After a chapter program presented by a local police officer, the HLAA-Chicago North Shore Chapter has become involved in advocacy related to a program called J88 that identifies drivers with hearing loss. This program allows a driver’s license holder to ask the Secretary of State’s Office to add a notation to the driver’s vehicle registration and license that explains that the driver may need an alternate form of communication should they be stopped by a law enforcement officer. This program has led chapter members to work with the Secretary of State’s office to increase knowledge and understanding of the program, and of different aspects of hearing loss. Further, it has led them to advocate for the program be a permanent part of the training program for all police officers. This chapter is reaching out to all other chapters in Illinois about this program.
Submitted by Elaine McCaffrey, Chapter President