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Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino will proclaim May 18 to be “Walk4Hearing Day” and Irvington Mayor Brian Smith will cut the ceremonial ribbon to start the event on the Mercy College campus.
“Mercy College’s Speech and Hearing Center has provided services to people in the community for more than 25 years," said Gloria Schlisselberg, director of Mercy College Speech and Hearing Center. "We are pleased to be part of the national and local movements to help bring awareness to hearing loss and to partner with this outstanding organization to host the (event)."
The Walk4Hearing is one of 22 nationally coordinated walkathons that serve to increase awareness of and raise funds for critical programs and support services for the estimated 36 million Americans, or about one in 10 people, who suffer from hearing loss.
Westchester/Rockland Walk4Hearing Co-Chair and Irvington resident Steve Wolfert said there are many who need assistance with their hearing.
“Only 20 percent of those who could benefit from help for hearing trouble receive it, according to the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association," Wolfert said. "Many people in our area can benefit from learning where to find appropriate hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices."
Wolfert said many also need help in locating employment resources, learning social and networking skills, obtaining insurance reimbursement and government aid, finding educational information and other programs for the hearing impaired.
The Walk will feature hundreds of walkers from Westchester and Rockland counties, New York City, Long Island and New Jersey; information tables staffed by hearing professionals and equipment manufacturers; free food and entertainment; and a children’s tent with games, face painting, magic tricks and clowns.
To become a walker or team captain, an event sponsor, or to obtain more information on how to join HLAA, go to the event website or e-mail swolfert@optonline.net.
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