The CEA Foundation has made a grant of $50,000 to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) to fund a hands-on, train-the-trainer program on hearing assistive and emerging technologies for consumers with hearing loss. This grant aligns with the CEA Foundation’s mission to link seniors and people with disabilities with technologies to enhance their lives.
“The CEA Foundation is pleased to support the HLAA and their great work in educating the public about technologies that can assist with hearing loss,” said John Shalam, chairman of the CEA Foundation. “A significant portion of the population across all age groups experiences some degree of hearing loss and those numbers are only going to increase. This program will make a difference in raising awareness of the many hearing assistive technologies available as resources.”
HLAA is offering an intensive three-day training program for consumers to improve their knowledge about and expertise in the ability to use new technologies to hear, access information and to communicate effectively, and transfer that knowledge to other consumers with hearing loss.
Many consumers, particularly those 50 and older, are unaware of the variety of assistive and emerging technologies that are available to keep them healthy, active, vital and safe. Other barriers include attitudes about using these technologies, funding them, and confusion on how to select and use equipment for various situations.
Assistive and emerging technologies can greatly enhance an individual’s ability to function in everyday situations, increase independence at home and work, provide communication access, and prevent the isolation that often occurs when older adults do not have the tools and skills to effectively communicate.
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to broaden understanding about technologies that can enhance people’s lives, particularly seniors,” said Brenda Battat, executive director of the HLAA.
Program participants will replicate the training in their local communities by taking what they have learned to train and educate others on the many benefits of using these technologies. Trainers will become community resources for state and local health agencies and hearing health professionals.
For more information about the program and to apply, download the agreement and application document.
About CEA Foundation:
The CEA Foundation is a public, national foundation affiliated with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®. It was established with the mission to link seniors and people with disabilities with technologies to enhance their lives. The Foundation is focused on strategic support of programs to impact these communities and launched its first series of grants in 2012. It also serves to facilitate dialog between industry, consumers, government, advocacy groups and other key stakeholders around important issues. For more information on the CEA Foundation please visit CEAFoundation.org.
About the Hearing Loss Association of America:
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), founded in 1979, opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy, and support. HLAA publishes the bimonthly Hearing Loss Magazine, holds annual conventions (HLAA Convention 2013 is in Portland, Oregon, June 27-30), produces the national Walk4Hearing®, and advocates for the rights of people with hearing loss. HLAA has an extensive network of chapters and state organizations. The national headquarters is located at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: 301.657.2248 or visit https://www.hearingloss.org/.
Source: https://www.hearingloss.org/content/hlaa-receives-hat-grant-cea-foundation
