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Thank you for supporting our nonprofit charitable organization. Any profits are invested in our programs and services to support Deaf and hard of hearing communities.
Thank you for supporting our nonprofit charitable organization and Deaf and hard of hearing communities.
A Helping Hand to Find Equipment and Resources For The Deaf and Hard of Hearing

A Helping Hand to Find Equipment and Resources For The Deaf and Hard of Hearing

“Mom!  I told you last week that your appointment was on Tuesday.  Today is Tuesday and I am here to pick you up.  Why aren’t you ready? “

Tony was overwhelmed. He had taken time off work to drive his mother to her appointment and he had even called to remind her yesterday.  Now she was insisting that he told her the appointment was on Thursday.  She just wasn’t hearing things the way she used to.  He had to yell at her over the phone and she still didn’t hear what he was saying.  This wasn’t the first time she had mixed up what he said.  He didn’t know how she heard anything with that TV blaring in the living room…

All too often, this is a common scenario for families when a loved one experiences hearing loss.  While there are a variety of assistive devices to help people who are Deaf and hard of hearing, it is difficult to know exactly what to buy and whether it will work.  Shopping online gets tricky when you are choosing assistive equipment from a wide selection.

Know Before You Buy – A Personal Consultation to Find Assistive Equipment Solutions

Assistive equipment solutions are not only for people with hearing loss.  There is also a range of safety devices to support Deaf individuals.  Whether you need signaling equipment or communication devices, a consultation with someone who can answer your questions and show you how the equipment works can make a difference to the whole shopping experience.

Meet Kathy, Accessibility Services Manager at DHA.  Kathy’s approach to selling assistive equipment is what makes the DHA eStore stand out.  Her calm and patient demeanor sets customers at ease as she answers questions about assistive listening equipment and safety devices.   Kathy offers free demonstrations of any of the DHA eStore items either in-person (by appointment) at the Calgary office or in an online video session.  Closed Captioning and ASL Interpreters are available by request.  Video Relay Service (VRS), or a phone call will connect you with Kathy personally.

It is common for prospective buyers to come to Kathy with preconceived notions or misinformation based on things they have heard in the marketplace. Sometimes, they question key claims or doubt the product and its performance capabilities.  A demonstration is the best way to ease those concerns.

FAQ’s

Does an amplified phone work with hearing aids or do you need to remove them to talk on the phone? 

Amplified phones are specifically designed for people with hearing loss.  Sometimes, people who use amplified phones do not have hearing aids yet, but most amplified phones are hearing aid compatible.  This is a perfect instance where Kathy’s expertise could help you out.

How does the voice to text device display the caller’s words on a land line call?

Voice to text converters allow incoming conversations on your landline phone to be converted to text on your smartphone.  You have to install an app.  Kathy is your go-to for all the specifics.

Is the bed shaker of a new alarm clock or home signaler strong enough to wake you?

Yes. Bed shakers are meant to wake a person from a deep sleep.  Contact Kathy for a demonstration.

Can I get funding assistance?

Yes! Please contact visit our website for a list of funding possibilities.  They may include The Campbell McLaurin Foundation, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), or other government funders. 

Customers should be confident in their decision to purchase quality products from a non-profit organization.  DHA has been serving the Deaf and hard of hearing communities in Alberta for 60 years.  Everyone deserves to have access to communication and alerts.  Why struggle when there are solutions available?   

Email: equipment@deafandhearalberta.ca.

Book an appointment today to see what we have to offer!

Visit our online store or call ahead for an in-person visit to our showroom in Calgary 403-284-6215. 

We want a world free of communication barriers for the Deaf and hard of hearing for we believe that communication is a basic human right.

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