Useful Hearing Loss Resources
Most people use the phone to make appointments, connect with family, and/or call emergency services. But what happens when it isn’t so simple? What do you do when it is hard to hear what people are saying? Join DRM for a short overview of resources that can support phone calls and communication. Learn about captioned telephones, amplified telephones, hearing aid resources, and more. We will also demonstrate Maine Relay, a free state-wide service that supports phone access for Mainers who are hard of hearing, deaf or who have speech difficulties.
During this presentation, Lisa Penney, an Advocate at Disability Rights Maine, will share a variety of equipment, options, and hearing loss resources. Attendees will learn about captioned telephones, amplified telephones, and other equipment which can make a world of difference for people with some degree of hearing loss. Attendees will also learn about services to support people with speech difficulties, who may have trouble being understood by other callers on the phone. Many people have conditions that impact their speech patterns, such as cerebral palsy, or Parkinson’s disease. Changes in speech patterns can also be the result of a traumatic brain injury or a stroke.
Maine Relay is a free state-wide service that supports phone access for Mainers who are hard of hearing, deaf or who have speech difficulties. Lisa will provide an overview of Maine Relay services and demonstrate how Maine Relay works.
Attendees will also learn about the Telecommunication Equipment Program, which can provide free or low-cost equipment for Mainers who need it to make phone calls, as well as other resources for communicating.
Speaker Bio
Lisa Penney joined Disability Rights Maine (DRM) as an Advocate in 2018.
In her role at DRM, Lisa provides education and outreach about communication technology and Maine Relay. She also works in the Telecommunication Equipment Program, helping individuals identify, obtain and install equipment to support clear phone communication. She is a familiar face at community events, where she hosts interactive tables featuring a variety of assistive devices, including tablets with communication apps, captioned telephones, and amplified phones. She offers hands-on demonstrations and assistance with learning to use apps and tools that improve communication and accessibility.
With over 20 years of experience in the field of assistive technology, Lisa is passionate about leveraging communications technology to empower individuals with hearing loss. Whether she’s helping someone set up a captioned telephone or demonstrating the latest communication apps, Lisa is dedicated to ensuring equal access to information and connection. Lisa is also a certified Hearing Loss Peer Mentor through Gallaudet University, further deepening her ability to support individuals navigating hearing loss.
A lifelong Mainer and sixth-generation member of a large and vibrant Deaf family, Lisa has both personal and professional ties to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Her family includes individuals who are Deaf as well as those with progressive hearing loss, giving her a unique and empathetic perspective on the challenges and opportunities within these communities.
Lisa has delivered community presentations on communication technology, Maine Relay, and hearing loss resources to schools, community groups, non-profit organizations and state programs.