Continue reading »]]> The Hearing Loss Association of Florida has announced its third Joan Andrews Scholarship Award.  The Scholarship will be awarded to a Florida resident who has not previously attended a national convention and who demonstrates in writing (by completion of the application process), a sincere educational interest in and commitment to sharing the mission of the Hearing Loss Association with others affected by hearing loss.  The Scholarship Committee will give priority consideration to an applicant who meets all the criteria as set forth in the application process and who would find it a hardship to attend the HLAA convention without the assistance of this scholarship.

SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION: The scholarship will entitle the winner to a registration to the Hearing Loss Association of America convention in Providence, RI from June 21-24, 2012.  The scholarship will also include a room at the convention hotel for three nights and round trip airfare or automobile travel expense between Florida and Providence, RI.   The maximum value of the scholarship is $1,000.00. The winner is responsible for making all travel, hotel and convention registration arrangements.

ELIGIBILITY:  An applicant must be a Florida resident and member in good standing of the Hearing Loss Association of America.   Current members of the HLA-FL Board of Trustees are not eligible.

The deadline for receipt by HLA-FL of the completed application is March 15, 2012.

Scholarship Application

Continue reading »]]> Visit the Hearing Loss Association of America website for information on the public education campaign in partnership with the American Academy of Audiology. This website not only explains hearing loops but also provides guidance and resources to help you advocate for hearing loops in your area!

Get in the Hearing Loop

Continue reading »]]> If you know of others, please email the information to HearYeHearYe2006@gmail.com

• Anna Maria Island – Episcopal Church of the Annunciation
• Bradenton – Neel Performing Arts Center (Main Stage)
• Bradenton – Neel Performing Arts Center (Pinkerton Stage)
• Bradenton – Manatee Players
• Clearwater – Our Lady of Lourdes
• Clearwater – St. Michael Church
• Coral Springs – Broward County Library (Multi-Purpose Room)
• Dade City – Church of Christ at Trilacoochee,
• Dover – First Baptist Church
• Dunedin – The Kirk of Dunedin Community Church
• Dunedin – Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
• Fort Lauderdale – The Center for Hearing and Communication (Meeting Room)
• Gainesville – Grace Presbyterian Church
• Gainesville – Oak Hammock at University of Florida
• Jacksonville – Whole Foods Market
• Largo – City of Largo Public Library
• Largo – Largo Community Center
• Longboat Key – Christ Church of Longboat Key
• Lutz – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
• Marco Island – Marco Presbyterian Church
• Marco Island – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
• Melbourne – Melbourne 7th Day Adventist Church
• Merritt Island – Redeemer Lutheran Church
• Merritt Island – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
• Miami Shores – Miami Shores Presbyterian Church,
• Naples – Moorings Park Retirement Community
• Naples – Naples United Church of Christ
• St. Petersburg – St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral
• St. Petersburg – Westminster Presbyterian Church
• Pinellas Park – Venue Theatre and Actor’s Studio
• Sarasota – Asolo Theatre
• Sarasota – Alderman Oaks Retirement Community
• Sarasota – Caragulio’s Restaurant
• Sarasota – Ear Research Foundation
• Sarasota – First United Methodist
• Sarasota – Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center
• Sarasota – North Sarasota Public Library
• Sarasota – Owen’s Fish Camp
• Sarasota – Sarasota Opera
• Sarasota – Sarasota Orchestra
• Sarasota – Selby Auditorium, USF
• Sarasota – Florida Studio Theater (Gompretz Stage)
• Sarasota – Florida Studio Theater (Keating Stage)
• Sarasota – The Players Theater
• Sarasota – Unity Church of Sarasota
• Sarasota – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
• Sarasota – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
• Sarasota – Whole Foods Market, Cash Register #1
• Sun City Center – St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall)
• Tallahassee – Westminster Retirement Communities Foundation
• Tampa – First Baptist Church
• Tampa – First Presbyterian Church
• The Villages – Ashley Wilkes Room, The Savannah Center
• The Villages – Community Development District Boardroom
• Venice – Venice Community Center
• Venice – Venice Presbyterian Church
• Venice – Venice Theater (Main Stage)
• Venice – Venice Theater (Pinkerton Stage)
• West Palm Beach – Hope Lutheran Church Parsonage
• Williston – First United Church of Williston
• Winter Haven -Village Church of God

Continue reading »]]> A survey in which leaders from 12 out of 14 Florida chapters participated in found chapters shared a list of major issues. For example, 84% were seeking ways to improve membership involvement. 90% were also seeking new proven ways to attract new members. An underlying issue throughout was 90% of the chapter leaders said they did not have the funding to fully pursue these and other major needs. These issues will be discussed by all leaders-chapter, state, and national – in greater detail at the Chapter Collaboration Workshop on March 24. In the interim, there are sponsorship packages for the March 24 meetings that each chapter can sell to interested local hearing professionals. This opportunity can go a long way to addressing your funding needs, as chapters can earn a 75% commission on every sponsorship sold. Don’t delay and miss out. Sponsors must commit by February 17 and have finished materials in by February 24. For a finished sponsorship kit that you can easily e-mail to all your contacts, call Judy Martin at 904-778-2265 or judygmartin@bellsouth.net.

Continue reading »]]> We invite you to take advantage of an unprecedented opportunity on March 24 to promote your services or products to all our members, as well as our state and national leaders. We will be hosting the first statewide membership meeting in seven years, anchored by Hearing Care Expo and the first-ever Chapter Collaboration Workshop. All our state membership, as well as the public, is invited to this all-day event in Sarasota. We have created a portfolio of sponsorship packages that start at $100 to give you every opportunity to get your message out. We are offering you a chance to advertise in the Program and State Guide, as well as exhibit at the Expo. Packages close February 17, so plan ahead and get all the details today by contacting Judy Martin at judygmartin@bellsouth.net or 904-778-2265. Sponsorships are also available for an evening reception (Hearing Loss Affects Everyone) by calling  941-706-4312 or ed@groupefo.com.

Continue reading »]]> March 24, 2012
9 AM – 4 PM
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd Lakewood Ranch FL 34202

9 AM – Noon Chapter Collaboration Workshop – All Chapter Leaders

All the officers, board members and leaders of the 14 Florida HLAA Chapters are invited to this forum which will discuss the common issues and opportunities that each chapter is facing, as identified in the Chapter Leader Survey we conducted last fall. The session will be moderated by HLAFL President, Judy Martin and be kicked off by a “Meet and Greet” with HLAA Executive Director Brenda Battat, who will participate in the session. There is no charge for the workshop or the lunch that follows, but reservations are required while space lasts or before February 28, whichever comes first. Contact Judy Martin at judygmartin@bellsouth.net or 904-778-2265.

12 PM – 1: 30 PM Hearing Care Expo – Open to All Members & the Public

We invite all hearing care professionals, providers and manufacturers to exhibit their latest technologies and hearing solutions. The same concerns are invited to sponsor the day’s events with ads in the HLAFL Statewide Program & Guide that will be issued to attendees of the day’s proceedings. This is an unprecedented opportunity for all concerns to promote their services and products to our national leaders, state leaders and all Florida members. Chapters can earn a 75% commission by attracting audiologists or any business concern to participate in one of 3 sponsorship packages, which include a geographical listing, ad in the program or booth in the Hear Care Expo. For details on all advertising or sponsorship packages, contact Judy Martin at judygmartin@bellsouth.net or 904-778-2265.

1:30 PM – 3: 00 PM HLAA Statewide Meeting – Open to All Members & the Public

Brenda Battat, the Executive Director of the Hearing Association of America, will discuss “How HLAA Is Addressing Your Hearing Needs, Access & Rights”. This is your opportunity to fully understand the HLAA’s mission and current priorities, as Brenda’s presentation with include ample time for your Questions and her Answers. Brenda will host a “Meet and Greet” for all members at 1:15. In addition, Pat Kricos, the immediate past President of the American Academy of Audiology will discuss “Let’s Loop Florida. How Hearing Loops Can Transform Your Community”. Learn how the AAA and HLAA’s joint initiative, “Get in The Loop”, can assist with local advocacy efforts to loop your area. Please advise your chapter leader if you are coming, so we can be sure we have space to accommodate all members.

3 PM – Closing Hearing Care Expo continues – Open to All Members & the Public

Note: You are invited to “Hearing Loss Affects Everyone” reception at 6 PM. Click here
for location, ticket information and details.

Staying for one night or two at the HLAA Statewide Meetings and Hearing Health Expo?

You can reserve your room now at the Hilton Garden Inn, 8270 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

The rate is $129.00 per night (regularly $179.00 at the peak season). When making reservations, be sure to request the HLAA rate.

Telephone: 941-552-1100

Here are three hotels that are near our site for the March 24th HLA-FL Event. Our event location is in Lakewood Ranch about 3 miles east of I 75.  These are regular prices, no group rates.

Fairfield Inn & Suites
6105 Exchange Way, Bradenton, FL
(941) 552-4001 (Fax) ‎ · marriott.com

Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/University Park
8565 Cooper Creek Boulevard, Sarasota, FL
355-8619 ‎ · hamptonsarasota.com

Comfort Suites
8305 Tourist Center Drive, Bradenton, FL
360-2626 ‎ · comfortsuites.com

Continue reading »]]> Hearing Loss Association of Florida Board of Trustees
Sat, March 24, 2012 – Sarasota, FL
Red Letter Day – Three Special Meetings – See Nov 2011 Newsletter for
details
1. Statewide Meeting for all HLA-FL Members
2. Hearing Loss Affects Everyone, Including Businesses
3. Chapter Collaboration Workshop
Sat, June 2, 2012 – TBA