Hearing Aid Decorated For 2011 HLAA Convention

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How Should I Decorate My Hearing Aid For 2011 HLAA Convention?

I like to decorate my hearing aid, usually with stickers, just for fun. You can check out most of them on my blog, Decked Out Hearing Aids and CIs.

I am wondering how I should decorate my hearing aid for this convention.

Any ideas? What colors should I use? Does anyone know of a company that makes tiny stickers of famous D.C. landmarks?

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2011 HLAA Convention Less Than a Week Away!

Wow, time is going by like nothing! I cannot believe that I will be leaving for the HLAA convention in less than a week. I downloaded the convention Program and Exhibit Guide and have looked at all of the interesting workshops, demonstrations, and events. There is so much to see and do.

The Research Symposium's The Impact of Noise on Hearing seems interesting (Friday, June 17th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Sponsored by Deafness Research Foundation).

The demonstrations (page 9 and 10 of program book) I am most interested in are:

• ReadMyQuips: An Innovative Way to Improve Speech Understanding in Noise (presented by Sense Synergy, Inc., Saturday, June 18th, 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.)
• EARtrak: Building a Chorus of Consumer Opinion to Sing to the World (Saturday, June 18th, 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.)
• Oticon: Maintaining Connections with Family and Friends (Saturday, June 18th, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.)

There are so many workshops to choose from! I wish I can attend them all. The workshops (schedule on page 14 and 15 of program book) I am most interested in are:

•  The Looping of America Begins With YOU!
• Communication Therapy: An Integrated Approach
• Biological Restoration of Hearing: Are We Getting Any Closer?
• Surviving the Stress of Hearing Loss: What You Can Do
• Dare to Be Different
• What Children with Cochlear Implants Need at School
• Coaching Parents Through the Early Years
• Movie Access, The Battle Continues
• Minimal Hearing Loss-Not a Big Deal, Right?
• Recognition of Self-Advocacy Skills for the Young Adult or Teen with Hearing Loss
• Common Pitfalls of Parenting Your Child with Hearing Loss
• Dementia: Misdiagnosis and Hearing Loss

It is a shame that some of these workshops share the same day and time. I would really like to attend the "Dare to be Different" workshop, but I would also like to go to the "What Children with Cochlear Implants Need at School" workshop, which starts at the same time. I am going to have a tough time choosing.

To those who are attending, I would recommend looking at the program book. With so much to do and see, it can be overwhelming. Looking at the schedules and trying to decide where to go and what to do, before going to the convention, should make it less stressful.

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Important Information For 2011 HLAA Convention Attendees

Nancy Macklin emailed attendees important information about the convention. In case you did not get it, here is the information she provided in the email:

Young Adult Scavenger Hunt – RSVP needed

Young adults (18 – 35) interested in participating in the Scavenger Hunt on Thursday, June 16^th must complete and return the attached RSVP form no later than this Thursday, June 9^th. This is necessary so we can divide the group into teams and plan for food after the Hunt is over. This event is sponsored by Starkey.

Get Acquainted Party

This is always a really fun event whether you are young or young at heart. Sponsored by CaptionCall, this event will feature Mark Robinson, a magician, an illusionist, and comedian all rolled into one! Light snacks and cash bar available. See you at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 16^th in the Regency Ballroom.

Wicked at the Kennedy Center – 2 announcements

Wheel chair users, please reply to this email so we can put you in the appropriate seat at the Kennedy Center. We have plenty of wheelchair accessible seating.

The performance will be made communication accessible with the use of captioning, infrared, hearing loop system (provided by Ampetronic) and sign language interpretation. Please note that the assistive listening device (ALD) you will use at the Convention is NOT compatible with the Kennedy Center’s system – please do not bring your HLAA device with you to the Kennedy Center; the Center will have plenty of ALDs available.

This off-site event for Convention 2011 attendees is being sponsored by Audiotoniq and CTIA-The Wireless Association.

Last Call for Banquet Seating

Prior to the Banquet on Saturday, June 18^th, you will need to have your table selected. Do yourself a favor and check this off your to-do list before you leave home. Simply view the ballroom floor plan on www.hearingloss.org/convention and read the guidelines. Email volunteer Hollace Goodman with three possible tables, and she’ll take care of the rest.

Program and Exhibit Guide

The Program and Exhibit Guide has been posted on the Convention page on www.hearingloss.org. While there are two files, one for the Convention and one for the Hearing Loop Conference, they will be together in one book (with a little twist!) that you will receive onsite.

Used Hearing Aid Collection

Does your junk drawer contain an old pair of hearing aids? Bring them to Convention – a collection box will be at HLAA’s Exhibit Booth #1. Hearing aids collected will be sent to HearingHealth4U, a new non-profit who refurbishes the hearing aids for people who cannot afford them. HearingHealth4U will provide you with acknowledgment of your donation.

Scootaround

Scootaround, Inc. is proud to be the exclusive scooter and wheelchair rental service for Convention 2011 and the 2nd International Hearing Loop Conference. Quantities are limited so make your reservation right away at http://www.scootaround.com/rentals/h/hlaa/.

Parking

If you are driving to the Convention, please note that the valet fee at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City is $25/day. Please check our website for the map showing nearby lots.

Airport Shuttle

The Hyatt Regency’s courtesy shuttle service is available to and from airport from 5 a.m. to midnight. Pickup runs every 20 minutes at the top of the hour and 20 minutes and 40 minutes past the hour. 

Please email Nancy Macklin at nmacklin@hearingloss.org if you have any questions.

Sounds like it is going to be fun! Can't wait. :)

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Fun HLAA Activity For Young Adults!

I am really looking forward to participating in a scavenger hunt with the Young Adult group (ages 18-35). This will happen on Thursday evening, June 16th at the National Mall. I have not been on a scavenger hunt in ages, probably not since grade school. I love scavenger hunts! I think the best part about this scavenger hunt is that the winner will actually be crowned. It should be fun!

If you fall within the ages of 18-35 and would like to participate please RSVP by June 8th (look at information below for more details). 

See you there!

More information from HLAA convention website:

Young Adult Scavenger Hunt
Young adults (ages 18 – 35 ONLY), you are going to have a blast on Thursday, June 16th! Start at 5 p.m. in the Potomac 1 & 2 room (Ballroom Level) for an orientation, then hop on the Metro to the National Mall where the Hunt will begin. Following the Hunt you will return to Crystal City for dinner and presentation of photos; a winner will be crowned! Young adults, please complete the RSVP and email it as an attachment to nmacklin@hearingloss.org.

Big thanks to Starkey for sponsoring this event.

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