Silent Call Communications

Silent Call Communications attended the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The Silent Call wireless alerting system allows a deaf, deaf/blind, or any other user to be discreetly alerted to the activation of any one of a number of common household devices such as a doorbell, telephone ringer, smoke detector, sound monitor, door or window activity, etc. Use it whenever you cannot hear the doorbell. No need to miss a visitor because you were out gardening or could not hear the doorbell or phone.

A typical system consists of one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. There is no limit to the number of receivers and/or transmitters in a system. Transmitters are available that will interface to a doorbell, telephone ringer, smoke detector, fire and/or intrusion alarm panel, sound monitor, door or window activity, etc.

Basically, you would purchase a Sidekick II Signature Series that will detect a signal from doorbell, telephone ringer, smoke detector, CO detector, fire and/or intrusion alarm panel, sound monitor, door or window activity transmitters, it alerts you by flashing the strobe light and activating the bed vibrator (if used), the colored indicator light for that signal will illuminate and a symbol for that specific transmitter will display on the screen!

ZVRS LLC

ZVRS formally known as CSDVRS, the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. ZVRS is a nationally recognized Video Relay Service provider. Head over there and create a free account and get on the waiting list for the new wireless video phone!

The Z™ Model 340 is, quite possibly, the perfect videophone! It is small, lightweight, supports H.323, and delivers high-quality video over broadband or WiFi connections. With a stunning seven-inch screen that can be closed for safe traveling, this sleek videophone can be placed on your desk, mounted on a wall or connected to your television for larger screen viewing. The rechargeable external battery provides up to two hours of video; if you need more time — simply attach another battery!

ZVRS Services include:

ZVRS - Video relay service (VRS) allows deaf and hard of hearing individuals to have telephone conversations with hearing people. Using a videophone with real-time video connection, an interpreter relays the conversation between the two parties. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ZVRS calls may be placed anywhere within the U.S. and to over 45 countries around the world. (For Spanish-speaking individuals, we also offer HolaVRS.)

Z VCO - (I LOVE THIS!!!) Voice carry-over (VCO) users can place calls using single-line Z™ videophones without needing an additional landline or cellular telephone. Use your own voice to speak to the other party, and the video interpreter will translate what they are saying back to you using one of three communication options: American Sign Language, English-based sign language and English-based sign language with lip reading. Simply dial (888) 888-1116 to use Z VCO today!

Z Meeting - Introducing our brightest idea yet! Z Meeting is the solution for bringing multiple parties into the same telephone conversation — at no charge to anyone! Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing individuals can all participate equally in conference calls when using Z Meeting via video interpreters. The Z™ makes it easy to schedule telephone meetings through a simple sign-up form online, allowing you to meet with anyone, anywhere, any time — without travel! Conducting meetings from home or office has never been so simple! For more information, send an email to zmeetingATzvrs.com.

Lifetone

Lifetone Technology was at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Standard fire alarms and smoke detectors may not wake up people with hearing loss. The first of its kind; the Lifetone HL™ Bedside Fire Alarm and Clock uses a 520 Hz square-wave sound pattern proven by the Fire Protection Research Foundation to be more effective at alerting and awakening people with hearing loss, seniors, children, and heavy sleepers than standard fire alarms. The Lifetone HL is both a state of the art fire alarm and an attractive and easy to use alarm clock. The patented Lifetone HL™ sensor listens for your existing smoke detectors (smoke alarms) and then broadcasts its low frequency, 520Hz square wave sound pattern. Be protected. The Lifetone HL™ helps ensure a life-saving environment for you and the ones you love.

Steve and Debbie Bottles getting drawn at the Lifetone Technology booth.

This next part is extremely important to note. The upcoming 2010 edition of NFPA 72® National Fire Alarm Code has made significant changes to the code especially concerning people who have mild to severe hearing loss. It has been shown that a low-frequency (520 Hz) square wave fire alarm effectively awaken and alerts people who have mild to moderately-severe hearing loss and should be installed in sleeping and guest rooms. If you have a profound loss, this new code requires the use of tactile or vibration in addition to high-intensity strobes in sleeping and guest rooms.

Now, I am one of those in the profound category which means without my cochlear implants, I can put a standard 3100 Hz pure tone sound of current smoke detector to either one of my ears and I can't hear it. Then again, a F-16 fighter jet can take off in my driveway and I wouldn't hear that either. So this is a very real concern for people in my position. When I did the demo of the Lifetone Fire Alarm, I could not hear obviously the low-frequency (520 Hz) square wave but people with a milder/moderate loss were able to hear it without hearing aids or cochlear implants. Thus people in my profound position, must rely on the high-intensity strobes and bed shaker as the new National Fire Alarm Code suggests. Lifetone lacks the strobes for me and it would be perfect if they did.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) conducts and supports biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech and language. The Institute also conducts and supports research and research training related to disease prevention and health promotion; addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated with people who have communication impairments or disorders; and supports efforts to create devices which substitute for lost and impaired sensory and communication function.

Deafness Research Foundation

Deafness Research Foundation attended the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center and was the proud sponsor of the Research Symposium: An Update on the Latest Hair Cell Regeneration Research.

For more than 50 years, DRF has worked to make hearing health possible for everyone through quality research and education. As the leading national source of private funding for research, our grants have resulted in treatments for hearing and balance related conditions helping those living with hearing loss and protecting those at risk.

Over 37 million adults and over 1 million children in the United States suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Of adults who suffer from hearing loss approximately:

* 55% are male
* 45% are female
* 8.4 million are between the ages of 18 – 44 years
* 14.3 million are between the ages of 45 – 64 years
* 6 million are between the ages of 65 – 74 years
* 8.3 million are 75 years and over

These numbers are increasing every year due to aging baby boomers (ages 41-59) and Generation Xers (ages 29-40).

In addition to being the leading national source of private funding for research in hearing and balance science, DRF also publishes Hearing Health magazine. Our publication has a circulation of approximately 30,000 and recently won an APEX 2008 Award of Excellence for Magazine & Journal Writing. This valuable consumer resource provides information on technology, treatment, research and issues affecting people with hearing loss.

Teltex

Teltex joined us at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Teltex is setting the mark when it comes to providing equipment for the deaf and hard of hearing. They specialize in amplified phones, TTY’s, unique notification and Smoke Detection Systems they provide extra support after the purchase answering any questions you may have.

National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology

National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology joined us at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) is the world's first and largest technological college for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is one of eight colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a privately endowed, coeducational university that is student centered and career focused. RIT was founded in 1829, and NTID was formally established by Congress in 1965. It became one of RIT's colleges in 1968. One of the unique features of RIT/NTID is that more than 1,100 deaf and hard of hearing students study, share residence halls and enjoy social life together with more than 14,000 hearing students.

NTID/RIT has a new initiative, Military Veterans with Hearing Loss Project, a program designed especially for veterans of OIF and OEF who have a hearing loss that HLAA is a partner of this project. HLAA is offering a free one-year membership for Veterans of OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) that you can contact the Membership Department to find out more information. HLAA offered free HLAA Convention 2009 Registration to Nashville to OIF and OEF Veterans as well. Since RIT/NTID is a designated Yellow Ribbon and Servicemembers Opportunity Consortium college with oncampus audiological services, note taking, captioning and other classroom technologies that can cater to our returning troops with a hearing loss to learn their best. This pilot program will be expanded over the next five years to over 200 career programs and majors.

Purple

Purple attended the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Purple provides a variety of communication services tailored for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Video Relay: Hands On VRS® service is the nation's second largest video relay service, and has an unmatched track record for providing its users high-quality communication experiences. Available on videophone, and through customized software called VideoSign, Hands On VRS enables customers choose how and when they make a VRS call. Hands On VRS is also available in Spanish on a videophone through espanol.hovrs.tv.

Text Relay: Introduced in 2004, i711.com is relatively new to the relay industry. With its suite of enhanced calling tools such as a built-in phone book, one-click dialing and other conveniences, i711 quickly grew to be come the second largest text relay service. i711 blends its core communication services, with exclusive video and text content tailored to the interests of the deaf community. i711 provides a great call experience, and a great online gathering place for community content.

Community Interpreting: Purple Language Services combine industry-leading interpreting services, with video remote interpreting (VRI) and communication access real-time translation (CART) services. With convenient online scheduling and billing, and interpreting and translation services available nationwide, Purple Language Services is the ideal partner for your communication and accommodation needs.

Some happy Purple people!

Purple services!

Advanced Bionics

Advanced Bionics attended the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Advanced Bionics is dedicated to improving the quality of life for hearing impaired individuals from around the world. As the only American manufacturer of cochlear implants, AB has over 15 years of experience designing and producing high technology devices that enable adults and children with severe to profound hearing loss to hear. Advanced Bionics developed the Harmony™ HiResolution Bionic Ear System to help cochlear implant recipients maximize their hearing potential beyond words and to experience as much of the full spectrum of natural sound—and life—as possible. Click to learn more about AB and its revolutionary cochlear implant technology.

Clarity

Clarity®, a division of Plantronics, Inc., offers communications solutions to the world’s aging population. A leading innovator and provider of creative solutions, Clarity’s patented technologies, Clarity® Power™ and Digital Clarity Power™ provide customized solutions for customers who otherwise could not communicate easily and effectively with the outside world. As the world’s population grows older, Clarity will continue to provide effective technologies to allow seniors to age in place and maintain their dignity and independence.

Check out these phones from Clarity! There is something for everyone.

• Clarity Professional C2210™ Corded Amplified Telephone
• Clarity Professional C4205™ Cordless Amplified Telephone
• Clarity Professional XL50™ Corded Amplified Telephone
• Clarity Professional C4220HS™ Cordless Amplified Handset
• Clarity Professional C4220™ Cordless Amplified Telephone
• Clarity Professional C4230™ Cordless Amplified Telephone

Quick Caption

Quick Caption attended the at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. QuickCaption offers reliable and high-quality real time captioning services nationwide, both onsite as well as remotely via the Internet, and is currently providing services to a number of HLAA chapters! Additionally, QuickCaption offers prompt and professional video/media captioning. If it can be captioned, we can caption it! Some of their services include Realtime Captioning, Video Captioning, Transcription, Stenography Related, and Proofreading.

Two happy little Quick Captioners :)

American Abilities Television Network

American Abilities Television Network joined us at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. American Abilities Television Network (TM) is a television network devoted to creating, producing and distributing quality programming for and about the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Special thanks to Richard McCollough of the American Abilities Television Network for producing “Thirty Years in Pictures.” We are forever grateful to Hollace Goodman who coordinated the project and to helpers, Joan Kleinrock and Ann Liming for their hard work. And,to the many others who submitted photographs - THANK YOU!

Mirusmedia.net produces television programming for Deaf & Hard of Hearing, this service is called (AATV) or American Abilities Television Network (on CW/13 WHAM Time Warner Cable Channel 16 in Rochester, New York) as well as on our website. Lastly we provide meteorological forecasting services for 103.9 WDKX-FM in Rochester, NY. This service is called Weatherfield and is located on the Weatherfied Farm page.

Phonak

Phonak showed up at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Phonak is a global leader in the development and manufacture of digital hearing systems. Using state-of-the-art technology, we strive to produce solutions for both adults and children with a hearing loss in the most challenging of listening environments. The ultimate goal of the experts at Phonak is to make a key contribution to the quality of life of those with a hearing impairment, their families, and their friends.

Phonak has a new hearing model called Naída. It is the innovative offering in the Power segment, designed for moderately-severe to profound hearing losses. All Naída models offer exceptional levels of audibility and clarity, an esthetically appealing design and are water-resistant. The complete PowerHearing solution includes SuperPower (13) and UltraPower (675) models, now at three price points. For more details please visit: www.naida.phonak.com.

Phonak FM System Even with the best hearing instruments, most hearing-impaired people notice that they have difficulty hearing in certain situations such as using a telephone, watching television, during a business meeting, or in a restaurant. Using an wireless communication system (FM system) makes communication in all these difficult situations much easier.

• Dialog - At home, in a busy street, at the shopping center, or in a restaurant.
• Group conversations - Family get-togethers, noisy restaurant, at business meetings or conferences.
• Making telephone calls - Phonak wireless systems provide access to all capabilities of modern telecommunication devices.
• Watching TV and listening to music - Phonak wireless systems provide access to the entire spectrum of today's information and entertainment technologies.
• Schools and further education - In classes at schools and universities, on outings and excursions, in lectures, or on museum tours.
• Transportation - Cars, trains, trams and buses.
• Sports - Cycling, playing golf, skiing, jogging or hiking.
• Events - Theater, in concerts, at the movies, in church services, or at community meetings.
  

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) was at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. They are the leading trade association representing the global information and communications technology (ICT) industries through standards development, government affairs, business opportunities, market intelligence, certification and world-wide environmental regulatory compliance. With support from its 600 members, TIA enhances the business environment for companies involved in telecommunications, broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite, unified communications, emergency communications and the greening of technology. TIA is accredited by ANSI.

This is TIA's logo that identifies for consumers telephones compliant with TIA's latest standard for reduced noise and interference when used with T-Coil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants!


So when shopping for a telephone and you use the telecoil feature on your hearing or cochlear implant, look for that logo and you will most likely experience less static and/or interference than a non-compliant TIA-1083 phone.

SoundAid Hearing Aid Warranty

SoundAid Hearing Aid Warranty joined us at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center! SoundAid Hearing Aid Warranties knows how valuable hearing aids are to your quality of life and your ability to communicate. They also know from experience how fragile they can be. A hearing aid is just like any other highly specialized precision instrument that is operating in very difficult conditions. It will require repair! The fact is you can get a one year service warranty for less than you pay for a single repair. If you are a new user of hearing aids you know how expensive new hearing aids are. And if you are an experienced user you know how expensive repair can be. Why gamble? They feel very comfortable in saying "it is more expensive not to have a service warranty"

If your hearing aids have ever been damaged due to earwax, perspiration, climate or accident, and they were out of warranty, then you know how fragile these modern day wonders are. You also found out the hard way how expensive repair can be! Worse yet, what if you lost one and had to replace it? Did you know that it is more expensive not to have a service warranty? Our service warranties pick up right where the manufacturer left off, and cover Loss, Damage and/or Component Failure. So weather you need a warranty or repair, now or in the future, we have you covered. SoundAid would like to show you how necessary and affordable a service warranty is, so please visit their site to find out more.

Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA)

Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA) was at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center! The mission of the Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA) is to support the empowerment of late-deafened people. Late-Deafened Adults are people who have lost the ability to understand speech with or without hearing aids after acquiring spoken language. ALDA is committed to providing a support network and a sense of belonging by sharing our unique experiences, challenges and coping strategies, helping one another find practical solutions and emotional support, and working together with other organizations and service providers for our common good.

In ALDA, we find people who share the same experience and work together to find solutions to the everyday challenges of living with hearing loss. When ALDA members get together communication barriers disappear. ALDA's communication philosophy is "Whatever works, works!"

Geemarc Telecom

Geemarc Telecom is a world wide distributor of specialist communications equipment for the deaf who attended the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

The Geemarc representative flashing his assorted array of telephones!

Geemarc identified a special needs market in 2001. This market targets hearing impaired phone users, to whom finding the right phone or compatible device is extremely important to maximize clarity, minimize feedback and increase usefulness. You can purchase Sound Alert products from them as well!

Hamilton Captel

Hamilton Captel came to visit us at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Hamilton Relay provides Traditional Relay and Captioned Telephone services in contracted states, as well as Web CapTel and Internet Relay services across the nation.

The CapTel 800i is the latest addition to the Hamilton CapTel family of solutions. Using your existing phone service and a high-speed Internet connection, the CapTel 800i delivers captions on all incoming and outgoing calls. For more information about the CapTel 800i you can download the CapTel 800i Brochure or simply complete the form here and we'll keep you up to date on all of the details.

Verizon

Even though someone was noticeably absent from the Verizon booth, they were at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. They were the sponsor of the 2009 HLAA Convention Program Guide (<--- click to download the green version).

Verizon is a global leader in delivering innovation in communications, information and entertainment. We offer consumers, businesses and government first-in-class voice, data and video services over superior wireline and wireless networks. We believe that, by delivering the innovation customers want, we will win in the marketplace, create value for shareowners and make a positive impact.

If you happen to live in the northeast section of the United States, you can take advantage of the Verizon Wireless Accessibility Plan. It gives users unlimited domestic text messaging (including instant messaging) with 100 monthly voice minutes for $39.99 monthly access with a one- or two-year customer agreement. Customers can also subscribe to an optional feature for their BlackBerry or PDA/Smartphone that provides unlimited data usage on the company’s NationalAccess data network for an additional $40 monthly access.

Verizon customers who are deaf or hard of hearing and live in Delaware, New Jersey or Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island can now use American Sign Language and either a videophone or Web camera to communicate directly with the company about service-related issues.

ICantHearYou®

ICantHearYou®’s came to the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Their goal is to improve safety and communications between the diverse deaf and hearing populations. ICantHearYou® is the one-stop resource for people who have questions about deafness, safety, cultural, and other related topics.

You can purchase different accommodation devices such as: Alarm Clocks, Doorbell, Door Signs, Safety Alarms, Signalers, Telephone, Headset for the Television, Watches. You can take a look at the variety of books, clothes and jewelry for you and your dog they have to offer!

HearUSA Care Network

HearUSA Care Network joined us at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. HearUSA is a professional, independently accredited hearing services organization doing business as HEARx, the Hearing Care Network, and HearUSA. We promote consumer awareness, education and utilization of hearing care products and services. Our goal is to provide affordable access to quality hearing care across the country and to bring new standards of care and service in a professional setting.

HearUSA works with people like you — employers, managed care organizations, insurers, unions and other benefit sponsors — who understand the advantage of offering a hearing benefit to their members. If you are an employee, you might want to bring this information to the human resource department. They will help you select the hearing benefit program that best meets the needs of your organization and members. Your hearing care program can provide full or partial coverage for professional hearing services and hearing aid fittings.

HARC® Mercantile

HARC® Mercantile attended the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. They provide a wide variety of assistive listening, communications and alerting devices for the hard of hearing and deaf, including induction loop system, infrared TV listeners, and personal and wide area FM systems. On display are new cell phone solutions, telephones, personal amplifiers, and TV listening devices. consumer awareness, education and utilization of hearing care products and services. Our goal is to provide affordable access to quality hearing care across the country and to bring new standards of care and service in a professional setting.

Happy little HARC'ers :)

National Board for Certification In Hearing Instrument Science

The National Board for Certification In Hearing Instrument Science was at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. They are an independent, non-profit, credentialing organization, established in 1981 to promote continuing competency assurance of hearing health professionals, and to provide a standard of excellence in hearing healthcare for the consumer. It is the only board certification program in the hearing healthcare industry accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Panasonic - ideas for life.

Panasonic was at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (NYSE: MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic offers a complete suite of communication and networking solutions, including cordless phones, network cameras and photo and multi-function printers that provide convenience, style and ease-of-use.

Some lucky convention goer won that brand new spankin' TV - a Panasonic’s 42” Viera Plasma 1080p HDTV Model TC-P42S1 on Saturday, June 20 at 4 p.m. Lucky duck!

FYI: Panasonic manufactures hearing aid compatible cordless phones

Alternative Communications Services (ACS)

Alternative Communications Services (ACS) attended the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. They provide the highest quality voice-to-text services possible, delivering these Onsite CART, Remote CART, Captioning, Closed Captioning and Text Interpreting services to consumers throughout the world, recognizing the unique strengths of each individual in the process. They even provide services in Spanish! Read on!

Alternative Communications Services (ACS) booth!

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) – The instantaneous translation of the spoken language into text and displayed in various forms. English text is produced with less than a two-second delay. For example, a CART writer sits next to a student in a classroom and listens to the professor, transcribing all that is heard, and the English text is being displayed on the computer screen so the student can read along.

• Onsite CART can be provided for meetings, classes, training sessions and special events. CART can also be provided REMOTELY.

• Remote CART is exactly the same as onsite CART except the provider is in a remote location and listens to an event through the use of a telephone or Voice Over IP (VoIP) connect.
  

Captioning - The instantaneous translation of the spoken language translated into text and merged with a video signal for broadcast or projection with less than a two-second delay. For example, the captioner's software dials via a phone line into the television station's encoder. The captioner then dials via a second phone line into an audio source at the television station. The captioner listens to the audio and transcribes what is heard.

• Closed captions are captions that can only be seen with a device called a "decoder," which is built in most televisions.
• Open captions are captions that can be seen all the time. The caption text becomes part of the video signal.

Text Interpreting – The electronic note-taking system that is designed to provide meaning-for-meaning transcription of spoken English into English text. The text interpreter listens to the professor, condenses text (meaning for meaning) and keys in the text via a short-hand method. The student and the text interpreter usually have their own laptops when the service is provided on site. This service is specifically designed for the educational setting. ACS offers Text Interpreting both onsite and remotely.

Sign Language Services -ACS is pleased to offer Sign Language services to our educational and convention planning customers. As the company that listens to you, we have heard that planners and coordinators desire a one-stop shop. We have listened to you.

Sprint Relay

There was over fifty vendors at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN! I was running around snapping pictures of the different vendors and learning about the different services and products for the deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The first one is Sprint Relay who just so happened to have sponsored this year Internet Cafe! The convention goers were able to stop by and check their email and update their status on Facebook or whatever. Since Elvis was in the building hanging out by the Sprint Relay booth, we were able to get a free picture printed a mousepad with Elvis.

Elvis and I.

These are some of the services that Sprint Relay provides:

Sprint Video Relay - A conversation is only as good as the technology it’s using. Which is why you won’t find better answering speed, video quality and ease-of-use than with Sprint Video Relay.

Sprint IP Relay - Sprint IP Relay makes communicating on-the-go easier than ever. So no matter where life takes you, with access to an internet connection and computer, you can stay in touch 24/7.

Sprint IP using AIM - Express yourself with Sprint Relay using AIM®. Place or receive calls on any wireless device or computer using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) with internet access.

Dennis Selznik and a convention goer.

CapTel™ - Getting your point across is no more difficult than dialing a

phone number with Caption Telephone (CapTel™). You’re automatically connected to the captioning service the moment you dial.

WebCapTel® - This web-based service allows individuals who can speak, but have difficulty hearing, to read word-for-word captions on their computer screen.

Relay Conference Captioning - Be heard loud and clear on your next conference call. Sprint Relay Conference Captioning (RCC) combines real-time captioning and voice relay service through one internet connection.

Sprint Relay Service - Take traditional relay technology up a notch with Sprint Relay. Communicate comfortably and dependably using TTY to type your conversation to a Sprint Relay Operator.

Elvis in an intriguing discussion with a convention goer.

Ultratec

Ultratec was at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Ultratec is the sponsor of the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening and Reception and Opening Session and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Vinton Cerf, Ph.D.

See word-for-word captions during your phone calls with the CapTel Captioned Telephone from Ultratec, the world’s leading developer of text telecommunication technology for people with hearing loss. Now you can even get phone captions over the Internet! Come make a CapTel call and try it for yourself.

CapTel 800i - Coming Soon! - is a new option designed for people who use VOIP telephone service or who have high-speed Internet access. Learn more

WebCapTel - lets you enjoy telephone conversations with the convenience of online captions. You make / receive phone calls using any phone you want, while reading captions of the call in the Internet browser window on your computer. Learn more

USB Option for Large Print Captions - Now CapTel users can read conversation captions on their computer screen, at any size or font style they choose. The CapTel USB option lets you connect the CapTel phone to a computer to view captions on the computer monitor. Learn more

For more information, visit the CapTel site:

• CapTel website
• WebCapTel
• Features
• Where can I get one?
• User Guide
• Customer Support

HLAA Convention 2009 Survey

Thank you so much for attending Convention 2009 in Nashville. Please take a moment to give us some feedback and let us know how we are doing. Note that questions with an asterisk (*) are mandatory (the survey won’t continue until you answer that question).

Click on this link to get started: HLAA Convention 2009 Survey

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey.

Connections Unlimited

Connections Unlimited was at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. They are distributors for AudioLink®, ChatterVox®, SchoolPhones™ and other fine listening and speech assisting products.

Cochlear Americas

Cochlear™ joined us at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Cochlear™ offers both cochlear and bone-anchored products. Nucleus® Freedom™ features water resistance and is backward compatible with even our earliest products. Our bone-anchored Baha is the industry’s only bone conduction implant system.

Hearing Loss Association of America

Hearing Loss Association of America was obviously present amongst the booths at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. You could have picked up a free copy of the Hearing Loss Magazine and found out more information about the Walk4 Hearing.

AT&T

AT&T Inc. was the proud sponsor the HLAA 30th Birthday Party at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. The food was wonderful, the people were fantastic, the music was marvelous.

They are a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IPbased business communications services and the nation’s leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services.

AT&T Relay has more ways to get you connected and keep you connected with friends, family, co-workers, and everyone else you want to communicate with.

• TTY Relay Service
• IP Relay Service
  
• Video Relay Service (VRS)
  
• IM Relay Service

In addition to AT&T Relay, they offer Text Accessibility Plan’s (TAP) for the most popular phone - iPhone and iPhone 3G. These Text Accessibility Plans were developed for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, have a speech disability and/or hearing loss, and was designed with input from the community.

The TAP plan for original iPhone is $40.00 per month* and includes:

• Unlimited SMS messages
• Unlimited data usage (email and web)
• $.40 per minute pay-per-use voice
• Visual Voicemail

The TAP plan for iPhone 3G $50.00 per month* and includes:

• Unlimited SMS messages
• Unlimited data usage (email and web)
• $.40 per minute pay-per-use voice

To qualify you have to complete the "disability certification forms". New users activate their iPhones in the normal way through iTunes and then have to contact AT&T's National Center for Customers with Disabilities to change over the Text Accessibility Plan.

Oticon

Oticon joined us at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center and was the proud sponsor of the fancy schmacy red and black registration bags.

Oticon is the worlds second largest hearing aid manufacturer. They have just released a solution called Oticon ConnectLineTM. With ConnectLine solutions Epoq users can finally talk on the phone, watch TV and listen to music with just as much ease as everyone else. ConnectLine delivers improved performance in terms of speech intelligibility and sound quality since sounds are streamed directly to the Epoq instruments via the user friendly Oticon Streamer.

Wireless Hearing Solutions

Wireless Hearing Solutions was at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

This company provides products, training and support for induction loops of all sizes and configurations from homes and autos to churches, teller windows, theaters and auditoriums. They provide cushion loops for chairs as well!

SafeAwake Smoke Alarm

SafeAwake was amongst one of the fifty some odd booths at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can be alerted to the danger of smoke and fire with SafeAwake—the "next-generation" of smoke alarm aids—designed especially for those who may not hear a conventional smoke alarm. The patented SafeAwake technology senses a standard smoke alarm and instantly:

• Activates an intermittent, motor-driven bed shaker which vibrates the bed to wake the sleeping.
• Emits a high-decibel, low frequency (500Hz) audible signal.
• Flashes a white light.

hearingimpaired.net

This website hearingimpaired.net designs, develops and produces accessories and signage for people with hearing loss. At their booth you will find lapel pins, window decals, stand up signs, stickers, patches and more. Their line also includes supplies for service dogs including vests, collars and leashes, patches, custom ID cards and more. They featured their newest addition - Walkabout Dog Shoes at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Anne and Wayne Wicklund of Fountain Hills with their dog Snow.

Med-EL

MED-EL was amongst the booths at 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Austrian based company, Med-El developed one of the world’s first cochlear implants in 1975, a strong research tradition has continued to fuel the development of technologically advanced hearing solutions. MED-EL offers implantable solutions across the hearing loss spectrum, including cochlear and middle ear implants, combined electric-acoustic stimulation and brainstem implants.

Federal Communications Commission

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was at the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. You can file a complaint with the FCC if you are having problems with receiving closed captioning on a particular station or television show here.

On another note, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has awarded CSD a contract from the to implement an awareness campaign targeted at the nation’s deaf,hard of hearing, and deaf-blind consumers in regards to the digital TV (DTV) transition. So CSD wants to hear from YOU through the Digital Television (DTV) Transition Survey that is attempting to identify caption problems with the transition. HLAA is a partner in this survey as well.

My Case Manager

My Case Manager joined the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. This company provides a take-along case to protect your hearing aids.

Hearing aids are expensive investments and require protective storage. Soulear Take-Along Hearing Aid Cases will be an inexpensive product in comparison to the devices they will carry. When purchasing hearing aids, consumers will pay for a take-along case in order to ensure their ability to have accessories like batteries and cleaning tools with them, while safe guarding their investment with temporary dehumidification. In addition, Soulear Take-Along Cases provide a designer flair to diminish the stigma of hearing loss and need for hearing aids.

Service Animals

I want to show some of the four legged furballs that attended the 2009 Hearing Loss Association of America Convention. Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks. Service animals are working animals, not pets.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores, hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks, and zoos.

Check out this perky little papillon who is a hearing dog- so cute!

Meet Janet, Rosemary Tuite hearing dog of HLA Fountain Hills of Arizona.
She is resting her paws...

You can see that the poochies were just as exhausted as we were walking all over
the 47.1 acres of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center!