Tag: Feature

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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Join Our LASTARS Team for Walk4Hearing 2026!

Fundraising, News, Social Event, Walk4Hearing

Scenes from Walk4Hearing

Are you ready to walk for a good cause? The Walk4Hearing season is here. 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 “LA Stars” with our Walk Captain, Heather Lehr, leading the way, so that we can bring hope to even more people. See below for instructions and details.

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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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Watch the Emergency Preparedness Presentation for the Hearing Loss Community

Accessible Entertainment, Meetings, News

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.

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🎉 HLAA-LA Holiday Party: A Day of Joy and Connection

News

Celebrating community, laughter, and the spirit of the season.

Laura, Teri, and Leslie enjoying the food

Laura, Teri, and Leslie enjoying the company

We had a wonderful time at the HLAA-LA Holiday Party! From delicious food and festive drinks to holiday karaoke carols and hilarious White Elephant hijinks, the joy was contagious. A special shout-out to Chris—our DJ, lead singer, and Santa all rolled into one. Triple threat indeed!

We are appreciative to our amazing steering committee members—Wendi, Tim, Paulette and Anna—who were helpful in making this event possible, and to new member Cassandra for welcoming us and finding us a meeting space for the event. Huge thanks to everyone who pitched in to set up and clean up. Your efforts made the afternoon shine even brighter.

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

Accessible Entertainment, Advocacy, Social Event

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

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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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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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