Officers:
- President: Kerry Sullivan
- Vice President: Sue Schy
- Treasurer: Carol Agate
- Technology: Brad McKenna
- Social Media & Meetings: Jonathan Ozek
The HLAA Boston Chapter traces its beginnings back to 2004 when Harvard student Patrick Holkins made the decision to manage his hearing loss more openly and actively after completing an internship at HLAA’s offices in Bethesda MD. He founded Hear@Boston focused on empowering those with hearing loss by facilitating opportunities for social engagement, education and skill development. With Harvard campus meetings and many off-site socials, the organization thrived under the leadership of a group of committed young adults, many still involved with HLAA today.
Over time the Boston Chapter evolved to increasingly include working and retired adults from the greater Boston area. The Boston chapter’s mission, however, has stayed largely the same: to provide the information, support, community, and advocacy to help those with hearing loss communicate better and live fuller lives.
To accomplish this mission HLAA Boston offers informational monthly meetings, a robust website, a Q&A blog, a newsletter, online individual support via email, social events, and outreach to senior centers. We advocate for the HOH/Deaf community through social media, our Boston Walk4Hearing, local DEI events, partnering with similarly focused service organizations, and interacting with state/city officials on issues that impact us.
Monthly meetings are largely mid-month at 6pm via zoom, plus 2 in-person meetings. Schedule can be found on hlaa-Boston.org (HLAA Boston meeting schedule).