Get ready for this year’s HLAA convention in Indianapolis with this guide to hearing loss-friendly activities.

Welcome to Indianapolis! As you prepare for the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) convention, you might be wondering what else this vibrant city has to offer. Beyond the convention center, Indianapolis boasts a range of accessible and enjoyable experiences for individuals with hearing loss. Let’s explore some hearing loss-friendly activities you can enjoy during your stay outside of the convention itself.
Visit a Park
One way to enjoy nature while still being close to the HLAA convention is to find a local park for a walk. Indianapolis has over 200 playground and park locations near the city, so finding one can be easy! Take a look at this guide for details, or consult a local map to find walking trails or parks for some fresh air. This is a great way to unwind from the convention and get some steps in during your stay.
Walk Through a Museum
If an indoor activity is more your speed, try taking a tour through one of Indianapolis’s many museums. These venues are hearing loss-friendly as they offer quiet spaces to enjoy learning and take in the special galleries. Many of these museums offer accessibility features like closed captions on videos, hearing loops, or personal amplifiers. Talk with the museum guide or front desk to see what features they can provide for you.
Take a Visit to an Art Gallery
Indianapolis has a variety of art galleries for you to explore. These spaces are quiet and offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the convention. Many of these galleries are even free to visit. Maybe you’ll find a new piece of art to take home to commemorate your adventure!
Tour the Local Scenery
Indianapolis has many gorgeous buildings and scenic views. Taking a walk through the Crown Hill Cemetery, visiting the Stutz Business and Arts Center (which has a massive car museum on the inside), or touring the old districts of Indianapolis can help you unwind and explore a vibrant city.
Visit a Sporting Event
If you’re on the hunt for some high-octane action, consider a visit to one of the many sporting facilities in the area. From the Indianapolis Colts football team to the Pacers basketball team to the classic Indy 500, there are a variety of sports venues and team stores to visit during your stay.
Check Out the Restaurant Scene
Indy boasts a wide variety of delectable restaurants to choose from; you certainly won’t run out of new places to try during your stay. Take a look at this guide for some of the local top choices, or try a new place with friends from the HLAA convention. Getting a reservation for your group well in advance of the convention will assure you get your first choice of restaurant and that you can request additional seating preferences.
Your stay in Indianapolis for the HLAA convention can be an incredibly rewarding experience, even outside of the conference itself. Give some of these ideas a try and be sure to say hello to the CapTel team while you’re there! For more info, visit the CapTel blog.