Oscar Segal, President of HLAA Boynton/Delray Chapter conducted the meeting of people with hearing disabilities at the South County Civic Center, Friday morning, October 19 to an audience of 65 people. This club meets the third Friday of each month at 9:45. Coffee “and” is provided prior to the presentation by a guest speaker. Anyone interested in this subject is invited to attend at no charge. Those wishing to become members of the chapter can join for the nominal annual dues of $15.

Segal offered an inspiring message: “Hearing Loss” is the “Invisible Disability.” Surviving with hearing loss is a challenge. Hearing loss is permanent and irreversible, but it can be alleviated. This chapter will provide information through education, advocacy support.”

“For example,” Segal continued, “there are inherent dangers in a hospital stay. At the hospital check- in desk, do you understand the clerk clearly? Can you understand critical questions from nurses and doctors if you become a patient? At a traffic stop can you communicate clearly? If you are injured in an accident can you give critical information to those Emergency Personnel attending you? Answers to questions like these will be provided at our upcoming meetings,” Segal concluded.

Philip Fleischer, a hearing aid technical specialist spoke next. Fleischer resides in Kings Point. He described how he has been helping people improve their hearing through his adult education class there for over 10 years. He invited members of the audience to a table he had set up in a corner of the meeting room for an immediate free consultation. Several people took advantage of his offer.

Ms. Merry Rubinstein, a Boynton/Delray Chapter board member informed the audience she provides a lip reading course every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 at the Emmanuel Catholic Church on Military Trail, north of Linton Blvd. This is a free service to members of the Boynton/Delray Chapter of HLAA. She has been doing this for many years. Anyone who feels they can benefit is encouraged to attend.

Anyone interested in learning more can contact Oscar Segal at (561) 499-9873.

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