This history is not a complete account of all data or a complete listing of all pieces of legislation HLAA where HLAA had input. However, it is an informative sketch of some of the major highlights of the organization.

Updated August 2021

1991

At the 6th SHHH Convention in Denver, Marjorie Boone, VA receives the second Rocky Stone Humanitarian Award. The SHHH Hospital Program, Access 2000, a joint project with Canada is launched....At the 6th SHHH Convention in Denver, Marjorie Boone, VA receives the second Rocky Stone Humanitarian Award. The SHHH Hospital Program, Access 2000, a joint project with Canada is launched. Over the next year 150 hospitals in 37 states will commit to the program implemented by 150 facilitators from local Chapters. President Bush signs the … Read More >

1990

July 26, 1990: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation for people wtih disabilities, is signed into law. SHHH and its members advocated for its...July 26, 1990: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation for people wtih disabilities, is signed into law. SHHH and its members advocated for its passage. Founder and Executive Director Rocky Stone is appointed by President Reagan to a three-year term on the federal Access Board, (formerly ATBCB). This is … Read More >

1989

July: SHHH celebrates its first decade as 1,050 people attend Convention 1989 in Bethesda. Opening reception is held in the Caucus Room of the House of Representatives. U.S. Surgeon General...July: SHHH celebrates its first decade as 1,050 people attend Convention 1989 in Bethesda. Opening reception is held in the Caucus Room of the House of Representatives. U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop (a hearing aid user) receives the 1989 “Walter T. Ridder Award.” Australia receives an “SHHH International Award.” SHHH begins an annual awards … Read More >

1988

Rochester, NY, is the site of the third National convention chaired by Rochester member, Sue Miller. 900 people attend. Colby Chandler, chairman and CEO of Eastman Kodak Company, receives the...Rochester, NY, is the site of the third National convention chaired by Rochester member, Sue Miller. 900 people attend. Colby Chandler, chairman and CEO of Eastman Kodak Company, receives the Walter T. Ridder Award. (Also delivers a spell-binding banquet speech.) Membership votes to increase dues to $15 per year. Barbara Kelley becomes Shhh Journal editor. … Read More >

1987

January: SHHH membership dues increase to $12 a year. SHHH motto, “Make Hearing Loss an Issue of National Concern,” becomes the title of a regular column for Shhh. Board votes...January: SHHH membership dues increase to $12 a year. SHHH motto, “Make Hearing Loss an Issue of National Concern,” becomes the title of a regular column for Shhh. Board votes to adopt the existing International Symbol for Hearing Loss. (NAD holds the U.S. Copyright.) Board approved eight Chapter Standards as a guide for developing groups. … Read More >