June 12, 2008 - Reno, Nevada: Mark Ross, Ph.D., received the Hearing Loss Association of America's (HLAA) Lifetime Achievement Award during the Opening Session of HLAA's annual convention.
Barbara Kelley, HLAA deputy director, said she had a surprise for someone in the audience who deserved an award so much that one had been created. She called a stunned Mark Ross to the stage for a Lifetime Achievement Award as the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Ms. Kelley talked about his entry into the field of hearing loss as a patient and how he has become an aggressive advocate of aural rehabilitation, contributing in so many ways as both an audiologist and consumer. Dr. Ross has also been honored previously with the board of trustees' Rocky Stone Humanitarian Award.
Highlights
The keynote address at the same opening session was given by Olegario "Ollie" Cantos, VII, special counsel to the acting assistant attorney general for Civil Right in the U.S. Department of Justice. His engaging personal style and ability to convey his thoughts made him a favorite at the convention. He also did a separate session on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Rep. Dean Heller (R-NV) came for a tour of the Exhibit Hall and to address attendees about his sponsorship of the Hearing Aid Tax Credit Bill. The Exhibit Hall was a busy place with companies showcasing their products and services to a motivated audience.
Executive Director Brenda Battat described her vision for the organization at the annual meeting for members. People were enthusiastic about her new leadership and the excitement around this year's convention. Member Mary Stodden from St. Louis, a veteran convention goer, said the workshops this year were of the highest caliber. Many echoed her words and said this year's convention may be their all-time favorite.
Retiring Board President Anne T. Pope (NY) passed the presidential gavel to Michael Stone (DC), son of Founder Rocky Stone.
For a list of Convention 2008 sponsors, photos, and daily reports go to www.hearingloss.org. Convention 2009 will be held in Nashville next June.
About the Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), founded in 1979 by Rocky Stone as Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, 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, Walk4Hearing, hosts online learning with the Hearing Loss Academy, and more. HLAA has more than 200 chapters and 14 state organizations.
