We had a cloudy but cool and beautiful morning to celebrate our annual Walk4Hearing event at Shoreline Park. The event drew over 300 people from all walks of life to raise awareness and funds for hearing loss and to show support for all impact in one way or another by hearing loss.
We had many in attendance who attended our “Embracing the Journey: Conquering Hearing Loss with a Growth Mindset” presentation with Dr. Latisha Porter-Vaughn. It was an engaging and empowering experience for all who attended. But if you were not able to attend or who like to watch the recording, please watch below or from our HLAA-LA YouTube channel. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
Overview: This Zoom meeting explored the challenges and triumphs associated with hearing loss. We all know the struggles and challenges faced with hearing loss and it can be overwhelming at times. Dr. Porter-Vaughn shared how you can learn to build a growth mindset leading to mastery over such challenges.
Don’t forget to forward and share this with your family and friends. Everyone is impacted by hearing loss and could benefit from this recording!
Are you ready to walk for a good cause? The Walk4Hearing season is here and there is exciting news for you!
This year, Walk4Hearing is launching a new online platform that will make it easier for you to register, fundraise, and connect with other walkers. We will walk again in Long Beach at the same location as last year and you will be part of a nationwide movement to raise awareness and funds for hearing loss.
By walking with us, you are supporting the chapter and Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and our partner organizations, which provide vital services and advocacy for the 50 million Americans with hearing loss. Thanks to you, we can continue to support, educate and empower people with hearing loss and their families.
So join the “LASTARS” with our Walk Captain, Jackie Gayer, leading the way, so we can bring hope to even more people. See below for instructions and details.
Note: We are looking for individuals interested in volunteering. Any help is appreciated so please email us at info@hlaa-la.org.
Join our LASTARS Walk4Hearing team:
Any questions? Just email us at info@hlaa-la.org.
Are you looking for a way to learn, connect, and have fun with other people who understand hearing loss? Do you want to experience a resort-style adventure on native land? Do you want to support the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and its mission to provide information, education, support, and advocacy for people with hearing loss?
After four long years, friends and family of our chapter all had a wonderful time celebrating the holidays and each other. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and many new ones!
We are thankful for all who could join us to create lasting memories and sorry for those we’ll have to see for next time. There was a lot of gift stealing during our White Elephant event but luckily no fights! Check out our photo gallery of key moments during the party.
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.
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.
Please check your email for details to join the meeting and don’t forget to set your calendar reminder!
Wendi presented Erin with the scholarship award.
A special celebration and milestone for our Los Angeles chapter just happened! Erin McClain became our chapter’s first Young Adult Ambassador (YAA) after accepting our $2500 college scholarship. Erin hails originally from Sacramento and is attending California State University Long Beach.
The chapter hosted a nice Sunday brunch to celebrate and learn about Erin’s hearing loss journey. Diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss at age two, Erin clearly understands the challenges people face with hearing loss daily. She spoke of many ways she is able to successfully advocate for accommodations needed in class and school. She has also been an inspiration to her college peers and teachers to help them better appreciate the hearing loss community.
Erin will continue to connect with the chapter by updating us on how she is doing in school, attending a few events, and connecting on social media. Stay tuned for more information on how you can meet and learn more about Erin’s story!
Erin McClain. Our YAA scholarship award winner!
The LA Chapter Steering Committee with Erin
Erin and her friend Dulce
It was a beautiful day to celebrate and experience Walk4Hearing in Long Beach. We had a great turnout and smiles as everyone got a chance to enjoy the festivities, catch up with people they haven’t seen in a while, make new friends, and get informed with technologies and services supporting the hearing loss community.
Marisa with her young niece Olivia.
A big highlight of the event was the Oticon hearing aids giveaway graciously set up by Zina Jawadi. Marissa Acosta ended up winning the hearing aids. She entered because her young niece, Olivia, who was just diagnosed with hearing loss, needed a pair of hearing aids! Marissa and family couldn’t believe it and felt truly blessed and plan to make the Walk an annual tradition! Sometimes the Walk isn’t just about walking, but the lifetime memories and stories that come from the event.
See our Walk4Hearing picture highlights below.
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!
