Category: Events

Chapter Meeting Recap: Hearing Aid Tech & Community Highlights

Better Hearing, Events, Meetings, News

The chapter gathered for an informational and engaging meeting filled with learning, connection, and a bit of humor. With CART captioning and a loop system in place, everyone could participate fully—asking questions, sharing experiences, and jumping into conversations. New faces were welcomed, familiar ones reconnected, and the relaxed tone made it easy for everyone to feel involved from the start.

Jeff leading the chapter meeting

Jeff presenting the latest and greatest news about hearing aids

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HLAA-LA Returns to In-Person Meetings!

Better Hearing, Chapter, Events, Meetings, News

March 28 marked something many of us had been waiting a long time for: our first in-person HLAA Los Angeles meeting since the pandemic.

Held at the HEAR Center in Pasadena, the morning felt more like a reunion. There were hugs, familiar faces reconnecting, new members being welcomed, and conversations that naturally stretched beyond the agenda. Coffee and donuts were shared, but more importantly, so were stories (including Michael sharing the thoughtful ASL gift from his niece), updates, and that sense of community that was hard to replicate in our Zoom meetings.

Read the meeting transcript.

A special shoutout to the Director of the HEAR Center, Marisol Perez, for making this in-person gathering possible and providing the space for our chapter.

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Innocaption Presents in our First In-person Meeting in Six Years!

Accessible Entertainment, Chapter, Events, Meetings

The HEAR Center front view located in Pasadena

After six years of meeting online, we’re thrilled to announce that our chapter meetings are finally returning in person at the HEAR Center in Pasadena, starting Saturday, March 28!

The HEAR Center was a longtime meeting location for our HLAA Los Angeles Chapter, so we are excited to return there. Come and greet your fellow members and the new Steering Committee!

Where:
HEAR Center
301 E. Del Mar Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101

When:
Saturday, March 28
10 a.m. – Noon PT

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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!

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.

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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A Wonderful April HOPE Gathering

Advocacy, Events, News, Social Event

Hearing Other People's Experiences logo

Group picture of our April 2025 HOPE gathering

HOPE Attendees

The chapter had an engaging and heartwarming HOPE gathering. These gatherings are more than just meetings—they are safe, empowering moments where we share our stories, questions, and victories in navigating a world that doesn’t always accommodate hearing loss. The sense of connection and understanding in the room reminded us just how powerful in-person support can be.

Room picture of the group listening to each story

Stories shared by all, felt by all

A heartfelt thank you to Tim Browning for setting up the loop and making sure everyone could fully participate—your efforts never go unnoticed. And Anna Rubinstein, your baklava was the icing on the cake (or shall we say, the sweet spot in our day)! And of course, a big thank you to Alicia and Mike for opening up their home for this important gathering.

With all the great food, diets were joyfully forgotten, and laughter filled the room. If you are interested in joining our next HOPE gathering, mark your calendar for Saturday, June 28.

Teri sharing her story of just activating her cochlear implants

Chapter member Teri Breier shares her cochlear implant story

Our trusty loop system

Our old but trusty loop system

HOPE Meeting Brings New Faces and Heartfelt Stories: A Family of Support

Better Hearing, Events, Social Event

Jamie, Alison, and GeorgiaIt was standing-room only at our Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) meeting on February 22, where about 15 people gathered, including several new to HLAA. Attendees shared their heartfelt hearing loss stories and supported each other for two hours and many stayed afterwards to continue the conversation, while enjoying the brunch feast provided by our “hostess with the mostess” Georgia Fleischer. The theme of our sharing seemed to be “We are all family and never alone.”

Wendi and friend at the chapter HOPE meetingHLAA National even sent a photographer to shoot some photos for their upcoming magazine and other channels, with Communications representative and longtime HLAA-LA member Teri Breier present to relay the latest updates.

 

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