Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Edmonton Branch

We have scheduled this class to start again in March, 2026. If you have been thinking about taking this class, PLEASE RSVP as soon as possible. We currently have several people on our waiting list for this class, but we need to get a few more people signed up in order of the class to go forward.

This class is more than just a learning experience - it’s a really fun way to hone your speech reading skills AND its an opportunity to get out and socialize a little bit with others who are hard of hearing, get tips and tricks to navigate the world with hearing loss, and just share with others who understand what it’s like to live with a hearing impairment. You are not alone, and this class will help you feel less isolated and more connected to people who empathize with the challenges you may face on a daily basis. Please consider joining us for this class - we have people who have taken this class with us numerous times because they find it so beneficial to be able to practice their speech reading skills and connect this way with others.

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – Edmonton Branch
presents
Autumn SPEECHREADING 1 & COPING CLASSES
Tuesdays: March 3 – April 21, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM


We are offering these classes at a reduced rate of only $50 for CHHA-Edmonton Members ($150 for non-members) to make it more affordable for everyone who can benefit from increasing their Speech Reading & Coping skills. You will learn and practice your Speech Reading Skills in a fun and relaxing environment! Everyone is welcome!


Dates:March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm (Tuesday Mornings)
Location: Jerry Forbes Centre 12122 - 68 Street NW, Edmonton


Cost: $50.00 for 8 lessons, includes binder and handouts.


Maximum class is set at 12 - so register soon at the following link:

You can pay for the classes using the PayPal link on our website, e-transfer using the email address [email protected] or mail us a cheque.

Please email, or call CHHA-Edmonton at 780-428-6622 if you need assistance.

Please RSVP early so we can confirm our room reservation for this class.

Registration deadline: Thursday, February 20 at 2:00 pm

What is Speechreading?
Speechreading is the ability to understand speech by observing visual cues such as the movement of the lips, tongue, jaw and facial expressions. Speechreading also involves observing other cues such as body language, gestures and situational clues. It is a skill that can be learned through study and practice. Coping strategies go hand in hand with this skill and its success! Students will learn new strategies and information every class!!

Qualities of a Good Speechreader
· Patience
· Perseverance
· Good Vision
· Focus
· Good understanding of spoken language
· Sense of Humor!
· Positive Attitude
· Willingness


Why take speechreading lessons?

Experiments confirm that speech comprehension improves considerably with combined use of amplification and speechreading e.g. A Manchester University study indicated that someone may have a score of 21% (no amplification, no speechreading); a speechreading score of 64% (no amplification); an amplification score of 64% (no speechreading); ascore of 90% with both amplification and speechreading5. People with hearing loss put together what they hear with what they see.

Now is the Time to Register for Speechreading!

We look forward to seeing you in class!

Kind regards,

Jonette (Jonnie) Moss
Office Research Coordinator

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Edmonton Branch
12122 - 68 Street
Edmonton, AB T5B 1R1
Phone: 780-428-6622
Fax: 780-428-6622
Email: [email protected]
Web:

CHHA-Edmonton The Amplify Access Program helps employers lead the way in adapting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility strategies to provide workplace accommodations for Deaf or Hard of Hearing employees.

> Hello Everyone!
>
> Due to the popularity of this class, we decided to hold one last "Your Third Ear Workshop” in 2025! Please consider attending this free event and bring a friend/communication partner with you so they can have a better understanding of how hearing loss affects your life and relationships with friends and family. There is something new for everyone to learn, and everyone can benefit from a deeper understanding of hearing loss, hearing technology and other resources! This FREE 2-hour workshop will be held at the Jerry Forbes Centre on the following dates:
>
> Monday, December 8, 2025
9:30AM - 11:30AM
>
> Jerry Forbes Centre: 12122 - 68 Street NW, Edmonton
>
> ***YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND!***
>
> PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RSVP DIRECTLY TO CINDY AT:

> [email protected]
>
>
> You and a communication partner are welcome to join Cindy Gordon for an enlightening experience to find out what your third ear is and how you can develop it. Included will be a discussion about:
>
>
> Hearing Aids - how it works…..or doesn’t!
> Assistive Devices and available community services
> Emotional impact of hearing loss
> Communication tips
>
>
> *Please bring your audiogram with you, if you have a copy available!
>

Please save the date for our next CI SUPPORT GROUP MEETING on Thursday, November 6th at 2:00 PM at The Jerry Forbes Centre 12122-68 St. Please PARK near the south entrance, BUT ENTER at our front doors on the east side of the building.

This will be an early Christmas social gathering where we will just sit, visit and get updates from everyone over the past year!! (NO guest speaker)

FOR NEWCOMERS….this is your opportunity to ask questions about the different brands, criteria, surgery, wait times etc.

CHHA-Edmonton will provide captioning and coffee. We will also have some prizes to give away!!!
PLEASE bring a treat to share with others!!

Bring a support person if you’d like, BUT please RSVP - by NOVEMBER 4th!!
Hope to see you at this last meeting of 2025!!

SPEECHREADING CLASS

We have scheduled this class to start again in September, but so far, there has not been much interest. If you have been thinking about taking this class, PLEASE RSVP as soon as possible - if we don’t have enough interest to go forward with the class, then we will re-schedule it for later in the year, or possibly early in 2026. NOW is the time to let us know if you want to take this class!!!

This class is more than just a learning experience - it’s a really fun way to hone your speech reading skills AND its an opportunity to get out and socialize a little bit with others who are hard of hearing, get tips and tricks to navigate the world with hearing loss, and just share with others who understand what it’s like to live with a hearing impairment. You are not alone, and this class will help you feel less isolated and more connected to people who empathize with the challenges you may face on a daily basis. Please consider joining us for this class - we have people who have taken this class with us numerous times because they find it so beneficial to be able to practice their speech reading skills and connect this way with others.

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – Edmonton Branch
presents
Autumn SPEECHREADING 1 & COPING CLASSES
Tuesdays – September 7 – October 28, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM





We are offering these classes at a reduced rate of only $50 for CHHA-Edmonton Members ($150 for non-members) to make it more affordable for everyone who can benefit from increasing their Speech Reading & Coping skills. You will learn and practice your Speech Reading Skills in a fun and relaxing environment! Everyone is welcome!


Dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm (Tuesday Mornings)
Location: Jerry Forbes Centre 12122 - 68 Street NW, Edmonton


Cost: $50.00 for 8 lessons, includes binder and handouts.


Maximum class is set at 12 - so register soon at the following link:



You can pay for the classes using the PayPal link on our website, e-transfer using this email address ([email protected]) or mail us a cheque.

Please call CHHA-Edmonton at 780-428-6622 if you need assistance.


These classes fill up quickly, so register early!

Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Join us on Sunday, July 20 at 7:00PM for our Comedy Fun Night Out, featuring comedian and CHHA-Edmonton Friend, Lars Callieou, along with his Special Guests!

We are excited to extend this invitation to our CHHA-Edmonton members along with their friends and family! This event is a very special collaboration between CHHA-Edmonton, Lars Callieou and The Comic Strip!

Lars is a long-time supporter of the deaf and hard of hearing communities, and has approached us with a personal invitation to see him perform on what promises to be an unforgettably Fun and Funny Evening for Everyone!

Thanks to our incredible CHHA-Edmonton memberswho support us with their generous donations, we are able to co-sponsor this Comedy Night with Lars by contributing towards the cost of a LIVE CAPTIONER! To ensure everyone can be included in this Fun Night Out,The Comic Strip is matching our support of this event, by generously giving us 50 FREE TICKETS for CHHA-Edmonton members and their guests! We hope you all come out for a night of shared laughter – don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of comedy together on a night that promises to uplift everyone, especially those with hearing loss!

Tickets will go quickly, so act fast and RSVP NOW if you don’t want to be disappointed. This will be *THE EVENT* of the summer here at CHHA-Edmonton, so don’t miss out! Please RSVP to this event with a separate email to [email protected]

*Tickets to this event are FREE OF CHARGE if you attend with us, but please note that the Comedy Strip does impose a mandatory requirement of 2 drinks or menu items per person at all their events, plus an obligatory tip, as applicable.

DO NOT HIT REPLY – PLEASE RSVP FOR THIS EVENT IN A SEPARATE EMAIL TO:

[email protected]

*Reservation Deadline: July 16 at 12:00PM*

Hello Everyone!

It’s been a while since we held our "Your Third Ear" Workshop, and we have a lot of members who could benefit from attending. This FREE 2-hour workshop will be held at the Jerry Forbes Centre on the following dates:

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 9:30AM - 11:30AM
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 9:30 AM - 11:30AM
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 1:00PM - 3:00PM

Jerry Forbes Centre: 12122 - 68 Street NW, Edmonton

***YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND!***

EMAIL US AT: [email protected]
or call
780-428-6622
(office hours are Monday-Wednesday from 8:30am-1:30pm)

You and a communication partner are welcome to join Cindy Gordon for an enlightening experience to find out what your third ear is and how you can develop it. Included will be a discussion about:

Hearing Aids - how it works…..or doesn’t!
Assistive Devices and available community services
Emotional impact of hearing loss
Communication tips

*Please bring your audiogram with you, if you have a copy available!

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – Edmonton Branch presents

Autumn SPEECHREADING 1 & COPING WITH HEARING LOSS CLASSES

Tuesdays – September 7 – October 28, 2025

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This is a reminder to register now for our Fall Session of Speech Reading 1 & Coping with Hearing Loss Classes!

We are offering these classes at a reduced rate of only $50 (Regularly $150) to make it more affordable for everyone who can benefit from increasing their Speech Reading & Coping skills. You will learn and practice your Speech Reading Skills in a fun and relaxing environment! Everyone is welcome!


Dates: September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm (Tuesday Mornings)

Location: Jerry Forbes Centre 12122 - 68 Street NW, Edmonton

Cost: $50.00 for 8 lessons, includes binder and handouts.

Maximum class is set at 12 - so register soon at www.chha-ed.com

You can pay for the classes using the PayPal link on our website, e-transfer using this email address ([email protected]) or mail us a cheque.

Please call CHHA-Edmonton at 780-428-6622 for more information

These classes fill up quickly, so register early!

Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Hello Everyone,

We wanted to make you all aware of NAIT’s recent announcement that due to financial constraints, they are pausing the Captioning and Court Reporting Program, with the intention of reclassifying the program (ie: it will become a non-credited course) or potentially terminating the program completely in the future.

This program is the only one of it’s kind in Canada, and the loss of this program’s credentials or the termination of it will affect every one of us who struggles with hearing loss - that’s over 100,000 of us in the Edmonton region alone, and 3.21 million people who are hard of hearing in Canada!

It means that in the future, there will be fewer and fewer Professional Closed Captioners and Court Reporters in the profession. It means that you and I will have fewer hearing accessibility options. It means that those of us who struggle with hearing loss will have to rely on AI captioning rather than the human connection that allows for full meaning in communication. Conveying the nuances of English-language context and multiple- speaker recognition, including accents, are essential skills that technology cannot replicate. Only human CART Captioners can truly offer the breadth and depth of understanding required for meaningful and purposeful communication, including conveying accurate, critical information such as emergency alerts and medical interactions for those navigating hearing challenges.

The decision to discontinue or reduce funding for the NAIT Captioning and Court Reporting Program will undoubtedly result in significant repercussions. Key concerns include:

1.Impact on Communities: The hard-of-hearing people who rely on this program wil face challenges without essential support for education, employment, events, entertainment, and emergency information.

2.Loss of Opportunity: The NAIT Captioning and Court Reporting program provides accessible pathways for opportunities for the hard-of-hearing community in social spheres via Captioners.

3.Erosion of Trust: The decision risks sending a message that the needs of the affected communities are not a priority, potentially creating a sense of disillusionment.

4.Legal and Civil Rights Implications: Without Captioners, organizations risk non-compliance with equal access to services. The lack of captioning can impede understanding in courtrooms or legal settings, impacting an individual's right to a fair process.

If you are as concerned as we are about NAIT’s intention to cut funding for this crucial program, please see the attached letter from the Alberta Shorthand Reporter’s Association for more information and direction on how you can write a letter in support of keeping this program alive. Hearing accessibility is not merely a privilege; it is a fundamental right that deserves recognition and respect. As members of the hard of hearing community, we share the same struggles for human connection and validation as those facing other disabilities, and it is crucial that our voices are heard and valued with the same respectful regard with which the advocates of other disabilities are heard. Please find the letter that CHHA-Edmonton has written in support of keeping this program alive for your perusal:

We at CHHA-Edmonton are fighting alongside ASRA and other organizations to keep this program alive for the benefit of all persons who are Hard of Hearing in Canada. Please consider writing a brief letter in support of this mission, as outlined in the following letter:



Address your letters to [email protected] and/or [email protected]

Looking to make a difference in your community or find your next meaningful role?

Join us for the Jerry Forbes Centre Career & Volunteer Fair — a FREE event bringing together Edmonton’s charities and non-profits under one roof!

🗓 Friday, May 9
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Jerry Forbes Centre – 12122 68 Street NW
🎟 Free admission & parking

Connect with local organizations looking to grow their teams or find passionate volunteers. Whether you're job-hunting, exploring volunteer opportunities, or just curious about local causes—this event is for you!
✔️ Meet over a dozen local nonprofits
✔️ Explore full-time, part-time, and casual roles
✔️ Discover one-time and ongoing volunteer options
Come make community connections that matter.

Hello CHHA-Ed members!


Our Spring Speech Reading & Coping Class is starting next week. We have a great group of folks who have already registered, but there’s still room in the class for a few more people. We wanted to give you all one last opportunity to join in the fun, as we won’t be holding this class again until the fall. This is such a great class for a bit of socializing, as well as for learning more about how to Speechread with better accuracy and learn about ways to cope successfully with hearing loss. People come away from this class with new friendships and new-found confidence in navigating in a world that doesn’t always accommodate those of us who struggle to hear. We will take last minute registrations right up until Monday afternoon, May 5.

Our CHHA-Edmonton 8-week Spring Session of Speech Reading 1 & Coping with Hearing Loss Classes will start on Tuesday May 6 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, and run to June 24, 2025.


This is a really great way to enhance your Speechreading skills, share your hearing loss experiences with other folks who truly understand, and you will get some really great tips and tricks that allow you to participate more fully in all of the seasonal events that fill up your calendar in the upcoming months. Did you know for example, that you can use your cellphone for live closed captioning? We’ll show you how, whether you use an iPhone or Android cellphone. This, and so much more is taught in these classes.


We are offering these classes at a reduced rate of only $50 for CHHA-Edmonton Members (Previously $150) to make it more affordable for everyone who can benefit from increasing their Speech Reading & Coping skills. You will learn and practice your Speech Reading Skills in a fun and relaxing environment! Everyone is welcome!


Dates: May 6, 13, 20, 27 and June 3, 10, 17, 24

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm (Tuesday Mornings)
Location: Jerry Forbes Centre 12122 - 68 Street NW, Edmonton


Cost: $50.00 for 8 lessons.


Please register through the following link: chha-ed.com

This is a reminder that our 8-week Spring Session of Speech Reading 1 & Coping with Hearing Loss Class is starting soon, but since we need at least one more person to register for these classes to go forward, we are re-scheduling the start date to Tuesday May 6, 2025.

Taking our Speech Reading and Coping Class is not just an opportunity to sharpen your skills—it's a wonderful chance to join a warm and welcoming community of individuals who truly get it. Imagine sharing your experiences with others who understand your journey, all while learning practical tips to navigate the world of hearing loss more effectively. With the vibrant spring and summer socializing season on the horizon, now is the perfect time to boost your Speechreading skills! By enhancing your ability to connect with others, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy those sunny gatherings and lively conversations. Plus, our Speech Reading Class is an opportunity to get out of the house, make some new friends and have a lot of fun at the same time!

The “Bring your Communication Partner” day stands out as one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences in this series, offering a unique and invaluable opportunity for partners to gain deeper insights into the realities of living with hearing loss. This class not only fosters mutual understanding, but also illuminates the frustrations and emotional complexities often faced by those with diminished hearing. By participating, partners can embark on a journey of empathy and growth, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively and support each other through the challenges that arise.

We are offering these classes at a reduced rate of only $50 (Previously $150) to make it more affordable for everyone who can benefit from increasing their Speech Reading & Coping skills. You will learn and practice your Speech Reading Skills in a fun and relaxing environment! Everyone is welcome!

Dates: May 6, 13, 20, 27 and June 3, 10, 17, 24

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm (Tuesday Mornings)
Location: Jerry Forbes Centre 12122 - 68 Street NW, Edmonton



Cost: $50.00 for 8 lessons.

Minimum participants - 6, and Maximum Participants is set at 12 - so register soon at the following link: