Who We Are and What We Do
Founded in 2014, Loop Minnesota is a Communication Access-Oriented, non-profit 501(c)(3) Organization. We are dedicated to helping Minnesotans with Hearing Loss hear and understand speech clearly, especially in venues with background noise.
We advocate for the installation throughout the State of Minnesota of ANY Hearing Assistive System. These Systems include hearing loops as well as other technologies.
These can include: Hearing Loops (also known as: Loops, Induction Loops, Audio Loops, etc.) as well as FM Frequency Modulation (radio), IR Infro Red or other technologies. – Please note that Bluetooth that broadcasts to many listeners is not available at this time and is still some years in the future. When Bluetooth does become available – it will take a long time to implement. The other Assistive Listening Systems will be used for many years to come.
Although the installation of hearing loops is our first choice, Loop Minnesota supports and provides information on any technology that helps people hear and understand better and improves access to communication and information:
– Hearing Loops
– FM Frequency Modulation Systems
– IR Infra Red Systems
– Wi-Fi (in certain situations)
– Closed Captioning (CC)
– CART (Communication Access Real Time Transcription) or other assistive devices.
– Please note that Bluetooth that broadcasts to many listeners is not available now and is still some years in the future.
Loop Minnesota does NOT install loops. We provide education, information and guidance regarding this assistive technology to those who want to learn more as well as to those who are interested in installing a loop or other Assistive Listening System. We can help you get started.
We are updating our List of Loops – PLEASE HELP US!!!
We are contacting facilities that have had Hearing Loops installed. Some are working very well, while other loops are no longer being used for a variety of reasons: staff is not trained, the loop has been disconnected, the Loop Listeners are no longer being brought out, etc.
We are trying to help those facilities get their Listening Systems working again and their staff trained to operate them.
So, Loop Minnesota is updating its current website lists of hearing loops across the State. However, our Hearing Access page will not only include loops but will now also include locations that have other types of Assistive Listening Technology to accommodate those with hearing problems.
PLEASE SEE BLOG POSTED HERE – APRIL 5, 2023
1) If you Manage a Facility or Business – Does it have Hearing Access? Please let us know. – See the Questions in the April 5th BLOG.
2) If you are a person with hearing loss – Do you know of hearing-loss-friendly establishments? Please let us know about the locations in your city or community and about the types of accommodation that are provided. Does your: City Council Chamber, Library, Church, Synagogue, Mosque, have a hearing System? Does it work?
PLEASE CONTACT US:
Use our convenient Contact Form
You can also use the US MAIL
Loop Minnesota
PO Box 17247
Minneapolis, MN 55417
CALL 612-729-0082
We are currently focused on specific projects including:
– getting more facilities to install Assistive Listening Systems
– loops in businesses – conference rooms, auditoriums, information desks
– counter and window loops at public facilities, banks, ticket offices, medical clinics
– loops at travel facilities – airports, train stations, bus terminals, tour offices
– ensuring that facilities with FM or IR (Frequency Modulation / Infra-Red) Systems have Neck Loops available for people with Hearing Aids (who cannot wear earphones)
We are currently helping the following Cities / Townships / Facilities to evaluate or improve their Hearing Systems:
Big Lake Township, MN
Arden Hills, MN
Steeple Center, Rosemount, MN
The Loft, Literary Center, Minneapolis, MN
Lake Benton Opera House, MN
City of New Brighton, MN
New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, Shoreview, MN
Anoka City Hall, Anoka, MN
Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan, MN
South East Minnesota Center for Independent Living, Rochester, MN
So, What Difference Does a Hearing Loop Make?
Listen to a sample. This is recorded in a New York City subway station where it is almost impossible to hear clearly, even for those with normal or near-normal hearing.
Loop Minnesota News
Google Maps Now Includes Hearing Loops
Having hearing loss requires us to think about how we will hear everywhere we go. This can be particularly
challenging in public settings like places of worship, a meeting room, or even a service counter where
hearing aids alone are often not enough. Assistive listening systems like hearing loops can help you hear
better in different locations —
When you’re planning your day out and about, how do you know where hearing loops are?
How to Access the Google Maps Hearing Loop Accessibility Feature
- On a smartphone, open a Google Maps listing, under the photos, scroll to the right to find
the “About” tab. Then click on “About” and scroll down to reveal the Accessibility Attribute; it
will be listed under details. - On a computer, open a Google Maps listing and click on the right arrow next to the location
description.
Saint John The Baptist Catholic Church & School
The Saint John The Baptist Catholic Church has a new Hearing Loop System, Jordan MN
Loop Minnesota, Board Director at Large, Justin Burwinkel, AuD and Tom Monsen recently installed the Loop. Loop Listeners are available.
The Hearing Loop is located in the nave of the church and functions very well. It is listed on Google Maps and will be listed on this website soon. Signs indicating the Loop are posted at both entrances, as well as on the song number boards in the nave. There are 4 Loop Listener / Receivers available (2 at each entrance).
Assumption Catholic Church – Eden Valley MN
The Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley, Minnesota has a new Hearing Loop System.
2023 BOLD Award Finalist – ACG Minnesota Association for Corporate Growth
Loop Minnesota is proud to be a Finalist for the 2023 Minnesota Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) BOLD Award – in the Not-for-Profit category.
According to the ACG website, “BOLD Awards honors and highlights the innovative and inspirational organizations that make Minnesota great. These awards are designed to honor and recognize innovation, inspirational moves, bold visions and leaders that have made bold moves to positively grow, restructure or enhance their companies for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
The Cathedral of St. Paul
The Cathedral of Saint Paul has an FM Assistive Listening System – if you attend, please request a Listener / Receiver.
If you have a Hearing Aid with a Telecoil – please request a Neck Loop that will plug into the Listener / Receiver.
The Cathedral is working on installing Hearing Loop Systems, in various locations in the building.
The Basilica of Saint Mary , Minneapolis, MN
The Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, MN has an FM Assistive Listening System – if you attend, please request a Listener / Receiver.
If you have a Hearing Aid with a Telecoil – please request a Neck Loop that will plug into the Listener / Receiver.
The Cathedral is working on installing Hearing Loop Systems, in various locations in the building.
Becker Township Commissions a new Hearing Loop System in the Town Hall
Loop Minnesota officials, Monique and Ross Hammond attended the Commissioning of the Hearing Loop at the Becker Township Board Meeting. Monique congratulates Board Chair Brian Kolbinger.
Loop Minnesota officials spoke at the Commissioning. They said that hearing loops provide those with hearing loss who have hearing aids or cochlear implants with tele-coils the ability to clearly hear and understand what is happening at the meeting.
When the user switches their hearing aid or cochlear implant to tele-coil mode, the user will only hear the presenter and other noise in the room is no longer amplified. The result is that the person hears clearly and understands everything.
The Town Board also uses Closed Captioning in conjunction with the hearing loop so those watching are able to read as well as listen.
The Livonia Town Board has a new hearing loop system in the Town Hall
Shortly after the Becker Hearing Loop System was approved, the Board in nearby Livonia Township approved a new Hearing Loop System for their facility in Zimmerman MN. The Hearing Loop has been installed and is working.
Petra Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids, MN – installs a new hearing loop system
Petra Lutheran Church installed new Hearing Loop System in the Church proper.
Petra Lutheran also has a school for children Kindergarten through Eight grade.
Petra Lutheran
Loop Minnesota News – 2022 – Previous Years
The City of St. Louis Park installs a hearing loop system in the City Council Chambers
Monique Hammond from Loop Minnesota described how a Hearing Loop works and the Benefits of Looping. The presentation was at the City of St. Louis Park City Council Meeting where the Hearing Loop System was dedicated.
Loop Minnesota partnered with the City of St. Louis Park and with the Hearing Loss Association of America, Minnesota Chapter (HLAA TC) to give all of the St. Louis Park residents access to the issues that are debated in the City Council Chamber.
Once the loop was activated, a Council member, who had Telecoils installed in his hearing aids mentioned that he could hear the presenter clearly without background noise. “It is 200% better,” he said.
Loop Minnesota and HLAA – Minnesota Chapter install a Hearing Loop System in the Board Room at the Courage Center – Allina Health
Loop Minnesota partnered with the Hearing Loss Association of America – Minnesota Chapter to install a hearing Loop System in the Board Room at the Courage Center – Allina Health.
The HLAA Minnesota Chapter meets in the Board Room (when COVID Restrictions are not in force – HLAA Minnesota is currently meeting on Zoom each month).
Question for You
Shouldn’t ALL Minnesota Cities, Townships, Counties, Churches and other facilities be as forward-thinking as the these organizations?
Shouldn’t ALL Government Chambers and other facilities have Assistive Listening Systems to help those with Hearing Loss clearly understand what is being said?
Johns-Hopkins University tells us that 20% of Americans over the age of 12 have significant Hearing Loss.
That is one in five of your attendees over age 12.
Nearly one third of those over sixty have Hearing Loss!
How about your own City or Town, Township or County?
Now, there is something to think about.
Our Partners
We work with
- HLAA TC – Twin Cities’ Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America
- MNCDHH – Commission for Deaf, Deafblind and Hard-of-Hearing Minnesotans
- MNCoD – Minnesota Council On Disability
- HLAA – Hearing Loss Association of America
- GITL – Get in the Hearing Loop from the HLAA Hearing Loss Association of America
- Loop Lane County Committee – Oregon – loopyourlife.org
Our Board of Directors
Dick Davis, Director at Large
Justin Burwinkel, Au.D., Director at Large
Daniel Bonkowske, MBA, Treasurer
Monique Hammond, R.Ph., Vice-President
Ross Hammond, P.E., President
Join Us
Please become a “Friend of the Loop.”
- Individual $25 per year
- Household / Family $40 per year
If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Loop, Please mail a check / Money Order to:
Loop Minnesota
PO Box 17247
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Thank you for your support.
Loop and Communication Access Information
- Travel information for Hard of Hearing
Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
-
- For Special Assistance Information, check the MSP Airport Accessibility Page.
- This includes the Deaf and Hard of Hearing section.
- Look for Hearing Loop signage: In-the-floor hearing loops are active in Terminal 1.. Information desks are in the process of getting hearing loops
- MSP also participates in the Hidden Disabilities program. More on our blog Hidden, Silent Disability Travel Woes
- For Special Assistance Information, check the MSP Airport Accessibility Page.
- Map and Lists of just some of the Facilities with Hearing Loops in Minnesota and the surrounding area are shown below
- Lists of Looped Facilities are shown on our List of Loops page.
Here is some additional information for travelers:
Hidden, Silent Disability Travel Woes
Partial Lists of Assistive Listening Systems – Hearing Loops, FM, IR or other Systems
Note: Loop Minnesota is currently updating the lists – to also show facilities that have other Assistive Listening Systems (FM, IR and other). If you plan to visit one of these facilities – please contact them and ask if the Listening System works and if it will be operating. Please let us know if you are successful or have problems. Thank you.
• Alphabetical List • List by State