Categories: Advocacy News, Connected Care, Coronavirus, COVID-19, FCC, News, Telecommunications, Telehealth

FCC Approves Emergency COVID-19 Telehealth and Connected Care Pilot Programs

On March 31, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a $200 million telehealth program to implement the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support healthcare providers responding...On March 31, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a $200 million telehealth program to implement the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support healthcare providers responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Through the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, the FCC will help healthcare providers purchase telecommunications, broadband connectivity, and devices necessary for providing … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Advocating, Blog, Communication Strategies, Coronavirus, Emergency, Hospital, News

How Do I Communicate with Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at the Hospital During COVID-19?

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, how will you be able to talk to doctors, nurses and others at the hospital? This guide is to help you get ready for your hospital...During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, how will you be able to talk to doctors, nurses and others at the hospital? This guide is to help you get ready for your hospital visit.  Going to the hospital will be very different during the pandemic.  In normal times, hospitals must give services that help you understand what is … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Blog, Communication Strategies, Coronavirus, Emergency, Hospital, News

Communications & Medical Access in the Hospital During Disasters: Temporary Recommendations for Hospitals and Medical Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

*developed with a consensus by deaf and hard of hearing Consumer Groups, deaf healthcare providers and other subject matter experts Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind Americans who seek medical...*developed with a consensus by deaf and hard of hearing Consumer Groups, deaf healthcare providers and other subject matter experts Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind Americans who seek medical treatment amid the COVID-19 crisis and medical professionals serving them may encounter significant barriers to communication. We estimate that up to approximately 650,0001 Americans who … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Blog, Coronavirus, Emergency, FCC, News, Television

FCC Shares Resources About Accessible Televised Emergency Information

On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared concerning the coronavirus outbreak.  The FCC has rules requiring televised emergency information to be accessible.  See the below links for some...On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared concerning the coronavirus outbreak.  The FCC has rules requiring televised emergency information to be accessible.  See the below links for some helpful resources about accessible televised emergency information:    Consumer Guide American Sign Language video Detailed Public Notice about the obligation to make televised emergency information … Read More >

Categories: ADA, Advocacy News, Coronavirus, News

Hearing Loss in the Time of Coronavirus

Your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act don’t disappear in a time of emergency. Here’s important information for people now are required to work from home or attend classes...Your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act don’t disappear in a time of emergency. Here’s important information for people now are required to work from home or attend classes online. The coronavirus pandemic is upending everyone’s daily life. Schools have been closed, people are working from home, Broadway and local theaters have shut down, … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Coronavirus, FCC, News, Telecommunications

FCC Grants Temporary Waiver of Certain TRS Rules During Coronavirus

HLAA has learned that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which provides oversight for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), has issued a new Order relaxing some rules for  internet protocol captioned telephone...HLAA has learned that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which provides oversight for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS), has issued a new Order relaxing some rules for  internet protocol captioned telephone services (IP CTS) and Video Relay Service (VRS). The FCC hopes these actions will help IP CTS and VRS providers ensure that during the national … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Blog, Communication Strategies, Communication Tool Kit, Coronavirus, News

Coronavirus and Accessible Medical Settings

With the spread of the Coronavirus in the United States, we care about the health and safety of our HLAA community. There’s been a wealth of information put out by...With the spread of the Coronavirus in the United States, we care about the health and safety of our HLAA community. There’s been a wealth of information put out by the CDC and other sources. However, in the event that you have to seek medical help, how can you be prepared to ensure that you … Read More >

Categories: Access Board, ADA, Advocacy News, Loop, News, Rail, Trains

Access Board Initiates Update of Accessibility Guidelines for Rail Cars

The U.S. Access Board is initiating a rulemaking to update its accessibility guidelines for rail cars covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and seeks public comment on this...The U.S. Access Board is initiating a rulemaking to update its accessibility guidelines for rail cars covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and seeks public comment on this effort. As indicated in an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking the Board plans to update provisions in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles that apply … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, HLAA advocacy news, HLAA in Action, News, News You Can Use, Press Releases

Historic Formation of International Cochlear Advocacy Alliance to Improve Access to Cochlear Implants for Adults with Severe to Profound Hearing Loss

GENEVA, December 6, 2019: The themes of Alliance, Advocacy, and Action for the World Health Organization’s first World Hearing Forum (December 4-5) provided inspiration for a separate meeting held on...GENEVA, December 6, 2019: The themes of Alliance, Advocacy, and Action for the World Health Organization’s first World Hearing Forum (December 4-5) provided inspiration for a separate meeting held on December 6 of an emerging International Cochlear Implant Advocacy Alliance with representation from hearing health professional and consumer advocacy organizations. The meeting focused on the … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Advocating, News, News You Can Use

House Passes Bill for Medicare Coverage of Hearing Aids

Today, in a historic achievement, the House of Representatives this week voted to expand Medicare to cover hearing aids and related hearing health care services. By a vote of 230-192, the...Today, in a historic achievement, the House of Representatives this week voted to expand Medicare to cover hearing aids and related hearing health care services. By a vote of 230-192, the House approved HR 3, a bill that allows the federal government to negotiate prescription drug prices and uses the savings from lower drug prices to … Read More >