Join Nicole Leung, board member of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – BC Chapter (CHHA BC), for an engaging discussion on the role of CHHA BC in supporting individuals with hearing loss and how audiologists can help foster accessibility in British Columbia.
Title: CHHA BC – Empowering the Hard of Hearing Community Through Advocacy and Action
CHHA BC is a consumer-driven organization dedicated to advocacy, education, self-empowerment, and accessibility. We work to reduce stigma, advocate for captioning and accessible communication services, and create resources for individuals navigating life with hearing loss.
In this session, we will discuss:
● The impact of hearing loss and why early intervention matters.
● How CHHA BC supports individuals, families, and professionals.
● CHHA BC’s advocacy initiatives, including work on captioning service, like CRTC and PLS, and accessibility laws, like Accessible BC Act
● How others can join CHHA BC to improve awareness and access to hearing resources
● Information about an educational exhibit “The Way We Hear It”
This is an excellent opportunity for audiology students and professionals to learn how they can engage with CHHA BC, support individuals with hearing loss, and drive systemic change in their field.
About Nicole Leung
Nicole Leung – Advocate, Educator, and Healthcare Professional
Nicole Leung is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion in the hard-of-hearing community. A registered nurse specializing in Neuroscience ICU care, she brings both personal and professional experience to her work in supporting individuals with hearing loss.
Nicole lost her hearing just before her first birthday due to meningitis, resulting in profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Growing up in the hearing world, she navigated mainstream education before discovering a second home within the hard-of-hearing community.
Her advocacy and leadership span numerous organizations and initiatives:
● Organized and facilitated the “Advocate for Our Rights Through Leadership” study session for 25 young adults with the International Federation of Hard of Hearing Young People (IFHOHYP), both virtually and in Budapest.
● Public Awareness & Media – Featured on UBC 101.9 FM’s “All Access Pass” to discuss disability challenges.
● Healthcare & Mentorship – Served as a mentor in the UBC Interprofessional Health Mentors Program, guiding healthcare students in understanding hearing loss.
● Youth Empowerment – Led CHHA BC Youth Peer Support Program (YPSP) workshops, including “Navigate Your Way to Success” and a self-care and resiliency workshop for young women with hearing loss “Empowering Girls of Tomorrow”
Currently serving as a board member of CHHA BC, Nicole is committed to improving accessibility in healthcare and education while fostering a more inclusive society. Through her work, she continues to bridge gaps between individuals with hearing loss and the wider community.
Let’s work together to make hearing healthcare more inclusive and accessible for all.
If you plan to join us virtually, please click here to RSVP for the ZOOM session.