This year's WI State Conference is shaping up to be our most tech-forward yet, with a program built around the tools and technology transforming communication access.
SPEAKERS:
Friday Evening
Captify Captions for Real Life | Tom Pritsky, Co-founder, Captify
Saturday Sessions
Auracast & Hearing Loops (with live demo) | Steve Thunder, Thunder Hearing & Sound
Technology Across the Lifespan Panel | Moderated by Jason Anderson
Your ADA Rights & Securing Accommodations | Robin Jones, Great Lakes ADA Center
Get Your Advocacy Toolkit! | Juliëtte Sterkens, AuD & Wynne Whyman
OVERVIEW
Friday night kicks off with a pizza buffet and salad bar dinner followed by welcoming remarks and conference preview. We are thrilled to feature a presentation from Captify co-founder Tom Pritsky — makers of the groundbreaking captioning glasses that display real-time captions right in your field of vision.
And here's the exciting part: one lucky conference attendee will win a free pair of Captify glasses! (Retail value $699)
Saturday brings a full day of learning:
Breaks, meals, and dedicated exhibit hall time are built throughout the day so you can explore the latest products, connect with vendors, and chat with fellow attendees.
Whether you're curious about new hearing tech, looking to sharpen your advocacy skills, or just want to spend a weekend with people who get it — this conference has something for you. Individuals with hearing loss will find connection, support, and practical strategies for navigating daily life, while professionals can gain valuable insights into emerging technologies, patient perspectives, and more effective, person-centered care.
REGISTRATION
LODGING
Here are two nearby options:
ACCESSIBILITY
Communication access available at the conference:
MORE INFORMATION
Prepare your hearing devices
If you're not sure whether your hearing device has telecoil or Auracast, contact your hearing care provider before the conference. If you do have telecoil and/or Auracast, ask them to activate those features and show you how to turn them on and use them.
Photo & video consent
By registering for this conference, you consent to photographs and/or videos being taken during the event. These photos may be used in HLAA Wisconsin communications, newsletters, social media, and promotional materials.
Questions?
Refund/Cancellation Policy: No refunds, but registrations are transferable. If you're unable to attend, email [email protected] to transfer your registration to another person.
Made possible by a generous grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) does not endorse specific products or services, but educates and advocates for a range of assistive technology options to help people with hearing loss understand, connect and stay engaged in their lives.
Attendee Registration Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hlaawi-2026-state-conference
Exhibitor Information Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-hlaa-wi-state-conference-exhibitor-registration
SPEAKERS:
Friday Evening
Captify Captions for Real Life | Tom Pritsky, Co-founder, Captify
Saturday Sessions
Auracast & Hearing Loops (with live demo) | Steve Thunder, Thunder Hearing & Sound
Technology Across the Lifespan Panel | Moderated by Jason Anderson
Your ADA Rights & Securing Accommodations | Robin Jones, Great Lakes ADA Center
Get Your Advocacy Toolkit! | Juliëtte Sterkens, AuD & Wynne Whyman
OVERVIEW
Friday night kicks off with a pizza buffet and salad bar dinner followed by welcoming remarks and conference preview. We are thrilled to feature a presentation from Captify co-founder Tom Pritsky — makers of the groundbreaking captioning glasses that display real-time captions right in your field of vision.
And here's the exciting part: one lucky conference attendee will win a free pair of Captify glasses! (Retail value $699)
Saturday brings a full day of learning:
- Auracast & Hearing Loops with Steve Thunder — the technology that's changing public listening
- Technology Across the Lifespan Panel, moderated by Jason Anderson — captions, apps, and tools for every stage
- Robin Jones on the ADA — know your rights and how to use them
- Get Your Advocacy Toolkit! with Juliëtte Sterkens and Wynne Whyman — practical skills to advocate for yourself and your community
Breaks, meals, and dedicated exhibit hall time are built throughout the day so you can explore the latest products, connect with vendors, and chat with fellow attendees.
Whether you're curious about new hearing tech, looking to sharpen your advocacy skills, or just want to spend a weekend with people who get it — this conference has something for you. Individuals with hearing loss will find connection, support, and practical strategies for navigating daily life, while professionals can gain valuable insights into emerging technologies, patient perspectives, and more effective, person-centered care.
REGISTRATION
- Early Bird Registration $50 | available until September 1, 2026
- Student Registration $30 | must have a valid student ID
- Regular Registration $75 after Sept 1, 2026
LODGING
Here are two nearby options:
- Par 4 Resort + Comfort Suites
- 199 Foxfire Drive, Waupaca | 715-942-0500, ext. 1.
- Mention the HLAA block when booking for a discounted conference rate (breakfast included).
- Reserve by September 16 to lock in the rate.
- Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center
- 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point | 715-344-0200
ACCESSIBILITY
Communication access available at the conference:
- Open captioning with CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) during all sessions
- Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) in the meeting space, including hearing loop, Auracast, and FM
MORE INFORMATION
Prepare your hearing devices
If you're not sure whether your hearing device has telecoil or Auracast, contact your hearing care provider before the conference. If you do have telecoil and/or Auracast, ask them to activate those features and show you how to turn them on and use them.
Photo & video consent
By registering for this conference, you consent to photographs and/or videos being taken during the event. These photos may be used in HLAA Wisconsin communications, newsletters, social media, and promotional materials.
Questions?
- For registration questions, email [email protected]
- For general questions about the conference, assistive listening systems, or anything else, email [email protected]
Refund/Cancellation Policy: No refunds, but registrations are transferable. If you're unable to attend, email [email protected] to transfer your registration to another person.
Made possible by a generous grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) does not endorse specific products or services, but educates and advocates for a range of assistive technology options to help people with hearing loss understand, connect and stay engaged in their lives.
Attendee Registration Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hlaawi-2026-state-conference
Exhibitor Information Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-hlaa-wi-state-conference-exhibitor-registration
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Hearing Loss Tool Kit Confused About Hearing Loss? Check out our new go-to resources that take the guesswork out of understanding, treating and living well with hearing loss.
CHECK OUT THE HEARING LOSS TOOL KIT BELOW: https://www.hearingloss.org/understanding-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-101/hearing-loss-toolkit/ |
Here are some of the attendees from the 2025 WI State HLAA annual meeting.
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Shine New Light on Hearing Loss
Wisconsin Hearing Loss Association of America Educational Conference April 26 & 27 2024
Bordini Center in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Many thanks to the Fox Valley HLAA Chapter for hosting and organizing this amazing event. From start to finish, the conference was not only very educational with up to date information, it provided many opportunities for attendees to socialize and connect with one another. The food was great, the atmosphere was friendly, the exhibit hall was engaging, accessibility (looped meeting room, CART captioning) was paramount, and the speakers were world class!
Bordini Center in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Many thanks to the Fox Valley HLAA Chapter for hosting and organizing this amazing event. From start to finish, the conference was not only very educational with up to date information, it provided many opportunities for attendees to socialize and connect with one another. The food was great, the atmosphere was friendly, the exhibit hall was engaging, accessibility (looped meeting room, CART captioning) was paramount, and the speakers were world class!
There were 4 fun fundraising events that contributed more cash to the scholarship funds: the 50/50 raffle run by Jack and Debbie Spear, the bucket raffle (organized by Julie Olson and Christine Otte AuD, run by Kirsten Schubbe and Karen Kasten) with multiple generous donations of beautiful baskets, a raffle for a Packer helmet (donated by the Packers–thanks to Michelle Frisbie’s efforts), and a raffle for a Packer jersey (donated by Michelle Frisbie).
At the conference, several experts shared valuable insights on enhancing communication accessibility, particularly within the healthcare sector. Derrick Coleman, a former NFL player and advocate for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community, delivered an inspiring talk on overcoming obstacles. Dr. Nicholas Reed from Johns Hopkins underscored the critical link between hearing, health, and healthcare, emphasizing the repercussions of untreated hearing loss. Dr. Tina Childress delved deep into the realm of hearing assistive technology, shedding light on innovative solutions to overcome communication barriers. Dr. Ruth Litovsky emphasized the increasing prevalence of hearing loss globally and highlighted cochlear implants as transformative solutions, even for single-sided deafness and moderately severe hearing loss cases. Jim Rau, Dr. Tina Childress, and Robin Jones discussed challenges and opportunities, touching on personal experiences, legal frameworks, and practical strategies for advocacy. Overall, the conference provided a comprehensive exploration of communication access and its vital role in healthcare.
At the conference, several experts shared valuable insights on enhancing communication accessibility, particularly within the healthcare sector. Derrick Coleman, a former NFL player and advocate for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community, delivered an inspiring talk on overcoming obstacles. Dr. Nicholas Reed from Johns Hopkins underscored the critical link between hearing, health, and healthcare, emphasizing the repercussions of untreated hearing loss. Dr. Tina Childress delved deep into the realm of hearing assistive technology, shedding light on innovative solutions to overcome communication barriers. Dr. Ruth Litovsky emphasized the increasing prevalence of hearing loss globally and highlighted cochlear implants as transformative solutions, even for single-sided deafness and moderately severe hearing loss cases. Jim Rau, Dr. Tina Childress, and Robin Jones discussed challenges and opportunities, touching on personal experiences, legal frameworks, and practical strategies for advocacy. Overall, the conference provided a comprehensive exploration of communication access and its vital role in healthcare.
Please enjoy these Conference Documentations by Katherine Rybak
Christine Klessig, Michelle Frisbie, Julie Olson, members of the FVC chaired this years conference.
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Scholarship winner who was in attendance is Kenny Kaiser.
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50/50, bucket and Packer Helmet raffles.
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SW Wisconsin Educators
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Derrick Coleman from the Packer Staff with the Olson family
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President Kathy Johnson with Dr. Reed.
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Dr. Tina Childress
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Dr. Litosky
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Dr. Reed
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Click on this link to read our Fall 2024 HLAA-Wisconsin newsletter.
COCHLEAR IMPLANT SUPPORT WITH ACI ALLIANCE
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The American Cochlear Implant Alliance is a not-for-profit membership organization created with the purpose of eliminating barriers to cochlear implantation by sponsoring research, driving heightened awareness and advocating for improved access to cochlear implants for patients of all ages across the US.
To sign up for the newsletter, visit this site:https://www.acialliance.org/general/?type=listening |