Strength in Community: HLAA Los Angeles Unites to Support HOH Members After Devastating Fires
On Saturday, January 25, HLAA Los Angeles held a special Zoom gathering in response to the recent LA fires, shifting the focus to supporting our members and community during this difficult time.
The meeting provided a space for connection, conversation, and resource-sharing for the hard-of-hearing (HOH) community. Attendees discussed available resources, shared personal experiences, and explored ways to better prepare for disasters. Many expressed a strong interest in helping one another and ensuring that the HOH community remains informed and supported. The meeting reinforced the importance of preparedness, advocacy, and community support.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this meaningful discussion. Let’s continue to stay connected and support each other!
Please see below for helpful resources and sharing:
- LA Fires Resources
- Share Your Story With Us
- Read the HLAA National Blog – Disaster Preparation Tips and a listing of hearing aid/CI manufacturers offering support
- View the helpful resources shared during our online gathering.
Lisa Beth Davis and Joseph Snyder, longtime members of the chapter, are facing the unimaginable loss of their Altadena home of 21 years, destroyed in the Eaton Canyon fire. As proud U.S. Army veterans, they have generously offered their home for chapter events and providing support. Though they escaped with their lives and their beloved two kitties, they’ve lost everything and now need our help to rebuild.
We are thrilled to announce Fabiola Ramirez as the second recipient of the Young Adult Ambassador (YAA) Award! This chapter award recognizes exceptional young adults who are making an impact in the hearing loss community.
Sharon Swerdlow has been the LA Chapter president since September 2019 and previously had served on the Steering Committee for one year. Sharon brought her finance expertise, tireless energy, gift for gab, good humor, one hearing aid and one cochlear implant, and dedication to the LA Chapter. We were all motivated to support Sharon in her leadership role and the meetings were filled with useful information, fun, supportive spirit, and refreshments. Sharon led an exhaustive search for a new meeting location, endlessly researching possibilities of venues, and basically turning the town upside down with her determination and focus.
Do you know and understand what a “locked” hearing aid is? Perhaps you even have one and may not know it. Currently, there is an important assembly bill (AB435) in the California State legislature you should be aware of introduced by Assemblymember Kevin Mullin
It is with great pleasure that I thank the current HLAA-LA Steering Committee for the wonderful 15-Year Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 2, 2019. It was both informative and joyful! As one of the founders of this group, I could not be prouder.
The Census Bureau is looking to hire more people from your community and nearby to make sure we are counted in 2020. The bureau will hire regardless of disability and have many hearing loss friendly positions for you to earn some extra money!