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I moved to New York City three years ago from CHAPTER PLANNING COMMITTEE
Florida for a career in publishing, and I currently am
an editor for a medical magazine about neurology. HLAA Manhattan Chapter Phone Number: (voice)
Before I joined the HLAA‐Manhattan chapter last (212) 769‐HEAR (4327)
year, I didn’t know anyone in the city who had a
hearing loss. Since becoming a member of this Ellen Semel, Planning Committee Chair/ NYC
Walk4Hearing Coordinator
wonderful organization, I’ve met many
(212) 989‐0624 ellen13@rcn.com
compassionate and intelligent hard‐of‐hearing people
who want to effect change for those with hearing Barbara Bryan
loss, and who have been busy doing so! I also had no barbarabryan@usa.net
idea until reading the newsletter and joining the
chapter just how many resources are out there for Barbara Dagen, Newsletter Committee
coping with a hearing loss in the city. bdagen1@verizon.net
This newsletter is for you — to educate, inform, and Mary Fredericks, Secretary
(212) 674‐9128 maryfreder@aol.com
celebrate the many accomplishments of our chapter.
With that said, I’d like to start a regular feature in
Joe Gordon, NYS Chapter Coordinator
N&V spotlighting a different member of the chapter NYJGordon@aol.com
each month. Turn to page 4 to read the first profile.
Shera Katz, Web Site Coordinator
Please feel free to e‐mail me sherakatz@verizon.net
(ElizabethMStump@gmail.com) if you would like to
submit a story, joke or cartoon, tidbit of information, Anne Pope, Immediate Past President, HLAA Board
milestones, or suggestions for member spotlights for of Trustees
atpop24@aol.com
inclusion in N&V.
Susan Shapiro, Treasurer
I look forward to seeing you at the chapter meeting sdshappy@aol.com
on Sept. 16!
Dana Simon
dana2cat@gmail.com
Elizabeth Stump, Newsletter Editor
ElizabethMStump@gmail.com
Diane Sussman
dlsuss@optonline.net
Toni Iacolucci
Congratulations to Dr. Mark Ross, who was giantoni@nyc.rr.com
awarded the HLAA Lifetime Achievement Award
.
at the annual convention in Reno in June. He is the Advisory Members
first Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dr. Amy McCarthy, Lois O’Neill, Robin Sacharoff
Ross is a retired audiologist and well‐known aural
Professional Advisors:
rehabilitation advocate who has worn hearing aids
Laurie Hanin, PhD, CCC‐A Exec. Director, LHH
for 50 years and now has a cochlear implant. He is
also a columnist for Hearing Loss Magazine, and has Joseph Montano, Ed.D. Director, Hearing & Speech,
presented to our chapter in the past. He lives and Weill Cornell Medical College
works in Connecticut.
To learn more about the exciting awards, events,
and information sessions at the national WELCOME TO THE TWO NEW CHAPTER
convention, visit: PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS, TONI
www.hearingloss.org/convention. IACOLUCCI & ELIZABETH STUMP!
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Christina: Was diagnosed at the age of three with a
severe hearing loss. She believes “that you must
WHAT YOU MISSED IN JUNE
have faith in yourself.” Besides attending mainstream
Mary Fredericks
classes, she has challenged herself to be successful in
the classroom and everything she does. Christina
This was our annual “year‐end” party, incorporating
concluded by saying, “This award represents the
our first award ceremony honoring three deserving
hard work of all children who suffer hearing loss and
graduating high school seniors who have hearing
inspires hope, and recognizes that everyone has a
loss. (We gave out smaller scholarships last year for
role to play in service to humanity.”
the first time, but didn’t have time to organize a
party.) Susan Shapiro, chair of the scholarship
There was more, so much more that kept the
committee, has wanted Manhattan Chapter to do this
audience captivated. This was such a special event
project for some time. This year’ $1,000 scholarships
for our chapter, and these were indeed very special
were made possible with funds received by the
people being honored. Barbara Dagen summed it up
Walk4Hearing.
best: “There is something that leaps out from all three
of you. You’ve all said it in different phrases, but you
HLAA‐Manhattan coordinated with Hearing
basically have all said the same thing: My disability
Education Services of the NYC Board of Education to
is not going to define me. I can do whatever I choose
identify possible candidates. Applications were
to do. I will succeed.”
reviewed by the members of the scholarship
committee, and the winners were chosen on the basis
of their academic achievements, leadership qualities,
community service, and other accomplishments. The
three winners were Alena Balgobin, Josh Dranoff,
and Christina Parasnath.
Funny Bone Corner
During the ceremony, the students spoke about how Sam: Doctor, I think Iʹm losing my hearing!
hearing loss has impacted their lives and how they Dr.: What are the symptoms?
have met the many challenges they encountered.
Sam: Itʹs a show about a little yellow family, but
Following are brief excerpts.
what has that got to do with my problem?
Alena: Lived in Barbados and was diagnosed at the
age of 7. Other kids teased her when she received her
first hearing aid, so her teacher made them wear Metropolitan Calendar
cotton balls in their ears while she was teaching!
Later, after her family moved to the U.S. for better Tuesday, Sept. 2: Walk4Hearing Kickoff
opportunities, she used an FM unit, a note‐taker, and Tuesday, Sept. 16: Chapter Meeting
preferred seating in class. She has been consistently Thursday, Sept. 25: Cochlear Implant Support
in the top ten percent of her class, but every day is a Group
challenge. Where: 50 Broadway, 2nd Floor
When: 5:30pm to 7pm
Josh: Was diagnosed with severe to profound *For more information, call (917) 305‐7751
hearing loss when three years old, and has worn
or e‐mail audiology@lhh.org.
hearing aids since then. It has been a struggle for
him, but he has adapted to the mainstream world
Sunday, Oct. 19: NYC Walk4Hearing, Riverside
and made many adjustments in the classroom to suit
his disability. He has found that people are polite Park, Manhattan; Enter at W. 83rd St.
and don’t pay much attention to his hearing aids. Tuesday, Oct. 21: Chapter Meeting
Josh feels “delighted and honored to represent
HLAA as I progress through college.” (It’s not too early to save the date for next year’s
annual national convention: June 18‐21, 2009, in
Nashville, Tennessee)
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Member Spotlight:
Toni Iacolucci
Toni became a chapter member about a year ago, and
joined the Planning Committee this summer. She is
currently assisting the W4H committee by
Walk4Hearing — Support the 1st Annual coordinating teams and writing e‐blasts to encourage
people to walk and raise funds.
NYC Walkathon!
There’s only one month to go until our Why did you join the chapter? “After I became
Walk4Hearing on October 19, in Riverside Park, and profoundly deaf two years ago, I was looking for a
it just won’t be the same unless you’re there (with greater connection with people with hearing loss. Iʹve
your friends, family, even your dog)! This is our big also learned that taking something negative and
chance to show Manhattan what our chapter’s cause turning it into something constructive can be very
is all about: removing the stigma of hearing loss. empowering…and I correctly assumed that HLAA
would be a good place to try and accomplish this.”
If you haven’t yet formed a team — at least two
people — to walk, please go to the Walk4Hearing What do you most like about NY? “Iʹve lived in
Web site (Walk4Hearing.org and click on New York, NYC for about 35 years. It will always be my favorite
NY) and sign up. We encourage everyone to walk place. I am constantly energized by its diversity…the
any or all of the 5K (3.1 miles) distance. (Enter at W. fact that there is always someone or something new
83rd St.) And if you canʹt walk, you can support our to experience. One of my favorite things is the food
efforts (if you haven’t yet done so) by sending a and the fact that I can get whatever I want 24/7. I love
check to Ellen Semel at 290 Ninth Avenue, Apt. 19G, commuting via subway— it gives me time to people‐
NYC, NY 10001. watch, read, and do the Times crossword puzzle.”
How has hearing loss affected your hobbies? “I
You can also come be a cheerleader or a volunteer
greatly miss the ability to hear music as I once
(chairs will be provided) — we need all the support
did. This was especially painful for me because my
we can get for our fun autumn event.
son is a musician. Not only does his music bring him
a great deal of happiness, but it was a positive way
We thank Mr. Stephen J. Hansbrough, Chairman of
for us to connect. However, his patience and
the Board of HearUSA, for his very generous
creativity in trying to keep me ʹmusically involvedʹ
contribution to the HEARx Walk team. Thank you to
has been nothing short of inspirational. I can still
all our sponsors, old and new, including The Central
hear base lines, so with headsets, written lyrics, and
Park Boathouse, PLP Companies/Kleiman Family,
his lip‐syncing words so I can find my place in the
the Pope Family, Children’s Hearing Institute, The
music, I can actually have a decent listening
Mill Neck Family of Organizations, The Ruth Becker
experience. So with musical memory and a strong
Foundation, Sound Associates, NY Relay Service, Pat
desire to keep this connection with my son, weʹre
& Bob Young, Otterbox, Richter+Ratner, Theater
doing quite well.”
Development Fund, J&R Music and Computer
World, Chelsea Moving & Storage, Total Caption, Did you have hearing loss support before joining
The League for the Hard of Hearing, VanB the chapter? “I have always lived and continue to
Enterprises, Harris Communications, Ear Gear, live very much in a hearing world, despite my years
Northeastern Technologies Group, Inc., Chelsea of hearing loss and recent profound deafness.
Square Restaurant, Chelsea Cottage/Viet Grill, HLAA Although I am trying to broaden my circle of deaf
Huntington chapter, and Donna Lee/Joe Desmond. friends through enrollment in ASL classes, continued
contact with the hearing world is very important to
Don’t forget to distinguish your team with some me. It keeps me in touch with a variety of people and
bright T‐shirts or creative accessory. See you at the cultures, just as spending time with my teenage son
Walk!
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keeps me in the loop in terms of whatʹs happening
and of interest to younger people.” Hearing‐Related Legislative Updates!
What is one misconception about HOH/deaf people
you want to remedy? “Having hearing loss or being In June, the 21st Century Communications and
deaf can be disabling, but it is not inherently so. If we Video Accessibility Act (HR 6320) was
are successful in obtaining the things we need to introduced in the House by Reps. Edward J.
remain communicative, fulfilled, and productive, we Markey (D‐MA) and Heather Wilson (R‐NM).
will not be hindered in any way. Everyone has tough The bill aims to ensure that those with hearing
stuff to deal with and we all experience losses in our
and vision disabilities have access to Internet
lives. But as we often learn, the most important
communication and video programming
rewards are those that come once weʹve emerged
from a crisis or loss.” technologies — examples include phone‐type
products for the Internet being made hearing aid
Favorite book? The Spirit Catches You and You Fall compatible and required closed captioning for
Down, by Anne Fadiman. True story about a refugee all PDAs, computers, iPods, and cell phones.
family from Laos and their young child who is (YouTube, for instance, just added closed
treated for epilepsy in a California hospital. Itʹs really
captions to its online videos — this bill would
about the medical model vs. a cultural model…very
ensure that all such online sites had the feature!)
applicable to people with hearing loss. The US
doctors viewed the epilepsy as something ʹwrongʹ
HR 6320 was referred to the House Committee
with the child, whereas the family viewed it as a on Energy and Commerce, the first step to
positive ‘condition,’ relative to their cultural values. passing the bill. The national HLAA office is
One of my mantras is ʹhearing loss is very personalʹ urging all members to contact their member of
…everyoneʹs loss is unique and how we perceive it Congress and encourage them to become a
and choose to deal with it has to be based on our own sponsor of this bill — find your Congressional
experience. We should not be expected to fit into any representative and send a message at:
standardized form of treatment.” https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml.
What things would you do if you werenʹt afraid? If the bill passes, individuals with hearing and
“Probably follow through on some of the projects Iʹve vision disabilities will finally get the chance to
fantasized about. It’s very important for me to have enter the 21st century and take full advantage of
an impact and contribute in some way. Iʹm working our technological marvels.
on gaining the knowledge I need, especially through For further information, visit
my current studies at Gallaudet University, but I www.coataccess.org or contact Lise Hamlin at
think I need to just ʹbrave upʹ and go for it!” the national HLAA: LHamlin@hearingloss.org.
What do you most hope to accomplish in this
chapter? “I think Iʹve already gotten something News flash from the FCC:
important, which is to meet and work with people On June 17, the Telephone Consumer Protection
who are maintaining professional roles and having a Act rules were amended to require
significant impact despite their hearing loss. I am telemarketers to honor registrations on the
learning that with increased technology and national Do‐Not‐Call list indefinitely, meaning
accessibility, I will have the tools to do the same. For that registrations will no longer expire after five
the future, I hope we can do four things: begin new
years. Now numbers will remain on the
projects aligned with the goals of HLAA National
national Do‐Not‐Call list unless specifically
such as increased advocacy and accessibility and
removing the stigma of hearing loss; encourage more
removed by the consumer, and there is no need
members to become actively engaged in the chapter; to ever re‐register. For more information:
increase membership with special efforts to involve www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/tcpa.pdf
high school and college students; partner with other www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/truthaboutcell
hearing loss organizations to streamline information phones.pdf
and share work and progress.”
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Access to the Arts in New York City
OPEN‐CAPTIONED THEATER ‐ Find captioned theater listings nationwide on www.c2net.org
Theater Access Project (TAP) captions Broadway and Off‐Broadway productions each month. Tickets are discounted.
For listings & application www.tdf.org/tap or 212‐221‐1103, 212‐719‐45377 (TTY)
*Upcoming OPEN‐CAPTIONED Shows: [See TAP for tickets]
The Little Mermaid (Sept. 10, 8 PM; Oct. 22, 2 PM); Mary Poppins (Oct. 22, 8 PM); The Lion King (Nov. 19, 2 PM)
OPEN‐CAPTIONED MOVIES –
For updated listings, go to www.insightcinema.org or www.regalcinemas.com/movies/open_cap.html
REGAL BATTERY PARK STADIUM 11,102 N. End Avenue–Vesey & West Streets (212) 945‐4370.
REGAL–UA KAUFMAN STUDIOS CINEMA 14, 35th Ave. & 38th St., Long Island City (718) 786‐1722
REGAL–UA SHEEPSHEAD BAY‐BROOKLYN, Knapp St & Harkness Ave (718) 615‐1053.
REAR‐WINDOW CAPTIONED MOVIES ‐ For listings go to www.FOMDI.com. Ask for a special window
when buying your ticket. The window reflects the text that’s shown on the rear of the theater
AMC Empire on 42nd Street. (212) 398‐2597, call Tues afternoon for next week’s schedule
Clearview Chelsea Cinemas, 260 W. 23rd St., Auditorium 4, 212‐691‐5519. www.clearviewcinemas.com/tripod.shtml
The Bronx: AMC Cinema Bay Plaza, 718‐320‐1659.
MUSEUMS WITH CAPTIONED EVENTS & ASSISTIVE DEVICES ‐
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. 212‐879‐5500 Ext. 3561 (V), 212‐570‐3828 (TTY)
Real‐Time Captioning of lectures upon request – This new service requires at least three weeks notice.
Gallery Talk with ALDs (meet at gallery talk station, Great Hall)
The Museum of Modern Art, 1 East 53rd St., Access Programs 212‐708‐9864, 212‐247‐1230 (TTY)
ALDs are available for lectures, gallery talks, & Family Programs. Infrared is available in Titus Theaters.
HLAA E‐news: Do you subscribe? It provides HLAA
SAVE THE DATE! latest news every other week electronically. To sign
NYC up go to:
www.hearingloss.org/membership/Sen.asp
WALK4HEARING
Riverside Park, Manhattan
Sunday, October 19, 2008 Next Month’s Meeting: Tues., October 21, 5:30 PM
Walk as far as you wish, up to 5K Hearing Loss and Assertiveness
Speaker: Psychologist Dr. David Balderston
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Our Deepest Sympathy to the family of Rhoda Airplane Captioning
Altman, who passed away in June at the age of 82
after battling cancer for 40 years. Rhoda, a chapter With so much going wrong in the airline
member since Feb. 2006, was introduced to the industry these days thanks in part to rising gas
chapter by Ellen Semel, who met Rhoda at a prices— Delta has customers shelling out $50
speechreading class about 6 years ago. just to check a second bag; United will soon stop
Rhoda participated in the Focus Group Session this serving free meals on transatlantic flights—
past winter, and was always an extremely generous most fliers aren’t that enthused to hop on a
donor to the chapter and to Walk4Hearing. Echoing plane. But there’s one thing HOH fliers can
the chapter’s sentiments, said Susan Shapiro: “I am look forward to: captioning of safety videos
so saddened to hear of this. She always seemed to and of information on flight delays. No more
me a classy lady.” struggling to find out what the pilot mumbled!
The changes apply to all flights by American
carriers and foreign airlines operating flights to
or from the U.S., and will take effect one year
from now, as reported in the New York Times
this May.
As good as this initiative is, it’s only the first
step—the next, of course, is to provide
captioning of all videos shown in‐flight.
We Want You!
The HLAA Manhattan Chapter is always looking for
*Read more about captioning and the 21st
members who want to put their eagerness and
Century Communications and Video
talents to good use! Would you like to become more
Accessibility Act on page 5 of this newsletter!
involved with our Web site? Do you have
accounting skills? Or maybe you’d like to volunteer
as a greeter or occasionally provide refreshments
for our meetings? Inquiring Minds Want to Know…
If interested, please contact the Manhattan Chapter
at (212) 769‐HEAR (4327) or HLAANYC@aol.com. What kind of question about hearing loss
would you like to see answered on these
National Membership Dues Reminder: pages by an audiologist? N&V is planning
We hope you will also join or renew your to start a new regular “Ask the Expert”
membership in our national organization, Hearing
section. We will choose one question each
Loss Association of America. Your separate $35
month for a board‐certified audiologist to
check for annual dues (see back page) is vitally
address.
needed to help support the educational and
advocacy work we do at the national level. Your E‐mail your questions to Elizabeth at
membership also includes a subscription to Hearing ElizabethMStump@gmail.com with “Ask
Loss Magazine. the Expert” in the subject line.
Mention of suppliers or devices in this newsletter does not mean HLAA‐Manhattan endorsement,
nor does exclusion suggest disapproval.
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Manhattan Chapter
c/o Barbara Dagen, Newsletter Committee
141 E. 33rd St. (3B)
New York, NY 10016
Please check your address label for the date of your last dues payment and, if you are a National member, there will be
an “NM” after the date. Report any discrepancies to Mary Fredericks. Thanks!
HLAA is a volunteer association of hard of hearing people, their relatives and friends. It is a nonprofit, non-sectarian educational organization
devoted to the welfare and interests of those who cannot hear well.
Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. We are a 501(c)(3) organization.
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