Schedule of Events: Cochlear Celebration

Feb. 15-18, 2007 - San Antonio (online registration now open)

Thursday, February 15th


Welcome Reception & Birthday Party
Here’s your chance to be introduced, or reintroduced to members of the large and growing Cochlear family. Come join us for this informal gathering to kick off Cochlear’s 2nd Annual Celebration!

Friday, February 16th Sessions:

Opening Session
Meet Professor Graeme Clark in person. More than 50 years ago, Professor Clark dreamed that his deaf father might communicate with the hearing world around him. He went on to invent the first multichannel cochlear implant – which has helped thousands of people worldwide. You’ll also hear from Cochlear’s very first employee and current Chief Scientist, Jim Patrick, about the early days and what’s on the horizon. Read more about our special guests.

Helping Your Child’s School Team Maximize Outcomes
We’ll discuss milestones, red flags and the options you have if your child is not progressing adequately. You’ll learn how you can help hearing and education professionals to promote great outcomes and what you can do if there isn’t an AVT in your area. Also featured: characteristics of a good educational program and what to do if there are no experienced educators in your area.

Facing the Everyday Challenges of Hearing Loss
We’ve all heard stories of people who lost their hearing and went on to become great athletes or famous celebrities. However, most of us are just living our daily lives. Join Terry and Denise Portis as they talk about the everyday, ordinary communication struggles and frustrations they’ve faced as a couple – one with a hearing loss (a Nucleus® recipient) and one with normal hearing. They’ll share their experiences about everyday life.

Bilateral Cochlear Implants: Two Ears Are Better than One – Friday and Saturday
Bilateral cochlear implantation is increasingly common for both adults and children. Industry experts are realizing that humans were designed with two ears (and two eyes, hands and feet) for a reason. New research on recipients with two (bilateral) implants suggests this to be true. Join us to learn about the benefits and outcomes of bilateral implantation. You’ll also hear from a bilateral recipient and learn what a difference two implants can make in everyday life.

How’d They Do That?  – Friday and Saturday
A virtual tour of how a Cochlear Nucleus implant is made. Cochlear’s chief scientist will be your tour guide and will show you where we’ve come from, where we’re going and the complexities of making the world’s most reliable cochlear implant.

Bilateral Rehabilitation
If you are considering bilateral implantation, or have recently been implanted, this session is for you. Find out what you might expect in terms of rehabilitation and outcomes. You’ll learn tips for a successful transition to “stereo” sound.

Freedom Now and Forever – Friday and Saturday
You’ll see the latest and greatest in Freedom technology and learn about the myriad options available only to Freedom recipients and developed to meet the needs of each person’s unique hearing fingerprint. You’ll also learn about using your Freedom to its full and amazing potential and find out what’s ahead for Cochlear recipients.

Making Reimbursement Work for You
Learn about the secrets of reimbursement success. Learn the best strategies for getting your insurance company, Medicare or Medicaid to pay for batteries, replacement parts or even a second (bilateral) implant or upgrade. In some cases, rehabilitation services can also be covered. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to make the most of your personal benefits.

Music Rehabilitation for CI Recipients
Why is it that hearing music is completely different from hearing speech? How is it that some cochlear implant recipients are able to hear music so much more successfully than others? This session will help unravel the mystery of music and cochlear implants. We’ll offer tips for a successful music listening experience. And, you’ll hear from professional musician and Nucleus recipient Richard Reed.

The Power of Advocacy - Passion, Action, Education, Support – Tom Westman, Survivor winner
Meet Tom Westman, winner of Survivor- Palau, former New York City firefighter and a proud Nucleus advocate. Tom will discuss his own inspiring story and the true importance of advocacy in bringing the world of hearing to more and more people around the globe. Join us to celebrate and learn how everyday people are doing remarkable things in their communities to educate others about hearing loss and cochlear implants. Learn how you can get involved and help others in your community!

Friday evening:  On your own to explore beautiful San Antonio, or stick around and meet other Nucleus families!

Saturday, February 17th Sessions:

Informational EXPO
This morning we will have an Information Expo from 8:00 am – 11:00 am. This will be an informal opportunity for you to talk to a range of experts to optimize your cochlear implant experience. Some of the stations will be: Troubleshooting Your Sound Processor, Nucleus Rehabilitation Support Tools, Improving Telephone Skills, Improving Music Appreciation, Hands-on Help with Accessories and ALDs, How to Join the Cochlear Awareness Network, Meet the Scientists of Cochlear, Submit your Nucleus story, Learn more about Freedom Upgrades, School-Based Services and Reimbursement.

Freedom Now and Forever – Friday and Saturday
You’ll see the latest and greatest in Freedom technology and learn about the myriad options available only to Freedom recipients and developed to meet the needs of each person’s unique hearing fingerprint. You’ll also learn about using your Freedom to its full and amazing potential and find out what’s ahead for Cochlear recipients.

Parent Advocacy Training (PAT)
Join us for an overview of strategies key to achieving the best educational experience for your kids. AG Bell will lead us through an overview of PAT – parent advocacy training. You’ll learn about the rights and services your child is entitled to under the law. You’ll also gain skills and strategies for effectively approaching and accessing all of your child’s school’s available services and programs. Make sure your child has everything he or she needs to achieve the
best possible outcomes.


Rehabilitation – It’s Not Just For Kids
We hear all the crazy talk that many think of rehabilitation as a tool only for CI kids. But to maximize your benefits with your cochlear implant, many adults need rehabilitation too. In this session, you’ll learn what to expect from rehabilitation and how you can make the most of it. You’ll understand how to facilitate communication between your rehab professional and MAPping audiologist to optimize your outcomes.

Bilateral Cochlear Implants: Two Ears Are Better than One – Friday and Saturday
Bilateral cochlear implantation is increasingly common for both adults and children. Industry experts are realizing that humans were designed with two ears (and two eyes, hands and feet) for a reason. New research on recipients with two (bilateral) implants suggests this to be true. Join us to learn about the benefits and outcomes of bilateral implantation. You’ll also hear from a bilateral recipient and learn what a difference two implants can make in everyday life.

Helping Your Child’s School Team Maximize Outcomes
We’ll discuss milestones, red flags and the options you have if your child is not progressing adequately. You’ll learn how you can help hearing and education professionals to promote great outcomes and what you can do if there isn’t an AVT in your area. Also featured: characteristics of a good educational program and what to do if there are no experienced educators in your area.

How’d They Do That?  – Friday and Saturday
A virtual tour of how a Cochlear Nucleus implant is made. Cochlear’s chief scientist will be your tour guide and will show you where we’ve come from, where we’re going and the complexities of making the world’s most reliable cochlear implant.

Freedom Now and Forever – Friday and Saturday
You’ll see the latest and greatest in Freedom technology and learn about the myriad options available only to Freedom recipients and developed to meet the needs of each person’s unique hearing fingerprint. You’ll also learn about using your Freedom to its full and amazing potential and find out what’s ahead for Cochlear recipients.

Celebration 2007 Private Party at SeaWorld


SeaWorld isn’t open to the public this time of year - so join us as they open their doors exclusively
for us!


• You can hop aboard "The Great White" - Texas' first inverted steel roller coaster.
• Experience "The Shamu Express," a family roller coaster themed to the park's signature killer whale.
• You can laugh up a storm with sea lions Clyde and Seamore in a hilarious all new show, “The Cannery Row Caper.”
• More than 200 penguins will entertain and delight you at the Penguin Encounter – a sub-Antarctic environment where temperatures hover just above freezing and snow falls daily, no matter the season!
• Guests can also observe and feed seals and sea lions in an outdoor habitat simulating the rocky and rugged Pacific coastline.
• Wear comfortable clothes and join us for a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Farewell Breakfast - Sunday, February 18th


It’s true – these last few days have gone by so quickly. It’s time to part ways until we meet again at next year’s Cochlear Celebration. Join the whole gang for a farewell breakfast and one last opportunity to exchange information and stories with the new friends you have made.

Childcare Options:


Onsite Childcare Rates:
Infant/Toddler (6wks – 4yrs) - $75 per day
Children (5yrs – 9yrs)- $75 per day
Children’s Programs Offsite (8 yrs. – 18 yrs.)
San Antonio Zoo Day Camp - Friday, February 16 - $85 per day
Camp SeaWorld - Saturday, February 17 - $85 per day

Teen Scene:
Teens 13yrs. - 18yrs. are invited to spend time together during the Cochlear Celebration.
Events include:
Thursday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. -Teen Welcome & Introductions
Friday, February 16

  • 9:00 a.m. - Attend General Session and eat lunch together
  • 2:00 p.m. – Bowling
  • 7:00 p.m. – Movie Night w/ popcorn & soda


Saturday, February 17

  • 9:00 a.m. – Tour EXPO Hall
  • 1:00 p.m. – Teen Rap Session

Sunday, February 18 at 9:00 a.m. – Attend General Session together

Fee $25

Registration Fees

Registration Fees if registered by December 15, 2006 (prices increase after Dec. 15
and registration will close on January 15, 2007). Register by the early bird deadline
and be entered into a drawing for a free 1-year supply of batteries!
Single - $ 100.00
Single Day – Friday - $75.00
Single Day – Saturday - $75.00
Couple - $200.00
Couple 1 Day Only – Friday - $100.00
Couple 1 Day Only – Saturday - $100.00
Family - $ 250.00
Family 1 Day Only – Friday - $150.00
Family 1 Day Only– Saturday - $150.00

Registration includes:

Welcome Reception
Continental breakfast on Friday and Sunday
Lunch on Friday
Access to all educational sessions
Access to hands-on information EXPO
Private party, dinner and shows at SeaWorld San Antonio