letsloopseattle

It was with mixed anxiety and eager anticipation that I joined more than twenty Seattle area Hearing Loss Association theater lovers to celebrate and try the newly installed hearing loop at the Seattle Rep.

Would my fellow friends and colleagues, all of whom have varying degrees of hearing loss and wear a variety of personal hearing technology, be able to reap the joys of live dramatic theater? Would the dialogue be intelligible? Would my friends be able to participate in meaningful discussion following the play? Would my efforts to Get Seattle in the Hearing Loop have been worthwhile?

Seated next to Richard Einhorn, fellow hearing loss/hearing access advocate, I could hardly contain my joy when at the end of the first act, the lights went up, Richard and I looked at each other–and immediately recognized that each of us were clearly understanding almost every word.

In fact, the euphoria, the feeling of effortless inclusion,  were really beyond description. Those of us with t-coils were hearing better than anyone else in the room. A couple people reported hearing better than they ever had.

Thanks to the Seattle Rep for graciously hosting this special VIP reception.  And special thanks to Spencer Norby of Hearing Loops Northwest for going above and beyond to set up a PA and temporary hearing hearing loop so we could all hear what was said at the reception!

Please join us at the Seattle Rep for  grand community unveiling and loop celebration on April 24th!  This will include a special caption performance to compliment the loop. For $25.00 tickets, use promo code: SHERLOCKLOOP.

Meanwhile, remember that all shows going forward are looped.

–Cheri Perazzoli, Let’s Loop Seattle

“What a wonderful night on the town you created, Cheri!  Thank you so much for doing this.   The reception was well done and the looped play couldn’t have been heard more clearly.  They have done a wonderful job and I did send a thank you to them as you requested. ” —Judi Carr, HlA-WA board member

“The loop was fantastic. I could sit and simply enjoy the play. What a wonderful evening. Kudos to Cheri, to Spencer, to Seattle Rep and to all who were involved in this amazing evening!” –Richard Einhorn, composer and HLAA board member, who assisted the Rep with their sound system and the loop

Photos courtesy of Doug Ogle.

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We’re thrilled to share the fantastic news: the Seattle Repertory Theatre now has a hearing loop.

Both the Bagley Wright and Leo K. Theatre now boast what we consider the gold-standard in hearing access. Dave Scroggins and staff at DRS Sound and P. Spencer Norby at HearingLoop NW installed these loops and provided technical guidance.

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So many people with hearing loss are passionate devotees to live theatre, but many have given up on attending and creating a memory with loved ones. Without effective hearing access technology, comprehension of dialogue and lyrics often diminishes—and many people with hearing loss simply stay home.

Now even more people than ever can enjoy the Rep’s legendary and provocative plays and programs.

Watch for news on special events and updates on the Rep’s programs.

Thank you so very much to the Rep staff and supporters and the generous and kind donors (you know who you are) for your gigantic step toward compassion and inclusion in Seattle’s arts scene.

Photos courtesy of DRS Sound. Thank you!

Our fellow hearing loss advocates in New Mexico welcome your input on hearing access technologies.

Your answers will provide data for HLAA national and local chapters in their legislative work in 2016 and beyond.

To fill out the ten quick questions and help the Committee for Communication Access,, visit here.

The highly regarded Seattle Repertory Theatre (The Rep) is fundraising to install a hearing loop. 

They’re almost to their goal of $51,525. Will you be the supporter who send them over the top? Click on the link above to watch the video and donate.

The City of Seattle showed its commitment to true inclusiveness by passing a resolution of intent to improve hearing access in Seattle’s civic life. This Resolution (31641) comes on the heels of investments in a hearing loop for Seattle City Council chambers and more funds allocated to loop the Bertha Knight Landes room and others.

Councilmember Rasmussen was an early advocate for hearing access.

Tom Rasmussen has worked closely with Cheri Perazzoli, Let’s Loop Seattle, and HLA-WA.

Thank you to Tobias Pulliam and Monica Simmons for going the extra ten miles to make this happen, and for allowing us to share with them our struggles and needs. And our most superlative gratitude to Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, who’s been standing with us since our early days in 2012. Councilmember Rasmussen is retiring after years of passionate advocacy for people with disabilities.