapter meeting!

Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024
Where: Online Zoom Meeting
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. PT

REGISTER

Hearing loss can be a challenging condition that affects many aspects of your life, such as communication, relationships, work, education, and mental health. You are not alone in this journey, and we are here to listen, share, and learn from each other.

Please register and join our rap gathering for the opportunity to introduce ourselves, share our stories, ask questions, and offer advice and support from discussion topics. This will be your opportunity to participate as much as you feel comfortable in a warm and supportive environment.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, January 27!

Any questions? Just email us at info@hlaa-la.org.

Here, My Voice 3. An Experience Never to Forget!

Group shot of people from the los angeles chapter

Our chapter was well represented at the Here, My Voice 3 extraordinary event!

by Rizwana Jmari

The power of voice and self-expression took center stage Sunday, October 15, when the Hearing Loss Association of America Los Angeles Chapter (HLAA-LA) partnered with the University of Southern California for an uplifting concert event, as part of Juri Hwang’s research which combines sound art, art intervention, and neuroscience of hearing through trans-disciplinary work between Media Arts + Practice and the Keck School of Medicine’s Bionic Ear Lab.

» Read more

Watch our September Meeting Recap!

We had a wonderful meeting filled with good buzz and vibes as we shared an overview about what the chapter has been up to along with meeting our first Young Adult Ambassador, Erin McClain. If you missed this or would like to learn more about what the Los Angeles chapter is all about, please sit back and enjoy the presentation below or visit our YouTube channel.


(note: Zoom automatic captions were used so they aren’t perfect.)

If you have any questions, want more information, or even considering volunteering, please email us at info@hlaa-la.org.

Join our Upcoming Chapter Gathering!

As we head into Fall, grab a coffee and snack and join us. This gathering promises to be a fun event, filled with celebration, hope, and a glimpse into the future.

One of the highlights of our meeting will be the celebration of our first Young Adult Ambassador (YAA) scholarship winner, Erin McClain. Erin’s dedication and passion have made her a shining example of the values and vision that our chapter upholds. We cannot wait for you to meet her and hear about her aspirations during this event.

We’ll also share what the chapter has been doing and, more importantly, our future plans. It’s a chance for all of us to come together, exchange ideas, and learn about the exciting initiatives we have in store for our hearing loss community.

REGISTER

Please check your email for details to join the meeting and don’t forget to set your calendar reminder!

Our First HOPE Support Gathering

Attendees at the first Los Angeles chapter HOPE meeting

Attendees at our first chapter HOPE gathering!

The chapter held its first in-person HOPE (Hearing Other People’s Experiences) support gathering. The event allowed participants to share their hearing loss journey, challenges, and hear words of encouragement and support from others. A truly rewarding experience for all who attended.

All those who attended would like to meet again soon so plans are already underway for our next HOPE gathering.

If you or someone you know is struggling with challenges with their hearing, please reach out to the chapter. We are here to get you going on the right path to embrace and succeed with your hearing loss!

Contact us at: info@hlaa-la.org

A special thank you to Sara Osher from the HLAA North Bay chapter for sharing and advising us to set up and run our HOPE meeting!

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