First Toastmasters Club for Hard of Hearing to Debut in Tempe Arizona
The first Toastmasters Club for the Hard of Hearing in the United States — Audible Talkers — will be holding its inaugural meeting on Monday, July 1, 2019 from 6:00 pm. to 7:00 p.m. in the Tempe Public Library. The Club will meet the first and third Monday of every month.
Harry Wolfe, one of the Club’s sponsors, was prompted to start the Club because he was having trouble hearing the speakers in his Toastmasters Club. Mr. Wolfe, a member of Toastmasters for 30 years, said “I didn’t want to give up an activity that is an important part of my life because of my declining hearing.”
The club will meet in the Tempe Learning Center (TLC) classroom, an audio-looped room at the library. When people speak into a microphone the voice streams directly to a person’s hearing aid or headset. Mr. Wolfe commented “it’s nice to be able to hear speakers without worrying about background noise.”
33% of people in the age group 65-74 have significant hearing loss and 50% of those over 75. According to the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, more than 700,000 people in Maricopa County have some degree of hearing loss.
Toastmasters is an organization that helps its members improve their communication and leadership skills. During meetings members deliver short formal speeches, participate in impromptu speaking exercises and give feedback on the speeches.
Commenting on the excellent meeting room, Mr. Wolfe said “I am extremely grateful to the Tempe Mayor’s Commission on Disability Concerns” for hosting the Club. The ability to participate in a club that provides social interaction and mental stimulation is gratifying.”
People interested in the club are welcome to visit and experience a meeting without any obligation to join Toastmasters. For those who are interested in joining the organization, information will be provided on dues and club member responsibilities.
For more information, please contact Harry Wolfe at hwolfeaz@gmail.com or call/text him at 602-279-7356.
