History shows that market forces alone are not enough to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Legislation, regulations, and standards are necessary for programs, products and services to be accessible to and usable by people with hearing loss. Several laws have been passed to help eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability and to enhance accessibility to public places, work places, telecommunications, schools, government and businesses. HLAA, together with other consumer and professional organizations, works not only to pass legislation to improve the quality of life of people with hearing loss but also works to push for implementation and strong enforcement of the laws.

April 22, 2020

Categories: Advocacy News, Blog, News

HLAA Keeps Our Community Together with Online Events

Click here or on the picture for HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley’s message about keeping people with hearing loss together during this global health emergency. Keep up to date with...Click here or on the picture for HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley’s message about keeping people with hearing loss together during this global health emergency. Keep up to date with all the news by subscribing to the free, online Hearing Life e-News. [Note: just because you’re receiving this news item doesn’t mean you have signed … Read More >

April 17, 2020

Categories: Accessibility, Advocacy News, Advocating, Blog, Captions, Communication Strategies, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Health Care, Hospital, News, Telecommunications, Telehealth

COVID-19: Video-Based Telehealth Accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients

Now, with the coronavirus (COVID-19), it may not be safe to go to your doctor’s office. Your doctor may ask you to stay home and talk to your doctor through...Now, with the coronavirus (COVID-19), it may not be safe to go to your doctor’s office. Your doctor may ask you to stay home and talk to your doctor through online video. This is called “telehealth.” Your doctor must still give you an interpreter or captioning so you can understand your doctor when you use … Read More >

April 17, 2020

Categories: Accessibility, Advocacy News, Blog, Captions, Communication Strategies, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Health Care, News, Telecommunications, Telehealth

COVID-19: Guidelines for Health Care Providers – Video-Based Telehealth Accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients

Overview The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled the accelerated use of telehealth solutions. Accessibility features in telehealth video-based platforms are crucial in assuring that deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals...Overview The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled the accelerated use of telehealth solutions. Accessibility features in telehealth video-based platforms are crucial in assuring that deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals have access to quality healthcare while maintaining the safety of medical providers and the general public during this pandemic. Accessibility is also a legal obligation … Read More >

April 15, 2020

Categories: Advocacy News, Consumer, FCC, Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC), News, Telecoil (T-coil), Telecommunications

HLAA Supports Stronger Consumer Education Regarding HAC Phones

Hearing Loss Association of America alongside Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the National Association of the Deaf, and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing-RERC at Gallaudet filed...Hearing Loss Association of America alongside Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the National Association of the Deaf, and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing-RERC at Gallaudet filed Comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) wireless phones. The Commission has … Read More >

April 15, 2020

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

U.S. Access Board Extends Comment Period for Update of Rail Vehicle Guidelines

The U.S. Access Board has extended the deadline for comments on its update of accessibility guidelines for rail cars to allow the public and interested parties more time to submit...The U.S. Access Board has extended the deadline for comments on its update of accessibility guidelines for rail cars to allow the public and interested parties more time to submit feedback. As indicated in a notice published in today’s Federal Register, an additional 60 days is being added to the comment period. In February, the … Read More >

April 4, 2020

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 >

March 27, 2020

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 >

March 20, 2020

Categories: ADA, Advocacy News, Coronavirus, News

Your ADA Rights When Required to Work From Home or Attend Classes Online

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 >

March 17, 2020

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 >

March 17, 2020

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 >