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Hearing Loss: Come introduce yourself and connect with others
Hearing Loss | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (1517)Comment receiving replies
@julieo4 HLAA webinars/conferences do sound great, bu unforunately the vast majority are Zoom only. There are still millions of us who do not have access to or possess the equipment that Zoom requires. We do not have or use smart technology so we currently have no direct access to such critical communication from HLAA.
(Zoom will not accept/recognize PC desktops computer speakers: without cameras/microphones no dice. Nor is Zoom accessible on landline telephones)
I recently contacted HLAA requesting 'normal' internet recordings but no response so far. A recent Slate article/comments re why older people really eschew technology provides important revealing responses.
For many of us who do not have family or nearby "tech gurus" to provide ongoing continued support and tutoring, smart technology is far too cumbersome, confusing, complicated, not in the least personally "intuitive" ("intuitive" is what techies familiar with the technology blithely and arrogantly assume is obvious to any one, including all novices/newcomers)
For us there are major hassles navigating too many choices even before acquiring, we are leery of such invasive technology (cameras and microphones in home intrude on personal privacy/activities/conversations, etc), etc.
Replies to "@julieo4 HLAA webinars/conferences do sound great, bu unforunately the vast majority are Zoom only. There are..."
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@catladyde9 I wanted clarification on some of what you mention. I agree that some folks may not have the technology to participate 100%. Your reasoning is sound. Privacy may be the biggest factor. However, Zoom meetings do not require your computer or smartphone to have a camera. Your face simply does not show for others to see you. Even if your computer or smartphone does have a camera, you control whether they are on or off during the meeting. Your computer does not need a microphone. You just wouldn't be able to voice any questions you have. Zoom allows a chat function so you would still be able to ask questions by typing in the chat box but you may not get an answer right away. If you do want to work that way, make sure you type your email address so that HLAA can respond afterwards. HLAA archives the meetings for later viewing. The captions are there if you watch it later.
You mention that Zoom is not accessible from a landline. They are if the person running the meeting allows that. If you were sent a link, it has the phone number to dial. You would dial that number on your landline. You would not see anyone and nobody sees you, but it does work. You may be asked to enter a meeting ID and a passcode, but that information would be in the email that you received.
You mention that you requested normal internet recordings from HLAA. Can you elaborate on "normal internet recordings"? The recordings are on YouTube. How else would you want them?
Tony in Michigan