Meet Erin! Erin is a second-year speech-language pathology graduate student. This past Wednesday, November 13th, Erin presented at the Connecticut Science Center.  This event, “Accommodate. Access. Achieve” was held by Hear Here Hartford (HHH) and the American School for the Deaf. This event was geared towards D/deaf and hard of hearing students, college accessibility coordinators, parents, and other professionals. The event featured student stories and a panel discussion about securing accommodation in college. Additionally, audiologists from the New England Center for Hearing Rehabilitation and a representative from Phonak attended to provide demos on various devices that students can utilize in their accommodations.  

Erin is a board member of the HHH Hartford Chapter and presented her own experiences advocating for herself throughout her educational career as an individual with bilateral cochlear implants. During her presentation, Erin discussed accommodations for her dorm room, such as a strobe light fire alarm, lectures and self-advocating with friends and classmates. Overall, Erin wanted to share that “everyone’s experiences are unique and that I hope my experiences can help others to problem solve and self-advocate in ever changing environments. As a member of HHH, Erin assists in their mission “to empower teens and young adults who are D/deaf or hard of hearing regardless of mode of communication, through education, inspiration, social and mentor-supported programs.” 

For more information about HHH: https://hearherehartford.org