Upcoming event: Annual HLAA Convention in Austin, Texas

The 2013 Annual Convention of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is to take place from June 26 to 29 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, Austin, Texas. The HLAA is the largest organization representing people with hearing loss in the United States. The organization’s aim is to provide assistance and resources to people with hearing loss and their families to learn how to adjust to living with the condition. The annual convention promises to offer many different opportunities to attendees.

A keynote address entitled “A Life in Music After Hearing Loss” will be given by Richard Einhorn, a music composer who suffered sudden sensorineural hearing loss in 2010. He will discuss his life as a professional musician, his personal experience coping with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and his commitment as a passionate advocate for people who lose their hearing.

Over and above the chance to meet other people with hearing loss and to learn about support groups and getting help, the convention offers over 40 communication-accessible workshops and demonstrations on subjects as diverse as employment, advocacy, hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive technologies, and relationships. The convention will also host a symposium on emerging technologies for people with hearing loss, moderated by the executive director of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Foundation, Stephen Ewell.

The convention will set the standard in communication-access with all workshops and sessions having communication access real-time translation (CART) or captioning, as well as a hearing loop and/or infrared system. Plenary sessions, including the Opening Session, Technology Symposium, and Banquet will also have sign interpreters.

Source: Hearing Loss Association of America