HLAA-LA Returns to In-Person Meetings!
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.
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.
Director of the HEAR Center, Marisol Perez, sharing future opportunities with HLAA.
After 6 years of virtual gatherings, being together again showed us why these spaces matter so much.
A Practical and Insightful Session with InnoCaption
Matt Goncalves presenting InnoCaption
Matt Goncalves from InnoCaption joined us for the session, bringing both expertise and a very practical perspective on communication access.
He walked us through how InnoCaption works, explaining the different captioning options available to users, including live stenographer captioning and AI-generated captions, and how these tools support real-time phone conversations. He also highlighted features like saved transcripts, voicemail captioning, and multilingual capabilities, all designed to make everyday communication more accessible and less stressful.
One of the most valuable parts of the session was how hands-on and relatable it felt. Members were able to see how the app works in real-life scenarios, from calling healthcare providers to staying connected with family and employers. The conversation naturally opened up around the challenges many people with hearing loss face when using the phone, and how tools like InnoCaption can help restore confidence and independence in those moments.
Matt also shared updates on newer innovations, including developments in video captioning and AI-supported communication tools, giving us a glimpse into where this technology is heading.
Wendi and Teri hugging as Teri become the new chapter president.
Questions flowed easily, members shared their own experiences, and there was a genuine sense of learning from one another. This meeting was about information, connection, shared understanding, and creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
As we return to in-person gatherings, we are excited for what is ahead. More conversations, more learning, and more moments like this.