League Buzz

Issue 2

You’re reading the League Buzz, Issue 2.
Why League Buzz? Because the League for the Hard of Hearing’s reach is growing. There is always more news. More tips. More information to share! Enjoy the buzz. Spread the buzz.

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TECHNOLOGY ZONE
Speechreading over the Internet?
Yes, it can be done. Josh Gendel, Director of the League’s Assistive Technology Center says, many video conferencing systems transmit speech that is not perfectly synchronized with video images. The result: lip reading is difficult or impossible.

Today’s faster computers and faster internet connections now make it possible to transmit clear video images that are perfectly synchronized with speech. And for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, this makes it possible to read lips far more easily. One system involves a webcam (a small camera that transmits live images over the Internet), a combination headphone-microphone and special software. Additional information is available at www.sightspeed.com.
Another system uses a standard TV set to produce the image and sound. This system does not require a computer, although broadband (fast) Internet access is required. Further information is available at http://www.dlink.com/products/?model=DVC-1000.

DID YOU HEAR THAT? Save the Date!
The League has a Cochlear Implant Support Group
Individuals who have a cochlear implant, those who are contemplating a cochlear implant or who desire information about cochlear implants are all invited to share, listen, learn, teach, and support each other. This group has no affiliation with any particular implant center, nor do participants need to have received services through the League. A professional staff member with expertise in cochlear implants is present at each meeting to serve as facilitator. Next Meeting: June 23, 2005, 50 Broadway, 2nd Floor, (Classrooms E/F), 5:30 to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Please bring your questions, comments and personal experiences! For more information, call or email Sandra Ryan in the Audiology Department at 917.305.7751 or sryan@lhh.org.

The League has an NF2 Support Group
Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 and their families continue to meet every two or three months. Next meeting: June 16th at 50 Broadway, 6 p.m. Meetings are captioned, light refreshments are served, and all are welcome! Please join us. For more information, call Ilene Miner at Voice/TTY 917.305.7730 or email at iminer@lhh.org.

The League provides FREE Hearing Screenings
Every Tuesday, noon to 2 p.m.
Every Thursday, 4 - 6 p.m.
Location: 50 Broadway, 6th Floor
Call 917.305.7766 or email appointments@lhh.org to reserve a screening time. (Tell them that the League Buzz sent you!)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: THE 7TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT!
It’s not too late to sign up…chance to win a BMW!
Date: June 7, 2005
Location: Sunningdale Country Club
Highlights of the tournament include: a “hole-in-one” contest with a chance to win a 2006 BMW 325i sport sedan, “Beat the Pro” contest, “50/50 putting contest”, and spectacular Raffle featuring a complete set of custom golf clubs, a case of Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Rose Champagne, two box seat tickets for the Yankees and two tickets to Jackie Mason’s new show “Freshly Squeezed.”

Limited foursomes still available at $550.00 per golfer. For more information, please contact the League’s Director of Special Events, Susan King at 917-305-7804 or sking@lhh.org.

If you are unable to attend the event, but want “in” on the raffle, you still have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets, $25 each or a book of 10 for $100. Please email Brenda Irizarry at birizarry@lhh.org for tickets. All proceeds go to the League’s Children’s Programs and Services.

PARENT CORNER

My child is going to have a new teacher next year. Do I have to start the process of educating the teacher over again?

The League’s Dorene Watkins says, “YES!” Do not assume that the school will take care of this each year. It is generally a good idea to wait until the week before school starts rather than approach the teacher at the end of the previous school year. This way, your suggestions and input will be "fresh" and right up front in the teacher’s mind. Keep it short and matter of fact and provide written material if you can. The League suggests trying to keep the lines of communication open between parents and teachers with a special notebook that is sent back and forth from home to school. Or…exchange email addresses if that is easier for the teacher. It is always helpful to include your child in this meeting so he/she can begin to learn how to advocate on his/her own. Don't expect to be able to cover everything in one session. It is often necessary to schedule another meeting "down the road" for additional questions and answers. Remember what it felt like the first time you heard about hearing aids and cochlear implants and FM systems and remind the teacher that you are all "on the same team" and want to make this a productive year for all.

When is my child old enough to discuss his or her own needs with the teacher?

By middle school most children should be able to do a lot of their own advocating but it is probably still a good idea to have a parent-teacher meeting early in the school year. By high school, your teenager may not even let you near the school! Remember, though, that your child is never too young to learn to tell their teacher (or anyone for that matter) when they have not heard something, when repetition is needed, or to ask for any other help they may need.

WHAT’S HOT IN FLORIDA AT THE LEAGUE?

Summer Challenge 2005, funded by Children’s Service Council of Broward County, is kicking off its second year! Summer Challenge is a day camp run by the League-Florida and is open to all deaf and hard of hearing children age 6-10, regardless of method of communication. Total communication is used and more than 50% of the staff are individuals with hearing loss. Participating teachers are all teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Some of the activities include: math and reading enrichment, weekly field trips, sports, drama, swimming and martial arts. The kids have a blast!

LEAGUE TRIVIA

What is the only word in the English language that requires a “d” instead of an “ed” to make it a past tense verb?
Who was the 1930 National Lip Reading Champion?
What are the ten human body parts that are only three letters long?

CALLING ALL POETS & WRITERS
If you have a poem or story about your personal experiences with hearing loss (and you’re under the age of 18), and you would like to share it, please submit to Leaguebuzz@lhh.org. We hope to publish as many poems and stories as possible.

EMAIL SUBMISSION TO LEAGUE BUZZ

Dear League Buzz,
We want to thank you and Amy Boyle of the League's Center for Healthcare Access for the wonderful program she presented to our Chapter on Monday, May 23. It was very informative and covered a number of emergency situations which could arise and affect not only a hard of hearing person, but any one of us. Everyone was very enthusiastic - it was a productive evening. Thanks again! - Fred Wiener, President, Lexington Chapter, SHHH
(Amy Boyle is the League’s Director of Public Education)

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DID YOU GET THEM RIGHT? TRIVIA ANSWERS:

Hear…add a “d”…heard
Evelyn Ada Parry Sass, League Client
Eye, Ear, Leg, Arm, Jaw, Gum, Toe, Lip, Hip and Rib.