SOUND EXPRESS

The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) Serving York, Simcoe & Muskoka November 2013

CHS is going green!

In an effort to cut costs and to save paper, we will no longer be printing or mailing out our CHS newsletter. If you know someone who would like to receive it, please tell them to contact Pat Lehti at: [email protected] or call the Newmarket office at 905-715-7511 and provide an EMAIL ADDRESS and we will be happy to add their name to the email distribution list.

Hearing Toolkits for Patients at Southlake Hospital

Now available at Southlake Regional Health Center in Newmarket! Great news!! With the consultation of the Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) York Region, Southlake has proudly launched a Patient Toolkit for people who are Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing. The Toolkit provides information that can be used to improve communication between patients and staff during hospital visits. Patients can request a Toolkit when admitted to the hospital or if entering through Emergency, Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Rehabilitation, Obstetric Departments or other clinical areas. The Toolkit is in a large yellow envelope and contains the following: Patient Access Card (to be filled out by patient - can request another card to give to staff). Signs for posting in patient rooms (I am Deaf and I have Hearing Loss). Pictograms for Communication, Pain Scale and Word Power Board. Information and Container for Storage of Hearing Aids/Cochlear Implants. Lined paper and pencil. Ontario Interpreting Service Brochure and Contact Information. Stickers with Universal Symbol of Access. Survey for Toolkit (to be filled out by patient and given to staff). Note, the Patient Toolkit is free of charge and is for one-time use only. Patients, please fill out the survey to let Southlake staff know if the Toolkits have improved communication in any way. Phone: 905-895-4521 TTY: 905-952-3062 Also, feel free to provide feedback to the CHS York Region office: Phone: 1-877-715-7511 TTY: 1-877-817-8213 or email Pat Lehti: [email protected].

WHATS IN THIS ISSUE:

HOSPITAL TOOLKITS ............... 1 E-NEWSLETTER ........................ 1 NEW GSS COUNSELLOR .......... 2 GOODBYE JUDY & AUSSA ........ 2 CELL PHONE NEWS .................. 3 DEAF CAF ............................... 3 2013 GRADUATES .................... 4 SCOTIABANK RUN ................... 4 HOLIDAY SALE ITEMS............... 5 HCC NEWS ............................... 6 FIRE SAFETY WEEK .................. 7 STAFF ....................................... 8 OIS SCHEDULING CENTRE ....... 8 AFTER HOURS .......................... 9 CHS MEMBERSHIP FORM ......... 9

Spread the word!! Please pass on the message to other community members who are Deaf, oral deaf, deafened or hard of hearing and let them know Hearing Toolkits are available at Southlake!!!

Charitable Registration Number: 10684 6926 RR0001

JUST A FEW OF THE COMMENTS MADE TO JUDY UPON HER RETIREMENT:

With Linda, Kelly, Barb & Pat

...You have the undisputed sole of an advocate and believe accessibility is the right for ALL people

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce Meher Dadabhoy to our Newmarket office. She graduated from Gallaudet with a Masters in counselling. She is originally from India and understands the South Asian community. In addition to ASL she can speak 4 other languages. Meher is replacing Gil Lillie as General Support Services Counsellor.

...your departure will leave a void and an emptiness that can never be filled

With Noor, Tim, Gilbert & Kelly With Luke Adams, Pat & Diane

...you have so much integrity and respect for everyone

...you have been such a pillar for the Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing community, a champion for the staff, a defender of rights for everyone

Judy & Pat S.

Sandra & Judy

We bid farewell to Aussa Penniall from our Bracebridge office. We will miss her lovely smile and beautiful British accent.
THE CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY

...you were the best advocate for OIS, tirelessly educating the hearing public about the rights for access for people whose first language is ASL

Farewell to judy michel

Sound Express November 2013

Tips for Finding a Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phone

Article Submitted by Cathy OConnor from CHHA National newsletter, Nov. 2013

DEAF CAF
FOR DEAF PEOPLE IN AND AROUND YORK REGION.

FROM 1:00 PM TO 3:00 PM DATE

TUESDAY NOV. 19, 2013 TUESDAY DEC. 17, 2013 TUESDAY JAN. 21, 2014 TUESDAY FEB. 18, 2014 TUESDAY M ARCH 18, 2014 TUESDAY APRIL 15, 2014

LOCATION
HILLCREST M ALL FOOD COURT UPPER CANADA M ALL FOOD COURT
HILLCREST MALL FOOD COURT UPPER CANADA MALL FOOD COURT HILLCREST MALL FOOD COURT UPPER CANADA MALL FOOD COURT

PLEASE EMAIL PAT AT [email protected] OR CALL THE OFFICE AT 1-877-817-8213 (TTY)

WE HOPE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO GET TOGETHER AND CHAT WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS AND COME AND MEET OUR NEW GSS COUNSELLOR, MEHER DADABHOY!!!

In recent years, the government has teamed up with cell phone manufacturers to ensure that everyone can safely and comfortably use a cell phone. In a world where everyone has a phone on them at almost all times, its more important than ever that people with hearing loss have the opportunity to have this technology as well. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Federal Communications Commission now requires cell phone makers to create phones and accessories that cater to people with hearing aids, ear pieces and cochlear implants. Look for a hearing aid compatible label on the phone. Hearing aid compatible, or HAC, phones will have an HAC label on the device itself. This label can be found either on the information card at the cell phone retailer, on the package of the phone itself or inside the user manual for the cell phone. This label ensures that you are getting a phone that works well with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Its the first step you should take when looking for a cell phone for someone who needs assistance in order to hear. Ask about the cell phone rating and how it combines with your hearing aid rating. You will want to find a cell phone that has a microphone rating of at least M3, and possibly even M4. You will also want the phone to have a telecoil rating of T3 or T4, as this helps to create a clear conversation. Combine the phone ratings with the ratings on your hearing aids to decide which phone will be best for you. Ideally, you will want to have a combined rating of about 6 this is the best possible score. However, a score of 4 and 5 is considered to be usable and should work out just fine. Choose a phone with light-up alerts as well as vibration features. This means that the user will be alerted in various ways using different senses when a call or text message is coming in. Some phones will have screens that light up as a call is coming through, alerting a person visually that someone is trying to reach them. In addition, most phones on the market today have a vibrate feature. Settings on the phone can be adjusted so that the user will feel a slight vibration when someone is calling, texting or has left them a voicemail message. These settings provide the user with hearing loss security that they will know when someone is trying to reach them, regardless of how well they can hear their cell phone. Consider trying out the phone before you make the final purchase, and understand the cancelation policy of the cell phone provider. Most cell phone retailers will allow you to handle the phone and test its features before you make the final purchase. This allows you to test ring tone settings, call volume settings and speaker phone settings. Depending on the retailer, you may be able to try out the cell phone for a day or two to see how you like it. Make sure you completely understand the cancelation policy of both the retailer and the cell phone service provider before you make the final purchase. Whether you are hoping to buy your child who has hearing aids their first cell phone or you are looking to provide your elderly parents with a phone to keep them safe, you will want to choose a make and model that is hearing aid compatible. Most phones have to have some compatibility with hearing aids and cochlear implants, but as with anything, some phones have better performance.
Sound Express November 2013

THE CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY

Congratulations Graduates!!

Nick DiCapua and his cousin Mimma at the finish line

PHOTO BY MARATHON PHOTOS.COM

CLASS of 2013 Alexander - Mackenzie High School Well done!! Kevin Bui Ryan Duarte Fiorella Cornacchia. Linda Jones from The Canadian Hearing Society Attended the evening and presented each with a certificate and a gift.

Nick jumped on the bandwagon quickly to sign up for the half marathon, once he knew we were looking for people to participate in the Scotiabank Marathon for CHS. His cousin Mimma, who was doing the half marathon, also wanted people to support CHS on her behalf. Then he set off completing his twin goals to fundraise for CHS along with training for the half marathon. It looked like everything was going well, until I heard from Nick who was suddenly facing the possibility of having to drop out of this event. Nick had sore knees, and it required physio 3 to 4 times a week. In addition, he was advised by his doctors not to run the entire half marathon event. He knew he did not want to disappoint all those people who supported him for CHS-York up to that point. Nick decided to take the wait and see approach for how he felt during the days leading up to it. He had a plan for Sunday which was to walk a few km and to run a few km. He had encouragement from friends, family and especially his cousin Mimma along the way. In Nick's words, he described what happened at the end of the half marathon: "In the last three km, I had to walk to the finish line, because my knee couldn't take it anymore.It was an amazing feeling that I didn't give up and wanted to continue walking to the finish line. I kept asking other injured runners/walkers: "Are you giving up?" They replied NO! We cheered each other on and we kept going I am really glad I did the half-marathon for CHS York region." I am proud of Nick for showing all of us what true passion, commitment and courage are. Story by Kim Pape-Green

PHOTO BY MARATHON PHOTOS.COM

The York Monarchs also successfully finished the 5k walk. From left: Samina Akhtar, Judy Michel, Kim Pape-Green
THE CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY Sound Express November 2013

Sign Language Classes

CHS has a variety of ASL classes available, depending upon interest. We need a minimum of 12 students to run a class. All classes are held at our CHS office: 713 Davis Drive, Newmarket To register, or for more information please contact Pat Lehti: 905-715-7511 [email protected]

Phone: 905-715-7511 TTY: 1-877-817-8213

Want a great gift idea for a Sign language student or a family member?
The Canadian Dictionary of ASL Amazon.ca - $62.70 Chaptersindigo.ca - $66.00

The latest addition to our Simcoe -York family, Ekko, seen here in his Halloween costume as the cowardly lion. Welcome and congrats to Cathy OConnor!
Sound Express November 2013

THE CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY

Very Interesting

HCC goes to Georgina Island!!!!

It was a lovely summer day in July, when we set off to Georgina Island to attend their annual Health Fair. The only problem was that one hccp counsellor (not Barb or Sara) is afraid of water and ferries.

We finally got there without too much fuss.

The annual Health Fair is held in the summer time, and is attended by service providers of York Region.

Barrie CHS office hours:

Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 to 12 and 1 to 5 Mondays & Fridays 9 to 5 by appointment.

The health fair was a great success. We had 30 people come to our table. We were asked to provide a clinic day. So we set off again on September 25 and October 16. We were well received; our day was fully booked with appointments. We provided hearing screenings, information and referrals.

HCCP CONFERENCE ON NOVEMBER 4-7

All HCCP counsellors gathered for their highly anticipated conference that was held in Mississauga. The 4 days were filled with educational sessions. Monday afternoons presenter was Dr. Marnin Heisel from the University of Western Ontario. The topic was Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention With Older Adults. The presentation was informative. The HCC Program will be undergoing changes to streamline services to better serve our clients. The Hearing Help Classes curriculum has been changed. The new classes will be 9 weeks in length and will include modules such as: Introduction to hearing and hearing loss Hearing Aids part I and II Communication Strategies The classes will be offered in York Region in the spring. Please call our office to find our more information about the classes, the cost and when they will be offered. We are looking forward to sharing this new information with you. Sound Express November 2013

Bracebridge CHS Office Hours:

Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9 to 5 By appointment.

THE CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY

DID YOU KNOW? Fire Prevention Week is held in October annually across Canada.

O V P

FIRE SAFETY WEEK

n September 28, 2013, Linda Jones, CHS Communication Devices Specialist for York Region, attended the Annual Central York Fire Open House in Aurora. She demonstrated alerting devices to the audience. Many children and parents enjoyed seeing the live demonstration of the visual alerting system by holding the bed-shaker! isual Strobes and Smoke/C02 Alarm Detectors were presented to York Region Fire Departments from nine municipalities. Pictured left (centre): Linda Jones and Dick Glen, Fire Safety Prevention Officer of Markham Fire and Emergency Services. atricia Teixeira, CONNECT Counsellor for CHS York, and her son, Joey enjoyed learning all about Fire Safety Prevention. Joey loved the bouncy fire truck slide. He went down over and over again. There were many different activities provided such as: Going to different fire-related activities and getting a stamp. When they got all the stamps, they put their name in for a prize. Two firefighting hose activities: putting out a fake burning house and moving a ball along a clothesline. Demo of various alarm detectors, fire prevention escape plans and the aerial ladder. Jaws of Life removed the roof of a car. Kids enjoyed dressing up as firefighters. Train ride offered to/from the parking lots to the station FREE fire-related items to take home such as crayons, colouring material, firefighter hats, cards, etc FREE popcorn and juice boxes!

Joyce Di Clemente, Joey Teixeira, Linda Jones

Linda Jones & Dick Glen, Fire Safety Prevention Officer

Joyce Di Clemente & Fire Safety Volunteer

irefighter volunteers were very informative and engaging with the kids. I would like to encourage all residents to attend Fire Prevention Week next year in your community!

THE CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY

Sound Express November 2013

Hello everyone!!

STAFF
Regional Director Maggie Doherty-Gilbert Regional Program Manager Peggy Norton-Harris Program Assistants Pat Lehti - York Alice Byl - Simcoe Ontario Interpreting Services (OIS) Staff Interpreter Sandra Fox General Support Services Counsellor York Region Meher Dadabhoy Hearing Care Counsellors York Region Noor Ratansi-Iamurri Barbara Reid Sara Jiang Hearing Care Counsellors County of Simcoe Catherine OConnor Ross Hart Hearing Care Counsellor Regional Municipality of Muskoka Sara Clipsham Mental Health Counsellor CONNECT Counselling Services Patricia Teixeira Communication Devices Specialist Linda Jones Newsletter Editor Pat Lehti New Service Dog Ekko

By now, you all have had a chance to use the new Scheduling Centre in Ottawa. We got an email from the Scheduling Centre and boy, are they busy!! Since May 2013 for all of Ontario, they have taken 14,000 requests to book an interpreter. Every month they get over 2000 requests, either through email, Skype, or phone call. That means that every day they get 100 - 120 requests to book an interpreter for an appointment. The system and the staff are still new and they are trying their best to make sure that every request gets booked. There will be mistakes when you have so many requests in one day. If a mistake has happened more than once or if you are not satisfied with the interpreter service, or something went wrong and the interpreter didnt show up, or the time got mixed up, there are 3 ways you can complain: 1) 2) 3) Go to www.chs.ca, at the bottom of the page is the complaint policy. Click on the words complaint policy to get to the complaint page. Contact Bev Dooley, Customer Service Manager at [email protected]. Send an email directly to Michael Warburton, the Program Manager at [email protected]. DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO ASK FOR THE INTERPRETER THAT YOU PREFER? Some Deaf people like to have the same interpreter because that interpreter has all the background information from your last appointments, or maybe you feel more comfortable with some interpreters. When you email, Skype or TTY call to the Scheduling Centre, give them all the information about your appointment and then ask them to please make sure to book your preferred interpreter. If your preferred interpreter is not available, you can ask the Scheduling Centre to call the doctor, or bank or wherever and try to book the appointment when the interpreter you want is available. If you cannot wait for your preferred interpreter, then the Scheduling Centre will try to find a freelance interpreter for you. You can also tell the Scheduling Centre about interpreters you do not want, you do have the right to refuse an Interpreter if you did not feel comfortable or had trouble understanding them. You want to make sure that you have clear communication for your appointments. It is important that you understand what is being said to you because you dont want anything to go wrong with any part of your life. The Scheduling Centre is very flexible and willing to do what you ask. Sandra FoxStaff Interpreter

THE CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY

Sound Express November 2013

Please mail completed membership form to any of the following offices:

Emergency Interpreting Services

Emergency Interpreting services for health and mental health. Services Available: 7 days per week / 365 days per year ( 24 hours per day)

TTY: 1 - 866 - 831 - 4657 Phone: 1 - 866 - 256 - 5142

Blackberry and email : [email protected] Note: After-hours service may not be available in all regions.

CHS MUSKOKA:
175 Manitoba St., Suite 103 Bracebridge, ON P1L 1S3 Phone: (705) 645-8882 Toll-free TTY: 1-877-872-0585 Fax: (705) 645-0182 Toll-free phone:1-877-840-8882 Hours of operation: By APPOINTMENT

Become a member of CHS!

We are always in need of additional resources, both human and financial, and are deeply grateful for all donations, including the time and talents of many dedicated volunteers.

Membership Benefits
1-year individual membership: $25 Other family members living at the same address: $5 each Receive Vibes, Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) magazine, and voting privileges at CHS Annual General Meeting. Qualify for Sound Rewards Program. Lifetime membership: $250 Receive all of the above, a beautiful CHS pin, and a charitable tax receipt.

CHS SIMCOE:
64 Cedar Pointe Drive, Suite 1412 Barrie, ON L4N 5R7 Phone: (705) 737-3190 Toll-free TTY: 1-877-872-0585 Fax: (705) 722-0381

CHS Membership Form

Please do not share my information with other organizations.

CHS YORK REGION:

713 Davis Drive, Suite 105 Newmarket, ON L3Y 2R3 Phone: (905) 715-7511 Fax: (905) 715-7109 Toll-free TTY:1-877-817-8213 Toll-free phone: 1-877-715-7511

Id like to become a member and/or donate:$ Name: Address: City: Code: Phone/TTY: Payment by: Cash Card Number Cheque Province: Email : VISA MasterCard Postal

THE CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY

Sound Express November 2013