On 7 June 2026, EFHOH participated in the European Association of Hearing Care Professionals (AEA) Mini Symposium, “Breaking Barriers for Hard of Hearing People”, held in Vienna, Austria.
Representing EFHOH, President Lidia Best and General Secretary Claire Landesmann delivered presentations highlighting key areas of the organisation’s recent work. The presentations included the recent launch of EFHOH’s Hearing Loss Inclusive Employment Toolkit, designed to support employers and workplaces in becoming more inclusive of hard of hearing people, as well as reflections on EFHOH’s participation at the Zero Project Conference and the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing accessibility and inclusion.
Participants also received a preview of a new project currently under development, with further details to be announced.
The symposium provided an important opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss solutions to improve participation, accessibility, and equal opportunities for hard of hearing people across Europe.
The event also marked the conclusion of an important chapter for AEA, as Mark Laureyns stepped down after 12 years as President of the Association. Throughout his tenure, Mark has been a strong supporter of collaboration between AEA and EFHOH and has contributed significantly to advancing hearing accessibility and awareness across Europe.
To recognise his longstanding commitment to the hard of hearing community, EFHOH presented Mark with an EFHOH Team vest and welcomed him as an honorary member of the team.
EFHOH extends its sincere thanks to Mark Laureyns for his years of leadership, partnership, and support, wishes him a happy retirement, and looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with AEA under its new leadership.
