HLAA Supports Equal Access to Relay Services in Prisons

HLAA joined a coalition of accessibility organizations filed comments on November 23, 2020, which requests that the Federal Communications Commission:  Use its authority under Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to require Inmate...HLAA joined a coalition of accessibility organizations filed comments on November 23, 2020, which requests that the Federal Communications Commission:  Use its authority under Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to require Inmate Calling Service (ICS) providers to offer modern relay and accessible communications services including video relay service (VRS), Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS), Real-Time … Read More >

HLAA, Communication Access Advocates Send Accessibility Priorities to Biden’s FCC Transition Team

In consultation with Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the American Council of the Blind...In consultation with Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the American Council of the Blind (ACB), and the Technology Access Program (TAP) at Gallaudet University, the Samuelson-Glushko Technology Law and Policy Clinic (TLPC), a Public interest technology law and policy advocacy at Colorado … Read More >

HLAA Files Comments with USPSTF on Hearing Screening

Created in 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. The Task Force works to improve the health...Created in 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. The Task Force works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications. All recommendations are published on the … Read More >

FCC Announces 2020 Winners of Chairman’s Awards for Advancements in Accessibility

On October 7, 2020, the FCC announced the 2020 winners of the Chairman’s Awards for Advancements in Accessibility (Chairman’s AAA).  This FCC program, which began in 2011, is focused on...On October 7, 2020, the FCC announced the 2020 winners of the Chairman’s Awards for Advancements in Accessibility (Chairman’s AAA).  This FCC program, which began in 2011, is focused on improving access to telecommunications and technology for people with disabilities.  Those being honored this year are national thought leaders whose sustained excellence throughout their careers … Read More >

FCC Sends 2020 CVAA Biennial Report to Congress

On October 6, 2020, the FCC submitted its fifth biennial report to Congress, as required by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA).  The purpose of...On October 6, 2020, the FCC submitted its fifth biennial report to Congress, as required by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA).  The purpose of the CVAA is to help ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to fully utilize emerging communications services and equipment and better access video programming. … Read More >

Register for the Cochlear Implant: Increasing Awareness and Access Session

Cochlear Implant: Increasing Awareness and Access Cochlear implants have been around for 40 years and have greatly improved the lives of recipients. Yet, despite advances in the technology and its...Cochlear Implant: Increasing Awareness and Access Cochlear implants have been around for 40 years and have greatly improved the lives of recipients. Yet, despite advances in the technology and its benefits, there is a lack of awareness about cochlear implants and too few adults with hearing loss, who could benefit from the devices, have access … Read More >

HLAA Members Finalists for the 2020 Focus on People Awards!

HLAA members Jerry Bergman and Matt Hay are finalists in their selective categories for the 2020 Focus on People awards program sponsored by hearing aid manufacturer Oticon. The program recognizes...HLAA members Jerry Bergman and Matt Hay are finalists in their selective categories for the 2020 Focus on People awards program sponsored by hearing aid manufacturer Oticon. The program recognizes individuals who are helping to change perceptions of what it means to live with hearing loss. Jerry Bergman – Advocacy Award Category Jerry is one … Read More >

HLAA Brings Awareness to Global Standards for Cochlear Implant Users

Consensus reached on international guidelines for care. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) took part in a recently published, first of its kind research study in the Journal of...Consensus reached on international guidelines for care. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) took part in a recently published, first of its kind research study in the Journal of the American Medical Association on the minimum standards of care and treatment for adults with cochlear implants. HLAA was part of a global panel which … Read More >

FCC Grants Conditional Certification to Clarity Products to Provide IP CTS Using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)

On June 4, 2020, the FCC granted conditional certification to Clarity Products, LLC to provide Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service using only automatic speech recognition technology without the aid of...On June 4, 2020, the FCC granted conditional certification to Clarity Products, LLC to provide Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service using only automatic speech recognition technology without the aid of communications assistants.  The service will be available via the over-the-top application CaptionMate. Conditional Certification Order: URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/clarity-certified-automatic-speech-recognition-ip-cts-provider Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-587A1.docx PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-587A1.pdf Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-587A1.txt News Release: … Read More >

Safeguarding the Rights of Persons with Disabilities During COVID-19

OCR Resolves Complaints after State of Connecticut and Private Hospital Safeguard the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Have Reasonable Access to Support Persons in Hospital Settings During COVID-19 On...OCR Resolves Complaints after State of Connecticut and Private Hospital Safeguard the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Have Reasonable Access to Support Persons in Hospital Settings During COVID-19 On June 9, 2020, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it has reached an … Read More >