DeafROC

HLAA/ROCHESTER PRESENTS APRIL 1, 2008 PROGRAMS

Daytime meeting “BUILDING A CIRCLE OF SUPPORT” with Barbara Isaman-Bushart, MSW 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Is that you in the corner, frustrated and upset at family gatherings, staff meetings, and bridge games because you cannot understand what the others are saying? Perhaps they are frustrated too, not knowing how to include you in the conversation.

Barbara Isaman-Bushart says that hearing loss is a relational experience. Others in your environment must now find new ways of communicating with you, the deafened person. If you feel uncomfortable sharing your needs with coworkers, friends, and relatives while living with limited communication, not knowing how or afraid to ask for support—this presentation is for you.

Barbara gives practical advice on building a “circle of support” from the people in your life.

Barbara is a late deafened adult whose adjustment to hearing loss led her into social work and a degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She has worked with clients who are hard of hearing, Deaf, and blind. Currently employed by Unity Health, Barbara is a member of the HLA/Rochester legislative committee.

(This presentation is Audio looped).

Evening meeting “I HAVE MY HEARING AID—NOW WHAT?” with Angela Monaco, AuD. 7 to 9 p.m.

Acquiring your first hearing device is a major life step. In your ear is an expensive little piece of equipment which must be looked after regularly to maximize its helpfulness.

Dr. Angela Monaco, owner of Crystal Clear Hearing in Gates, notes that wearing aids is an active, daily task. Once the initial hurdle of being fit is cleared, you, the new hearing aid wearer, must be aware of many chores and preventive maintenance to obtain the best hearing from your investment. Dr. Monaco will discuss some dos and don’ts to keep your hearing aids up and running.

A fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and member of the American Tinnitus Association, Dr. Monaco earned her bachelors and masters degrees at the University of Colorado and her Au. D. at Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

(This presentation is audio looped, sign language interpreted, real time captioned)

Both programs are presented at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, corner of East Avenue and Westminster Road, across from George Eastman House. Enter door at rear of church.

Free. Refreshments available.

HEARING LOSS ASSOC. WALKS 4 HEARING IN PERINTON PARK

The third annual “Walk 4 Hearing” benefiting Hearing Loss Association Rochester chapter and Hearing Loss Association of America steps off at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 4 at Perinton Park, Fairport, on the banks of the Erie Canal. Well-known local sportscaster Mark Gruba is the Walk’s master of ceremonies.

“We hope to raise $40,000 with 300 participants,” explains Sue Miller of Victor, chairperson for the event.

Participants can walk any distance of the entire 5K course. Teams are asked to pledge funds. Any profits are divided between the Rochester hearing loss group and the national organization.

Over 31 million Americans of all ages deal with hearing loss. It is hoped that the Walk 4 Hearing raises awareness of this prevalent but often stigmatized disability.

Michelle Gross of Rochester says she is happy she joined the local organization, noting that she can now meet and interact with people who share her experience as a hard of hearing person. Ms. Gross says, “Sharing thoughts, feelings, concerns and coping strategies continues to add to my personal growth.” She lauds “the ongoing educational and informative programs that are part of every meeting.”

Among the many Rochester chapter projects supported by the Walk 4 Hearing are:

°Scholarship grants for graduating high school seniors who wear hearing aids or have a cochlear implant. Ms. Miller says that as of 2007, 37 local graduates had received a total of $22,000 toward continuing their education.

°Establishing live theater captioning for Geva, Nazareth College and other venues, thus making theaters totally hearing accessible.

°A revised booklet, “Hearing accessibility handbook: A guide for houses of worship,” is being printed.

Hearing Loss Association of America is the nation’s foremost consumer organization representing people with hearing loss. HLAA’s national support network includes an office in Bethesda, Md. and 200 local chapters. Rochester chapter, established in 1983, has over 200 members. Their mission is to open the world of communication to individuals with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support.

Hearing Loss Association Rochester chapter meets at 11a.m. and 7 p.m. the first Tuesday, September through June at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Westminster Rd. and East Ave. For more information on the Walk 4 Hearing and the group, phone 585 266 7890 or see www.hlaa-rochester-ny.org.

Hearing Loss Association of America
Rochester Chapter

Tuesday, January 8, 2008 Programs

Daytime Meeting: - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Hear, here with Mary and Gary”
Presenters: Mary and Gary Wagner.

Rochester chapter members Mary and Gary Wagner star in a skit depicting the frustrations of one normal hearing and one hard of hearing spouse living together. They advise relying on humor when two people carry on two completely different conversations because of misunderstood words. What is the one assistive communication device no such household should lack? The Wagners introduce and demonstrate it.

Gary was a quality assurance manager with Rochester Telephone and a consultant before he retired. Mary is a credit analyst with Coopervision. Gary has had some hearing loss since childhood and has worn hearing aids for about 25 years.
(Program audio looped)

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Evening Meeting: 7 to 9 p.m.
“The inside story of hearing loss: Unseen emotions”
Presenter: Barbara Bushart, MSW

Often hearing loss is accompanied by depression, lowered self-esteem, and fears (of social interactions or concerns about safety) among other emotions. Ms. Bushart’s talk addresses these common feelings and suggests adaptive techniques to deal with them before they become debilitating or affect emotional health.

Emotional issues are part of the loss experience and families and hard of hearing individuals are generally unaware of the connection.

Barbara Isaman-Bushart is a late-deafened adult; her adjustment to hearing loss led her to the field of social work and an MSW degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She has worked locally in service development for Deaf, Deaf/Blind and hard of hearing individuals for the last decade. Currently employed at Unity Health Systems, she is developing a program for in-home care for Deaf individuals and for those experiencing hearing loss to assist them in adjusting to that challenge. She is also pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree at Northeastern Seminary, expecting to graduate in May 2008.
(Presentation audio looped, captioned and sign language interpreted)