NYSA of SHHH Leadership Training

HLAA–NYS

FIRST NYSA LEADERSHIP TRAINING A SUCCESS

The weekend of October 22-23 was a milestone for the NYSA of SHHH and Fluffy Butler, former president. “During a visit years ago to several agencies in Albany to discuss hearing loss and its implications, I realized this was too big a job for one person. I needed everyone on the board to help advocate.” At long last, the first Leadership Training program for SHHH members of New York State took place at the Wingate Inn in Latham, near the Albany airport. NYSA Board members hosted the selected members from five SHHH state chapters who applied to participate in the training program.

As the planning committee finalized plans and contacted speakers, the topic focused on: “Advocacy - How to Get What You Want and What You Need,” specifically on three issues of importance to people with hearing loss in New York State:
* Emergency Preparedness
* Hearing Aid Insurance and Tax Credit Legislation
* Committees, Boards and Health Care-related Agencies

The five SHHH New York State chapters represented were: Buffalo Chapter, Huntington Chapter, Manhattan Chapter, South Nassau Chapter and Westchester Chapter. Assemblyman David Koon, 135th District (Rochester) participated as a special applicant.

Key speakers for the Saturday program included:
Marcia Finisdore, Past President of SHHH (Advocacy Basics)
Amy Boyle (Agencies and Boards in NY State)
Assemblyman David Koon (Legislation)
Rose Pandozy, NYS Dept. of Health and Human Services, with
RoseMarie Lamb, NYS Dept. of Health (Emergency Preparedness).
Participants then selected one issue to work on for their respective focus groups.

On Sunday, the three groups met in small sessions to formulate an advocacy plan of action. After a morning of in-depth discussions, each presented a brief synopsis of their plan to the assembled meeting. At the close of the meeting, members signed off on a commitment to work toward the initiation, follow-through and completion of their chosen goals.

“The leadership program surpassed my dreams, and I’m excited about NYSA's future efforts to advocate for our needs,” said Butler of the productive weekend.

Much information is available on advocacy, through National and online, to bring to the chapters and people with hearing loss in New York State. We encourage all participants to become advocates for themselves, their family and friends!

Based on the program’s enthusiastic and positive response, future leadership training programs are being planned. Watch for postings in the Reporter and on the NYSA website at www.nysashhh.org.