Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
P.O. Box 173 Holderness, NH 03245
Media Contact: Laura Dentel
603-968-7194 x34
Laura.Dentel@nhnature.org

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

SQUAM LAKES NATURAL SCIENCE CENTER RECEIVES NEW WIRELESS ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS

Donation will improve accessibility for hearing impaired visitors

HOLDERNESS, N.H. (July 24, 2007) –Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is now more accessible for visitors with hearing impairment, thanks to a generous donation from Hear Clear, LLC, and support provided by the Finlay-Lamb Family Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation–Lakes Region.

The new FM and electro-magnetic induction loop systems now available for use at the Science Center will provide clearer hearing, better accessibility, and improved communication. The devices work by amplifying the speaker’s voice and helping block out background noises.

The FM system transmits sound similarly to an FM radio station from a transmitter worn by the speaker to a receiver. The portable induction loop system uses cutting-edge electro-magnetic loop technology. The loop system is relatively new to the United States, but has been used for several years in the United Kingdom and many other parts of Europe.

In the United Kingdom, all public venues that provide information are required to offer accessibility to the hearing impaired through the use of loop systems. West Minster Abbey, the London Underground, taxis, and most public venues such as information desks, cashiers, and tellers are required to be “looped” in order to provide accessibility to the hearing impaired.

The technology produces a universal signal sent through an electro-magnetic induction loop that may be received by any tele-coil equipped hearing aid, cochlear implant, or induction loop receiver. The hearing impaired individual simply needs to turn the instrument to the tele-coil setting, and be within the signal area of the electro-magnetic loop, in order to pick up the looped signal. What wi-fi is to laptops, FM and loop systems are to hearing aids!

“Churches, schools, and businesses have become accessible to those in need of wheelchairs,” said Mona Hoefs of Hear Clear, LLC. “As more and more people become aware of the relatively low cost and substantial benefits of assistive listening systems, it is hoped that our communities will provide hearing accessibility to the 28 million Americans with hearing loss.”

For more information about the FM and loop systems from Hear Clear, LLC, contact Mona Hoefs at 603-455-8777 or visit www.hearclearinfo.com.

About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

The mission of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC) is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors for forty years about the importance of our natural world. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on Route 113 in downtown Holderness, exit 24 off I-93, and is open daily from May 1 through November 1. In September 2006, SLNSC gained national accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This accreditation distinguishes SLNSC as among the very finest educational facilities of its kind throughout the nation and the only AZA-accredited institution in all of northern New England. For further information about the Center, call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.

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The Lakes Region Association is a non-profit tourism marketing organization that promotes the entire region. The association publishes the Where to! Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a comprehensive guide to the area, and Lakes Region Map and Guide. For a free vacation package call 1-800-60-LAKES.