Categories: Advocating, Communication Strategies, HLAA Blog, News, Newsroom, Surviving the Holidays

The Most Difficult Time of the Year

By Alison Freeman, Ph.D. Hearing loss is an ever-present stress requiring continual adjustment for each person, place or situation experienced on any given day. Add to that, the stress of...By Alison Freeman, Ph.D. Hearing loss is an ever-present stress requiring continual adjustment for each person, place or situation experienced on any given day. Add to that, the stress of the holidays – including family dynamics, lofty expectations, and added social pressures – and you have a perfect storm for stress, anxiety, and avoidance. More … Read More >

Categories: Advocating, Communication Strategies, Events, Hearing Loss, HLAA Blog

Hearing Loss Communication Tips for the Holidays

By John Kinstler, CapTel Outreach Marketing Manager The holidays are a time for family members and friends to celebrate traditions, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company. Throughout the celebrations,...By John Kinstler, CapTel Outreach Marketing Manager The holidays are a time for family members and friends to celebrate traditions, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company. Throughout the celebrations, it’s essential to create environments and opportunities that are comfortable and supportive for you or your guests with hearing loss, so that everyone can participate … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Advocating, Consumer, FCC, News, Newsroom

FCC Announces New Outreach to Collect Consumer Broadband Availability Experiences

The Federal Communications Commission FCC recently announced an effort to collect consumers’ broadband experiences. The stories shared by consumers will help to inform the FCC’s broadband data collection efforts. “Far too many...The Federal Communications Commission FCC recently announced an effort to collect consumers’ broadband experiences. The stories shared by consumers will help to inform the FCC’s broadband data collection efforts. “Far too many Americans are left behind in access to jobs, education, and healthcare if they do not have access to broadband,” said Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Advocating, Americans with Disabilities Act, Consumer, News, Newsroom

Proposed Settlement Reached in ADA Face Mask Lawsuit

HLAA has learned that a proposed settlement was announced in a case claiming that Nike, Inc. had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by requiring their employees wear face masks but...HLAA has learned that a proposed settlement was announced in a case claiming that Nike, Inc. had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by requiring their employees wear face masks but failing to ensure customers with hearing loss were provided with appropriate accommodations.  As part of the settlement, Nike has agreed to make transparent face masks available … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Advocating, FCC, HLAA, News, Newsroom

HLAA Appointed to the FCC’s Disability Advisory Committee

HLAA has once again been appointed to sit on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). On January 13, 2021, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing the...HLAA has once again been appointed to sit on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). On January 13, 2021, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing the appointments of the co-chairs and members for the fourth term of the DAC. HLAA has been part of the DAC since its inaugural meeting and … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Advocating, FDA, Hearing Aids, News, Newsroom, OTC, Personal Sound Amplification Products

HLAA’s Concern for Consumers Reaches the FDA

Following the signing of the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid Act of 2017, the FDA was on track to issue regulations by the law’s deadline of August 2020. That deadline has...Following the signing of the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid Act of 2017, the FDA was on track to issue regulations by the law’s deadline of August 2020. That deadline has come and gone without new rules in place. During this period, bad actors have stepped in to fill this vacuum and begun to advertise OTC … Read More >

Categories: Advocacy News, Advocating, DOT, News, Newsroom, Service Animals

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that it is revising its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation on the transportation of service animals by air to ensure a...WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that it is revising its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation on the transportation of service animals by air to ensure a safe and accessible air transportation system.  The final rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals can be found here. The Department received more than … Read More >

Categories: ADA, Advocacy News, Advocating, News, Newsroom, Rail

Justice Department Settles with Amtrak to Resolve Disability Discrimination Across its Intercity Rail System

The Justice Department announced December 2, 2020 that it reached an agreement with Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, to resolve the department’s findings of disability discrimination in violation of the Americans...The Justice Department announced December 2, 2020 that it reached an agreement with Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, to resolve the department’s findings of disability discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the agreement Amtrak will fix inaccessible stations and pay $2.25 million to victims hurt by its inaccessible stations. The complaint … Read More >

Categories: ADA, Advocacy News, Advocating, DOJ, HLAA, News, Newsroom

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 >

Categories: Accessibility, Advocacy News, Advocating, FCC, HLAA, News, Newsroom, Telecommunications

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 >