Article by Eileen McCartin, Ph.D., Executive Director, Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons
(Posted 2023 September)
What do deafness and hearing loss mean to you? Do you have hearing loss or love someone who does? Please join us at our free outreach event, Celebrate Communication 2023, at the Springfield Town Center on Saturday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enter at the main entrance, next to Maggiano’s restaurant. We’ll be on the lower level near Starbucks.
Now in its 21st year, this unique information fair is hosted by the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC). It is specifically designed for the deaf and hard of hearing community, their families, and friends. Come learn about the latest communication technologies and apps. You’ll also find information about cochlear implants, hearing aids, telephone relay services, American Sign Language, and captioning. We will be showcasing live captioning apps on devices provided by Google.
Representatives will be on hand to tell you about local services; the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will have information to share about their Technology Assistance Program. The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will be issuing reduced fare ID cards for people with disabilities (bring your ID and proof of disability). Browse items from our popular deaf crafters. Chat with NVRC’s team to learn about our device demonstration room, educational programs, free hearing screenings, ASL interpreter program, tinnitus support, and more.
Special thanks to our sponsors and donors: AARP, CapTel, Cerf’s Up, ClearCaptions, Diglo, HearingLife, Lesner Hearing Center, MED-EL, National Court Reporters Foundation, Otolaryngology Associates, Service Source, Sorenson, VA Hands & Voices, VA Relay, VDDHH, Wegmans, and WMATA.
Door prizes! Face painting for kids from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Photo ops with our Yellow Dog mascot! For more information, visit nvrc.org/celebratecommunication. Questions? Contact Bonnie O’Leary at boleary@nvrc.org.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).