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.

February 1, 2021

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 >

January 16, 2021

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 >

January 8, 2021

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 >

December 30, 2020

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 >

December 26, 2020

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 >

December 14, 2020

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 >

December 12, 2020

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 >

November 8, 2020

Categories: Advocacy News, Advocating, Health Care, HLAA, News, Newsroom

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 >

October 13, 2020

Categories: Accessibility, Advocacy News, Advocating, CVAA, FCC, News, Newsroom

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 >

October 12, 2020

Categories: Accessibility, Advocacy News, Advocating, CVAA, FCC, News, Newsroom

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 >