Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) opens the world of communication to those with hearing loss through advocacy, support, information and education. The organization is the nation's voice for those with hearing loss.

Description:
Hearing Loss Association of America organizes annual conventions held in different cities throughout the nation providing cutting-edge information about technology and strategies for those with hearing loss, including an exhibit hall of assistive listening devices. The organization publishes an award-winning bimonthly journal called "Hearing Loss" with some 200,000 readers. HLAA advocates equal access and political empowerment for the 31 million Americans with hearing loss, and presently has 10,000 members. HLAA has national programs as well as local ones promoting awareness, education, employment, advocacy and communication access. The Manhattan Chapter meets monthly as a support group with expert speakers/panels on hearing-related subjects.

History:
The organization was founded in November, 1979 as Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc. by Rocky Stone, a retired CIA officer, and changed its name to the Hearing Loss Association of America in 2006. The organization now has 12 state organizations and over 200 chapters. The main office is in Bethesda, MD. In 2006 HLAA had its first eight Walk4Hearing Walkathons in six states and had 16 Walks in 2007.

Contact people:

Ellen Semel, Supervisor, (212) 769-4327, (email) Anne Pope, President, (212) 873-2967, (email) Mary Fredericks, Secretary, (212) 674-9128, (email)

Address:

C/o Barbara Bryan, 905 West End Avenue, #141 New York, NY 10025 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the #1 train to W. 103 Street and walk west to West End Avenue. Then walk one block to W. 104 Street.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 103 Street on #1 train,   Walk distance (in minutes): 3   Nearest Bus Stop: Broadway bus - 103 St, 3 minute walk