An Interview with Pat Dobbs, President of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), Downeast Chapter of Maine
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDOL/bulletins/3ac24cf
The Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened would like to introduce Pat Dobbs. Pat is hard of hearing and the President of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the Downeast Chapter of Maine.
Could you tell us what exactly HLAA is?
HLAA stands for Hearing Loss Association of America. It is the largest organization for people with hearing loss and is located in the Washington DC area. We’re their Maine Chapter. The goal of HLAA is self-advocacy and support for people with hearing loss.
How many HLAA chapters are in Maine?
We’re the only chapter in Maine so we cover the whole state.
Are there meetings to attend; if so, where and what kind of accommodations can be made?
We generally meet every other month online through Zoom and use Zoom captions. At our last meeting we had an interpreter, and we are looking to incorporate interpreters in our future meetings. We also meet two times a year at central locations. Our next outing will be in Lewiston.
Is there a cost?
There is no cost.
Is anyone welcome?
Absolutely, everyone is welcome.
How do members of HLAA communicate?
We speak through spoken language but looking to incorporate that with an interpreter.
How can HLAA benefit someone who is losing their hearing?
We support people with hearing loss. We do this by providing a community and from that community, friendships blossom. We provide education on issues related to hearing loss. Our last meeting was on health insurance for hearing aids and cochlear implants. We had four speakers talking about different avenues related to health insurance.
How did you become involved with HLAA?
I became involved totally by accident. But I’m sure it wasn’t an accident as it came at a time in my hearing loss journey when I was finally ready to acknowledge it and talk about it. Before that I never acknowledged my hearing loss and hid my hearing aids. If I couldn’t understand what someone was saying, I bluffed and hoped that I answered correctly. Not a good thing.
What is the biggest need for hard-of-hearing adults in Maine?
Of course, education is important. But more important, it’s to find a like-minded community of people that understand what your life is like.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about your HLAA chapter?
Your question makes me laugh. “Try it, you’ll like it”.
Contact information:
Pat Dobbs
973-479-8083