• More explanation on hearing assistance • Spay, neuter would reduce stray pet population • Kauai choking on tourism success More explanation on hearing assistance I am writing with further information on the topic of “hearing assistance devices.” Usage of the proper terminology
• More explanation on hearing assistance • Spay, neuter would reduce stray pet population • Kauai choking on tourism success
More explanation on hearing assistance
I am writing with further information on the topic of “hearing assistance devices.” Usage of the proper terminology would be beneficial to all involved.
“Assistive Listening Devices,” (ALD) or “Assistive Listening Systems,” (ALS) are the correct terms. An ALD is what a person with hearing loss uses to amplify sound. An ALS is the system that provides that possibility.
Not all ALS systems benefit people with hearing loss, just as not all sign language interpreters benefit all people with hearing loss, either. Another choice for those with hearing loss attending venues such as lectures, workshops, or panels would be to request “Real Time Captions,” a captioned form of accommodations that can also be requested, but it must be set up in advance with certain internet/wifi qualifications, or a captionist on-site.
“Hearing challenges” are not as frustrating as dealing with the people who don’t understand or realize their responsibilities when offering events to the public.
Besides Kauai Community College’s Performing Arts Center, Kauai War Memorial also has an ALS system for anyone, which should be available at any venue, (depending, of course, on whether or not the devices have been charged ahead of time.) It is wise to self-advocate prior to the engagement (this assures the devices are ready.)
The American’s with Disabilities Act, will celebrate its 25th anniversary, July 26. It would behoove both people with hearing loss and those who offer venues to the public to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Aloha and access for all.
Larry Littleton, Lihue
Spay, neuter would reduce stray pet population
There is one very important action that every pet owning person on this island could take that would help lower the intake/euthanasia numbers at the Kauai Humane Society — spay and neuter your pets.
This simple step will help relieve the numbers of animals entering the shelter every year. Over time, we would see the number of homeless, abandoned, and stray animals decrease dramatically and with it a decrease in the number of animals who are turned in to the Kauai Humane Society. On a small island in the middle of the Pacific, with only one open admission animal welfare organization, it’s one of the few solutions to shelter animal in-take and over-population.
Your hunting dogs need their testosterone to be good hunters? Then neuter your hunting dogs (chemical neutering that leaves the testicles in tact). Your cat never gets out of the house … really? Where did that litter of kittens come from?
KHS offers low-cost spay and neuter surgeries and financial assistance for those who cannot afford to have their animals altered.
Come on, people, spay or neuter your pets.
J. Werner, Hanamaulu
Kauai choking on tourism success
My fear for our beloved island? That we become like Barcelona. Beautiful, exotic, a Last Best Place and without even a minimal effort at actually incorporating growth management; or building permits moratoriums; or increasing organic and self-sustaining healthy agriculture (vs the agrichemical giants); or serious vehicle limitations ( think rentals )! We choke on our own “success” in tourism and growth!
Unfettered growth on our dear little island has a tipping point! We humans tend to love these “Last Best Places” like Kauai to death! Dear Kauaians, where is the tipping point for our little island?
JD Ahasay, Lihue
