HLAA Webinar: Is It Really a Risk? Cybersecurity, Accessibility and the Myths That Hold Us Back

When cybersecurity and accessibility collide, who wins—and who loses? In this HLAA HearingU Hearing Loss at Work quarterly webinar, Andy Chandler, a retired cybersecurity professional and current fraud prevention speaker, shares practical insights from both sides of the firewall, moderated by Michael Noble, MBA.

Through real-life stories and evidence-based reflections, Andy investigates:

• The anatomy of scams targeting job seekers and employees, and how to recognize emotional manipulation 
• Why most cybersecurity “risks” tied to hearing technology are exaggerated 
• How fear and policy inertia often stand in the way of reasonable accommodations 
• How captioning features in virtual meetings become a catalyst for inclusion
• What Bluetooth hearing devices really mean for risk scores—and why we should question default bans 
• Tips on communicating with security and human resources (HR) teams to foster a truly inclusive workplace 

For an in-depth look at the most common myths about work and hearing loss, read Andy’s follow-up blog article.

Panelist

Andy Chandler –  Cybersecurity Professional and Accessibility Advocate

As an individual with a lifelong hearing loss, Andy has always been fascinated by technology that helps him “hear” better. He was enthralled by the advent of computers and the internet, followed by email, texting and captioning apps—but their inherent danger makes people susceptible to criminal activities. Andy has spent the last 20 years of his career in cybersecurity, helping clients defend against cyber-attacks and scams. In this webinar, he will share his extensive knowledge about how viewers can protect themselves online.

Moderator

Michael Noble, MBA – Chair, HLAA Task Force for Accessible, Inclusive Employment

Michael Noble was born with profound hearing loss and is a cochlear implant recipient, a journey that has shaped his passion for accessibility and inclusion. With more than 15 years of experience in the medical device industry, he currently serves as the vice president of global marketing for Senzime, a Swedish company dedicated to advancing patient monitoring solutions. Thanks to the unwavering support of his parents, family, and community, including organizations like HLAA, Michael has built a thriving career and continues to advocate for inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with hearing loss.

This session was presented on May 15, 2025, through the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) HearingU Hearing Loss at Work webinar series by the HLAA Task Force for Accessible, Inclusive Employment.

NOTE: HLAA does not offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participation in our webinars. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) believes that information about products and services that could benefit people with hearing loss should be made available to consumers to help them make informed decisions about their hearing health care. ​Reference to specific products, services, organizations or claims made in HLAA Webinars, online meetings or discussions do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by HLAA, nor does exclusion suggest disapproval. While we make every effort to provide accurate and reliable information, HLAA does not control or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or efficacy of information contained by presenters about products or services.