SHHH Changes its Name to the Hearing Loss Association
of America
November 2005
Editor: SHHH is no more!
Well the organization is still there and doing much the same work it
has always done. But it has a new name, and I'm guessing that the name
was chosen to reflect a new philosophy. We've already started to see
some of that, and I hope to see additional progress in the coming months
and years.
What do YOU think about this change? Send your thoughts to larry@hearinglossweb.com
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Bethesda, Maryland: The Board of Trustees of Self Help for Hard of
Hearing People (SHHH) voted to change the name of the organization to
the Hearing Loss Association of America on November 6, 2005 during their
fall meeting.
Terry D. Portis, Ed. D., executive director of SHHH states,
"SHHH needs to position itself to meet the needs of a new
generation of people with hearing loss while continuing to serve the
constituents who rely on us today. I believe that by updating our name
and image we will be better able to communicate our message and fulfill
our mission. SHHH expects to complete the transition to the Hearing Loss
Association of America in March 2006."
According to recent research conducted by Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., the
population of people in the United States with hearing loss has grown
from an estimated 28 million in 1989 to over 31 million in 2004, and is
anticipated to grow by a third in less than a generation, to 40 million
people.
SHHH's mission is to open the world of communication to people with
hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. The
organization continues to fulfill its mission in innovative ways, such
as launching its groundbreaking online education program, the American
Academy of Hearing Loss Support Specialists(tm) in fall 2005, and
launching a new design for its web site in 2006.
Richard Meyer, president of the SHHH Board of Trustees states,
"This strategic decision is a significant milestone in SHHH's 25
year history. While remaining committed to the vision of founder Rocky
Stone, SHHH is evolving to best meet the needs of people with hearing
loss today and in the future, continuing to be a pioneer in advocacy and
support for consumers with hearing loss."
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The Hearing Loss Association of America (formerly Self Help for Hard
of Hearing People (SHHH) is the nations' largest membership and advocacy
organization for people with hearing loss. Founded in 1979 by Howard E.
"Rocky" Stone, the Hearing Loss Association of America opens
the world of communication to people with hearing loss through
information, education, advocacy and support. It publishes a bimonthly
magazine, Hearing Loss and its web site is www.hearingloss.org. The
national support network includes the Washington, D.C., area office, 13
state organizations, and 250 local chapters. The Hearing Loss
Association of America's straightforward message has changed the lives
of thousands of people: Hearing loss is a daily challenge you can
overcome. You do not have to hide your hearing loss. You do not have to
face hearing loss alone.
THE HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Formerly Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH)
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301/657-2248 Voice
301/657-2249 TTY
www.hearingloss.org
