HLAA Nashville Chapter
Welcome to the Nashville Chapter of HLAA. We are a chartered chapter of the National HLAA, which consists of approximately 250 Chapters and 12 State Organizations with total membership in excess of 10,000 members. The Chapters also serve roughly 5,000 additional people who have not attained National HLAA membership.
Self Help for the Hard of Hearing (SHHH) was formed in November, 1979 by Howard E. “Rocky” Stone, of Potomac, MD. His goals were to educate the public and the government on the number of people in America with hearing loss, and the problems they encounter. Within 25 years SHHH is recognized as the largest organization for people with hearing loss of America. Mr. Stone passed away in August, 2004. He received tributes from all over the world in recognition of his contributions.
SHHH announced a name-changed to Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) in November, 2005. Conversion to the new name was completed April, 2006. You may see references to the original SHHH name in older periodicals and other documents.
We strive to serve all people who experience hearing loss, their friends and families, as well as those who work in relative hearing health fields. Although there are members within our ranks that are affiliated professionally with hearing health, we are largely non-professional by nature, and informal by choice. We share acquired and communicated information, personal experiences, and interpersonal relationships in an effort to ease the difficulties of hearing loss to ALL that are affected. This includes the fully hearing, those experiencing different degrees of hearing loss, and the deaf. We also try to do this in such a manner that we can have fun doing it. Sometimes the best therapy is having a day where one does not have to constantly strive to comprehend all on the terms of the hearing world. Sharing communication with those that understand the difficulties of hearing loss provides a rare occasion where an individual can have statements repeated or re-worded without embarrassment or stress.
HLAA National membership are $35/single or $45/couple per year.
The Nashville Chapter averages 30-40 members (includes several spouses) and conducts a year-round program. Our meetings are held:
HLAA Nashville Chapter c/o Emmanuel Lutheran Church 1003 Hickory Hill Lane Hermitage, TN 37076 1906
Date: Second Saturday Monthly Refreshments: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Meeting: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Spouses and guests are welcomed and encouraged. Our meeting place is fully accessible. We have both Contact Sign interpretation and CART, which allows us enhanced communication and comprehension for everyone throughout the meeting. Members usually bring a dish to share for the meeting, and we have “pot luck” style snack and lunch while we visit and enjoy a period of fellowship. Our actual membership meeting begins at 1:00, where we have guest speakers/programs, generally pertaining to hearing loss related topics. The program is followed by membership meeting announcements, discussions and reports. We normally finish between 3 & 4 p.m., then those who care to, adjourn to one of the local restaurants for dinner, refreshments, and additional fellowship.
The official web sites for HLAA are: National: www.hearingloss.org Chapter: www.nashhhville.org
The sites have additional information pertaining to their respective entities. We also have a monthly website and newsletter distributed by e-mail. A free subscription may be obtained by contacting Newsletter Editor Bob Geldreich.