First-time attendee
Board Trustee, HLAA-NJ: Hearing Loss Association of America, New Jersey State Association
The 2019 HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) Convention in Rochester, NY – ‘wow, wow, wow’ that was memorable! The convention experience, in a short time attending, was RESOUNDING. As a first-time attendee, the presented experience most certainly met my expectations upfront. Impactful and resonant, the community atmosphere splendidly proceeded to go beyond the charming first impression to be energetically engaging!
My impressions and interactions throughout were heartfelt. How so? I got to see Arlene Romoff, Wayne Roorda, and Pat Dobbs. All board members of HLAA-NJ! I reconnected with the dynamic duo of InnoCaption app (Cristina Duarte and Matt Goncalves)! Shared in laughter with the familial Advanced Bionics “AB” team (audiologists Kristine Rafter & Sara Golding, and Cochlear Implant Consumer Specialists “CICS” Jane Ledingham & Douglas Lynch), along with audiologist Evan Claytor of Phonak! I was delighted to meet author/speaker Rebecca Alexander and get a signed copy of her book, "Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found" ~ I highly recommend reading her journey and learning about Usher syndrome (particularly type III). Rebecca even asked for my autograph, which was a privilege and honor :D
In addition, the social media coordinator for Advanced Bionics generously video-interviewed me for thoughts on AB's Chorus sound processor, and the budding conversations were all pleasant! Furthermore, after strong encouragement I conversed with Larry Medwetsky (Professor/Chair, Hearing, Speech & Language Science) of Gallaudet University – which lead to application AND acceptance into to the Gallaudet cohort Peer Mentor Training Certificate Program! Highly influenced by attending the convention and primarily by referral of Alice Glock (board member HLAA-NJ).
Affording the travel, accommodation, and registration were quite considerable. Fortunately, and truly a blessing, I was guided to the National Chapter and Membership Coordinator: Carla Beyer-Smolin, who outreached to Russell Misheloff (HLAA-D.C. President). I received support through the D.C. Chapter in navigating convention attendance and alleviating some financial burden. Networking and inquiring graciously has been, and continues to be, empowering forward!
Especially substantial to my jubilance, I finally met the Hearing Health Foundation, particularly Lauren McGrath (Director of Marketing & Communications) while attending the HLAA Convention, and shared lively praise to their team on the Spring 2019 publication about managing hearing loss and spotlighting stories of overcoming challenges and building a lifestyle suitable for each individual with hearing loss. Just recently, I also met the editor Yishane Lee at HLAA Bergen County Chapter meeting. Previously having only communicated by email, the in-person introductions to both Lauren & Yishane felt already well acquainted and established. wonderfully :)
All in all, I cherish this exposure to the offerings of the HLAA Convention, and much enjoyed the time in pleasant Rochester this past June 2019. I was blessed to bring along my best friend, who isn't deaf. The convention elevated resonance with the amazing community of deaf/hard-of-hearing persons, as well as enhanced joy for all the remarkable people we’re blessed to interact and form friendships with throughout our journey through life. Cheers and excitement to more ahead!!
HLAA-NJ: Barnes.FrankIII@hearingloss-nj.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankbarnesiii/
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