Ann Thomas has gone above and beyond to take on the role of educator within her community, making sure everyone is aware of the technology and services available to individuals with hearing loss. Her peers describe her as being tenacious, constant and filled with determination – always searching for ways to enhance the awareness of hearing loss in the general population.
Ann is currently the President of the Hearing Loss Association of America – Diablo Valley Chapter (HLAA-DV) where she works with local and national leaders to promote hearing loss awareness and education. She is also the designer and editor of the HLAA-DV bi-monthly newsletter. In addition to promoting awareness, she spearheaded a project to install a phase array induction hearing loop in the room where HLAA-DV holds their meetings. She is also instrumental in organizing events, designing promotional materials and creating safety literature for individuals with hearing loss.
Ann is also a member of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Committee. Within this committee, she provides education and consultation services to the California Hospital Association and city governments. Within the community, she educates on topics related to ADA, CA Unruh Act compliance and assistive listening devices and advertises the availability of accommodations for individuals who are hard of hearing. Ann also collaborates with hearing loss organizations including Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA), Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California and Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency (DCARA).
We commend Ann for her leadership, advocacy and determination on behalf of individuals who are hard of hearing and are pleased to present her with the Hamilton Relay 2014 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for the state of California.
This leadership recognition has been brought to you by Hamilton Relay.
About Hamilton Relay
Hamilton Relay provides contracted Telecommunications Relay and/or Captioned Telephone services to 16 states and the Island of Saipan, and is a provider of Internet-based Captioned Telephone services nationwide. More information is available at hamiltonrelay.com.