League Buzz
Issue 20
You’re Reading the League Buzz
February 9, 2007
Go ahead…Spread the Buzz... We accomplish our mission by providing hearing rehabilitation and human service programs for people who are hard of hearing or deaf, and their families, regardless of age, ability to pay, or mode of communication, and by striving to empower consumers to achieve their potential. We hope that you enjoy the League Buzz, our premier email newsletter! If you like what you've read, please pass along the buzz to friends and family... To be added to or removed from the League Buzz mailing list, please email us at LeagueBuzz@lhh.org. In the subject of the email, please write “add” or “remove.” For more information on the League for the Hard of Hearing, visit www.lhh.org or call 917-305-7700.
Brrrr!
Winter cold often brings challenges for those children who wear hearing aids and cochlear implants. The simple act of putting on a hat can cause carefully placed and positioned hearing aids and implants to move as well as cause feedback for hearing aid wearers. Newer technology has definitely reduced feedback issues and huggie aids and double-sided tape help with retention. While removing the devices surely will make hats more comfortable and eliminate that annoying feedback it also means that your child will not be hearing.
Keep hearing aids on and consider trying on hats made of different type fabrics or of different styles. Some may be lighter in weight and less bulky and some may fit over the top of the head and have flaps over the ears that can be lifted up. For older children, perhaps a headband that can fit differently on the head (over the top of the head or over ears leaving hearing aids uncovered) or just using hooded jackets would work fine.
Winter also brings snow and snow brings moisture. The same products used during summer months can be used during the winter. Hearing aid sweat bands, rubber super seals and dri-aid kits all help to keep hearing aids and implants dry which in turn can reduce or prevent damage. It is a good idea to keep these on hand for use all year round.
You’re Fired!
Have you watched The Apprentice on television lately? If you have, you'll notice that the captioning is now in synch with the dialogue – a big improvement over when the program did their captioning live, which resulted in delays and transcription errors. The show is taped, so there was no reason for them to do the captioning live. You can thank the advocacy of the Hearing Access Project, which collaborates with a.b.c. – they have been working on improving the quality of television captioning. You can help, too, by sending in your comments, suggestions, and experiences related to television captioning to abc@lhh.org. Your input is very useful – we look forward to hearing from you!
PBS Explores 200 years of Deaf Life in America
"Through Deaf Eyes," a two-hour PBS documentary exploring nearly 200 years of Deaf life in America, will air early in 2007. The film was inspired by the exhibition, "History Through Deaf Eyes," curated by Jack R. Gannon of Gallaudet University.
The documentary will air nationally on PBS on Wednesday, March 21 at 9 p.m.ET (check local listings).
The film presents the shared experiences of American history--family life, education, work, and community connections - from the perspective of deaf citizens. Interviews include community leaders, historians, and deaf Americans with diverse views on language use, technology and identity.
A comprehensive web site accompanies the film. The site includes interviews with the deaf filmmakers whose work is featured in the documentary, while also inviting viewers to submit their own stories, photographs, and films. These will become part of the archival collection of Gallaudet University. A companion book is being published by Gallaudet University Press. www.pbs.org.
No TLC from the TLC
The New York City Taxi License Commission (TLC) is updating their fleet to make it accessible to people with disabilities. Unlike London, where taxis are hearing accessible, the TLC is not including an induction loop as part of the Sound Enhancement system it plans to install in 13,000 taxis. People with hearing loss need this accommodation.
Please e mail the following people and let them know why we need audio loops installed in New York City taxis. Ask one other person to write so our accessibility needs will be recognized and met.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg: Mbloomberg@cityhall.nyc.gov
Matthew Daus, Commissioner of the TLC: Matthew.daus@tlc.nyc.gov
Matthew Sapolin, Commissioner of People with Disabilities: MSapolin@cityhall.nyc.gov
Who Said That?
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.”
Love Is In The Air
Speaking of love, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Are you looking for a great event for you and your sweetie? C2Net’s list of upcoming Open Captioned performances has just been updated with many new and exciting shows added to the roster, and even more on their way. Take a look and find a show that’s right for you! www.c2net.org/list.htm
21st Annual Comedy Night
Monday April 16 and Tuesday April 17, 2007
Gotham Comedy Club
New York, NY
The League’s Comedy Night has moved to the spring! Hard of hearing and deaf fans of comedy, as well as friends and family, attend this fully accessible evening of hilarity. Nuances of language and laughter are captured through the use of real-time captioning, infrared listening systems, and sign language interpreters.
For ticket and event information call: 917-305-7804 or email: sking@lhh.org. sking@lhh.org.
For sponsorship opportunities call: 917-305-7842 or email: mcampbell@lhh.org.
9th Annual Golf Tournament
June 12th, 2007
The 9th annual golf tournament to benefit the League’s Programs and Services will be held at Sunningdale, one of the premiere country clubs in the greater metropolitan area. Adding to the excitement will be the opportunity to play with a celebrity sports legend.
The registration fee is $600.00 per golfer which includes greens fees, caddies, carts, brunch, snacks and awards dinner. A limited number of foursomes are available.
For ticket and event information on the 2007 event, please call 917-305-7804. You can download the Save the Date card from the League’s website.
Second Annual Walk4Hearing Walkathon
Saturday, May 5, 2007
The Downstate New York areas of Manhattan, Westchester, Mid-Hudson and South Nassau are gearing up for their second annual Walkathon. The Walk4Hearing Walkathon will again take place in FDR Park in Yorktown Heights, NY in Westchester County, on Saturday, May 5, 2007.
The Downstate New York area walk raised over $125,000 in 2006. Some of the money raised went to speechreading lessons at the League for those who could not afford the fees.
So, put on your walking shoes and come walk with us. To get involved in the planning of this event, contact Ellen Semel at ellen13@rcn.com or call 212-989-0624.
We are Hear for You
What if your significant other is whispering sweet nothings in your ear and you can’t hear it? If that’s the case, give the League a call:
Hearing Screenings at no cost to you.
Every Tuesday, noon-2pm
Every Thursday, 4pm-6pm
Location: 50 Broadway, 6th Floor
Call (917) 305-7766 or email appointments@lhh.org to reserve a screening time.
Who Said That Answer
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.” -- William Shakespeare
THANK YOU FOR READING THE LEAGUE BUZZ
The League for the Hard of Hearing’s mission is to improve the quality of life for infants, children and adults with all degrees of hearing loss.
