Talk will focus on resources for the hearing-impaired

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Gary W. Talley knows firsthand the difficulties of being deaf or hard of hearing.

Talley lost his hearing, but he "hears" through a signer.

Talley, the outreach and community-services programs manager at the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, will talk tomorrow about being deaf and will provide information for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or simply interested in the topic.

His "All About Deafness" session, which is the focus of Synergy Club's luncheon meeting, will detail what resources are available and the latest technologies and gadgets to assist those with hearing problems.

One device alerts people who can't hear. It shakes their bed and flashes lights in every room when a phone or doorbell rings, a baby cries or a smoke detector starts screeching.

Talley will demonstrate that device and others. People who qualify financially can get devices for free after trying them out for 30 days.

Talley also will discuss the department's programs and its outreach efforts.

The Synergy Club meeting starts at noon. It will be held at Beauregard's Thai Room, 103 E. Cary St. in downtown Richmond.

Buy your own lunch for about $10. Park free in the restaurant's lot.

There is no need to register.