Listen Up!

October, 2010

Inside this Issue

Discussion on Aging

The 3rd Annual Healthy Aging Conference—Bringing Together Family Caregivers, Health & Human Service Providers and Senior Citizens will be held at the Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls on 10/20/10 from 8:00am—3:00pm. Registration Fee: $30 providers, $15 family caregivers & 65 and older are free. The Keynote Speaker is Susan Wehry, MD; Geriatric Psychiatrist;Clincial Associate, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine.

Saratoga Vital Aging Network and the Saratoga County Office for the Aging/NY Connects are co-sponsoring In My House, About Me, Without Me at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs on 10/20/10 from 8:30am—3:30pm. A conference for the elderly, their families, service providers, builders, health care professionals, community planners and government officials to engage in a community conversation on diverse pathways to alternative living options for the elderly. The Keynote Speaker is Paula Span, author of “When the Time Comes.” Registration is $25 and includes lunch & copy of “When the Time Comes.”

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Do You Play Bridge?

The Bridge Group, members of and “soon-to-be” members of the AFTHI, invites individuals who are interested in playing two Tuesday afternoon’s each month (1:00—4:30 PM) at sites throughout the Greater Glens Falls area. Group members are hearing impaired, have family or friends with hearing loss and/or are sensitive to and understanding of Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. The afternoon’s are meant to be fun and players often socialize and discuss “hearing health” issues. For additional information please telephone Sandie Clark at 744-4433.

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Home Schoolers Sign Language Class

It's still not too late to sign up. Don’t Delay SIGN UP TODAY!!

• WHEN: Tuesday, September 28 - 10 week session
• COST: $30 non member, $20 member (Second child from same family: $25 nonmember $15 member)
• WHERE: 71 Glenwood Ave., Queensbury
• TIME: 1:00pm—2:00pm

For additional information contact the AFTHI office at 761-0554 or office@afthi.org. You can now register online!

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ASL Silent Chat (No Voices Allowed)

Come join us for Silent Coffee Chat the third Friday of each month at Borders Books on 395 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The chat begins at 7pm until closing at 10pm. Parking available on the street and you don’t need to pay parking meter after 6pm. Next one is October 15th.

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Thanks to All Our Fantastic Foundational Funders!

HARRIS COMMUNICATIONS - products for deaf and hard of hearing

During the intake process at the AFTHI for an individual interested in borrowing assistive equipment from our Loan-Out Program, we will provide one-on-one information and referral, counseling and advocacy (peer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with Kassey). Monday through Friday, the AFTHI will share information on where our customers may purchase necessary equipment. We recommend that you first take home and test the equipment that we have in the office to see if it meets your needs. If it does and you are ready to make a purchase, we will do our best to share information about area stores or providers that stock that item and/or we will share a Harris Communications catalogue with you. Harris Communications is a nationwide retailer of assistive products for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, from vibrating alarm clocks and light signalers to amplified telephones and materials on sign language, Deaf Culture, hearing loss and interpreting. You may contact them at Voice: (800) 825-6758 / TTY: (800) 825-9187 / Fax: (952) 906-1099 / VP (Voice Phone): (866) 384-3147 or (866) 789-3468. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment is appreciated.

COVIDIEN AWARDS GRANT TO PROSPECT CHILD & FAMILY CENTER

(Printed with permission from Larrie Gouge, Executive Director of The Prospect Child & Family Center and member of the AFTHI’s Board of Directors.)

The local branch of Covidien, through their “Partnership for Neighborhood Wellness” program, awarded Prospect Child & Family Center a grant to purchase a GSI “Otoacoustic Emissions” Hearing Assessment System. This system will be used in the Center’s audiology clinic to assist in the diagnostic testing of hearing impairments for those customers who are unable to effectively participate in a “regular” audiological assessment. The GSI Audera system is the most reliable frequency-specific hearing system currently available and does not require the patient’s participation in order to provide accurate and reliable data. With this new system, the Center will be able to increase patient access to this health service, facilitate earlier detection and treatment, and prevent costly, time consuming, and sometimes, stressful referrals to out-of-area specialty services. Prospect is honored to be the recipient of this grant so we can offer a service that will result in higher quality care for individuals with developmental disabilities.

COVIDIEN AWARDS GRANT TO THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED, INC.

Thanks, in great part to Barbara Sweet from the United Way who invited the AFTHI to attend a Covidien Employee Health Day this past winter as well as Larrie Gouge from Prospect Child & Family who shared information with the AFTHI about their successful grant proposal, the Association will soon visit Covidien’s Argyle plant where we will receive a $6,000 grant from the company’s “Partnership for Neighborhood Wellness Program.” Funds will be used to increase awareness of and participation in the AFTHI’s programs and services throughout the Tri-County Region and beyond, but especially in Washington and Saratoga Counties and northern Warren County. Monies will support American Sign Language classes, the Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers and the Assistive Technology Community Loan-Out Program; including the purchase of new Pocket Talkers, FM Receivers, Amplified Telephones, Alert Masters, etc., as well as scholarships to Camp Mark Seven for children and youth with or from families of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc.

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. (AFTHI) would like to again thank the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) for presenting us with a $1,559 check in June 2010 to support the AFTHI’s Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers (FFFF) program as well as other American Sign Language programs and services for children, youth and their families. Funds are already being used to support the teaching and learning of sign language and the costs incurred in scheduling FFFF performances at “special events” throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties and beyond. Additional monies from the RMHC have also been targeted to address the agency’s plans to visit and present Elementary Schools in the Tri-County Region with Hearing Health “How-To” Information Packets. School Districts interested in more information or how to schedule a visit from the AFTHI are encouraged to contact Ben or Kassey at 761-0554

Stewart’s Shops Annual Holiday Match Program

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. would like to again thank the Stewart’s Shops 2009-2010 Holiday Match for presenting us with a $2,000 check in March 2010 to support AFTHI programs and services that benefit children under age 18 years old. Funds have already been used for a combination of important purposes, including the Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers, sign language classes for home schooled children and/or youth, the Assistive listening Loan-Out Program, the AFTHI Resource Library of books, tapes, CD’s, DVD’s and Educational Board Games and towards a camp scholarship at Camp Mark Seven in Old Forge, New York this past summer.

C.R. Bard Foundation, Inc.

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. would like to again thank the C.R. Bard Foundation, Inc. of Murray Hill, New Jersey and most importantly staff and officials from their Queensbury facilities for presenting us with a $6,750 in June 2010 to support the AFTHI’s Be A Hear-O Live, Learn & Experience Community Outreach and Awareness Project. Thanks to Bard’s support, the AFTHI is on its way to reaching its annual “50/50” goal of providing a minimum of 50 community outreach presentations at health & human service agencies, within school districts and at local businesses. Topics would include: strategies for preventing hearing loss; an interactive introduction to assistive hearing devices; how to interact with an individual with hearing loss at home, school, work and in the community; and, what resources are available through the AFTHI to meet the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons, of all ages. The second half of the goal is to schedule a minimum of 50 days of classroom time to residents of the Tri-County and Capital Regions and provide them with professional instruction in American Sign Language and Lip Reading, as well as expanding our free Resources Library.

Zonta Club of Glens Falls, New York & Zonta Club Foundation of Glens Falls, New York, Inc.

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. would like to thank again the Zonta Club of Glens Falls and the club’s foundation for their generous contribution of $300 in April 2010 to increase outreach efforts and expand the Fabulous Friends with Flying Fingers program. Members of the FFFF’s were honored to perform at the Zonta International’s conference at the Queensbury Hotel with approximately 150 women in attendance.

The Evelyn & Paul Robinson Family Foundation

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. would like to thank again the Evelyn and Paul Robinson Family Foundation for their charitable contribution of $2,000 in August 2010. Funds are being used to defray the cost of various program and operational expenses, including some listed above, the AFTHI’s website: www.afthi.org and the production of the organization’s monthly newsletter Listen Up!

Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls

Thank you to everyone who purchased Kiwanis Duck Race tickets from the AFTHI. This year's 20th annual event was held at Haviland's Cove on the Feeder Canal in Glens Falls on July 31st. On September 8th, the AFTHI joined other area not-for-profit programs, including the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls Foundation, Prospect Child & Family Center, House of Grace of the Adirondacks, Glens Falls Family YMCA, C.A.R.E. Center and Big Brothers/Big Sisters for lunch at The Queensbury Hotel and the distribution of checks. This year, the AFTHI received a check in the amount of $868.00.

Lubin Foundation Inc.

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. would like to again thank Stephen Lubin from the Lubin Foundation, Inc. for presenting us with a check for $250 in May 2010. Monies were immediately spent to purchase batteries for assistive equipment as well as textbooks for American Sign Language classes.

Adirondack Stampede Charity Rodeo

This will be the second year that the AFTHI encourages its many members and supporters to purchase tickets and attend this year's professional rodeo that will be held at the Glens Falls Civic Center on November 6th and 7th. The AFTHI will again be one of many fine programs offering services to children, youth & families that will benefit from a fun weekend of athletic competition. Last year's rodeo featured Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Saddlebronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Girls Barrel Race, Bull Riding, Rodeo Clown Keith Isley and much more. Tickets are on sale at the Civic Center; Noble Ace Hardware in South Glens Falls; Walker's Farm, Home & Tack in Fort Ann and at Glens Falls Printing.

LIONS INTERNATIONAL - MULTIPLE DISTRICT 20

The AFTHI would like to thank the Lions Hearing Conservation Society (LHCS) of District 20-Y2 and PDG Surnoff Judy for purchasing a set of "TV Ears" for our Loan-Out Program. "TV Ears" is an effective solution recommended by hearing health practitioners nationwide to help thousands of persons with hearing loss hear television clearly.

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. continues to share a wonderful relationship with Lions Clubs from Warren, Washington & Saratoga Counties and beyond as well as from the Hadley-Luzerne Lioness Club. Many of these Lions Clubs that serve the Tri-County Region and surrounding communities annually fund AFTHI programs and services. Also, we partner with them to increase awareness of and participation in opportunities that help improve the quality of life for Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons. Lions that have supported our efforts in recent years include clubs from Ballston Spa, Cambridge, Duanesburg, Fort Edward, Galway, Glens Falls, Gloversville, Granville, Greenwich, Hadley-Luzerne, Mechanicville-Stillwater, Northville-Sacandaga, Saratoga Springs, Schuylerville, Speculator, Town of Greenfield and Waterford.

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The Show Must Go On!

The AFTHI will be at the Charles Wood Theater to make FM receivers available at the following shows:

• October 9 @ 8:00pm
  Famed Storyteller & Motivator (Loretta LaRoche)
• October 16 @ 6:00pm
  Your Help Carries Wait: Wait House Gala Fundrasier
• October 17 @ 2:00 & 7:00pm
  The Tango Fusion Dance Show (tango, salsa, swing, ballet and hip-hop)
• October 22 @ 8:00pm
  Pop Concert with the Lake George Community Band
• October 23 @ 3 & 7:30pm
  The Return of the Rat Pack with WCKM Radio
• November 4 @ 8:00pm
  John Lennon Song Project Birthday Celebration with Rex Fowler & Tom Dean
• November 7 @ 7:30pm
  The Applause Factory Presents Pianist: George Winston
• November12 & 13
  Adirondack Theatre Festival & Lynx Ensemble Theatre Presents “It Goes Without Saying”
  

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12 Tips for Communicating with the Hearing Impaired

1. If necessary, speak louder but don’t shout
2. Speak clearly and annunciate, but do not over articulate, because this leads to distortion of sound. Be sure to speak slowly.
3. Speak at a distance of 3 to 6 feet.
4. Stand in clear light facing the person with whom you are speaking for greater visibility of lip movements, facial expressions, and guestures.
5. Do not speak unless you are visible to the hearing impaired person.
6. Move way from background noise
7. If what is said is not understood by the person, try rephrasing instead of repeating what was just said.
8. Do not cover your mouth with a cigarette, hand, etc. and do not chew food while speaking.
9. Arrange rooms where communication takes place so that no one is more than 6 feet apart and so everyone is visible.
10. Be sure to include the person in all conversations about him or her, to eliminate feeling of vulnerability.
11. Do not be afraid to ask the person what would make communication easier.
12. When at a meeting, group activity, etc. be sure to use the public address system for presentation, etc.

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AFTHI On-The-Go

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. believes that community outreach is an integral part of service to the community. In each edition of Listen Up! we will list and describe opportunities that the AFTHI has had to present to community organizations, participate in special events such as Health Fairs, and/or discuss and share information about our programs and services with large groups of people. We will list outreaches that will take place during the next month/four weeks, as well as activities/events we have already confirmed our attendance at:

• 09/30 HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) - Albany Chapter—Colonie Library 6:00—8:30 PM
• 10/06 Accessibility Options: A Showcase of Assistive Technology @ Empire State Convention Center/Albany
• 10/11 Columbus Day—AFTHI Closed
• 10/14 Warren-Washington Inter-Agency Council meeting at SAIL 8:30 AM
• 10/20 3rd Annual Healthy Aging Conference at Queensbury Hotel 8:00 AM—3:00 PM
• 10/20 Saratoga Vital Aging Network Conference at Holiday Inn/Saratoga Springs 8:30 AM—3:30 PM
• 10/20 Women’s Health & Fitness Expo at Embury Apartments/Wesley - Saratoga Springs 2:30—5:30 PM
• 10/27 Saratoga County Office for the Aging Public Hearing at Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs, 5 William Street, Saratoga Springs 1:00—3:00 PM
• 10/27 Tri-County United Way Director’s Meeting
• 10/29 SAIL Center Potluck Luncheon 12:00—2:00 PM
• 11/01 Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting 12:00 Noon
• 11/02 Election Day
• 11/06 Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust/Saratoga Springs Lions Club Health Fair at Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs 10:00 AM—2:00 PM
• 11/6-7 Adirondack Stampede Rodeo @ Glens Falls Civic Center
• 11/09 Hearing Loss Association of America Business Meeting
• 11/11 Veteran’s Day—AFTHI Closed

Kassey and I would welcome the opportunity to meet with representatives from school districts from throughout the Tri-County Region to discuss ways in which we can assist them. Also, we are available for class presentations and to help teachers set up sign language programs for their students.

On Saturday, August 28 I joined members of the Lions Hearing Conservation Society at the Washington County Fair where we distributed complimentary Ear Plugs to persons attending the Tractor Pulls.

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Listen Up! is the newsletter of the Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc., Bennet F. Driscoll, Jr., Executive Director. Listen Up! is published monthly and made available in print and on-line editions. If you wish to change your subscription, please visit the links provided below, or call the Association's office at 518-761-0554.