CHHA National launches a Canada-wide hearing loop campaign to raise awareness of creating accessible public spaces
Global advocate Dr. Juliëtte Sterkens special guest speaker at the virtual event
Ottawa, ON June 15, 2022—The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) will officially launch its nationwide “Get in the Hearing Loop” campaign on Thursday, June 16, 2022, with a virtual live webinar. The webinar will be the first of many educational awareness campaigns highlighting the advocacy efforts and resources available to increase hearing loop technology in public spaces throughout Canada. Special guest speaker Dr. Juliëtte Sterkens, a global professional advocate for the use of telecoils and loop systems, will help kick off the campaign. Juliëtte was integral in launching this campaign with the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and its success inspired us to bring it North of the border. CHHA’s technical partnership with Hearing Assistive Technology Group (HAT Group) has enabled this initiative
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sterkens as our special guest for the launch. Her advocacy will raise the awareness of the need for equitable services in public spaces for people using assistive hearing devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.” said Lee Pigeau, CHHA National Executive Director. “We will hold several virtual and in-person events over the next several months, connecting with key community stakeholders and business leaders to ensure all Canadians with hearing loss can actively participate in their community.
Pigeau added that several CHHA networks are successfully advocating in provinces across the country on the importance of hearing loops for retailers, municipal buildings and places of worship.
Dr. Sterkens was given an honorary membership to CHHA for her ongoing work for the hearing loss community.”I am delighted to be an honorary CHHA member. Hearing loss has no borders. Working with CHHA on the Get In the Hearing Loop Campaign, will make the world a better place for people who live with hearing loss,” said Dr. Juliëtte Sterkens.
The launch will have additional speakers who will share stories on the success of implementing hearing loops within their communities. The official launch will showcase the newly created website www.getinthehearingloop.ca, which features valuable resources on hearing loops as well as case studies and opportunities for businesses that want to get involved and for the public to support the initiative.
CHHA’s partnership with HAT Group, along with other regional technical integration partners will support the installation, advocacy and educational aspects of the technological services required to improve communication.
“Bringing awareness to how the hard of hearing community struggles to hear in public spaces is vital. This technology creates a positive listening experiences in any environment” says Stephanie Brown, managing partner at HAT Group.
Details of launch:
Thursday, June 16, 2022
1pm – 2pm
Link to Register: https://bit.ly/3aWgK9p
What are Hearing Loops www.getinthehearingloop.ca
About the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) was established in 1982 and is Canada’s leading consumer advocacy organization representing the needs of the nearly 4 million people living with hearing loss. With a network across Canada, CHHA works cooperatively with hearing loss professionals, service providers, government and provides life-enhancing information, support, and advocacy to ensure people with hearing loss are able to overcome barriers in all aspects of their lives.
Media contacts
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association:
Gordana Mosher, CHHA Manager, Accessibility Projects & Communications
613-526-1584 ext 103, Mobile 905-572-3923
gmosher@chha.ca