hearing

Our speaker was Ellen Haggerty of the Pleasant Valley, NY Rotary Club.  Ellen is the chairperson of Rotarians for Hearing, Rotary Action Group.  Rotarians for Hearing encourage Rotarians and others in Rotary who are passionate about helping children and adults with hearing loss in their communities and around the world reach their potential.  Ellen mentioned that there are many devices available to assist the hearing impaired beyond ear hearing aids.  She demonstrated a wireless speaker system that produced very clear sound.  Using an app on your smart phone along with a pair of earbuds Ellen showed members how they could connect with her wireless system.  Ellen was instrumental in getting closed captioning on the large screen during Rotary International Convention sessions.  She also makes sure that the personal listening devices that are used at the convention sessions for translation in to other languages includes English for hearing impaired attendees.  Rotarians for Hearing have submitted a proposal for a Rotary Global Grant to fund an infant hearing loss testing and treatment program in Guatemala.  More information about Rotarians for Hearing can be found on their website www.ifrahl.org. (photo by Rev. Fred Cartier)