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.

December 1, 2018

Categories: Advocacy News, News, Newsroom

FCC Updates Hearing Aid Compatibility Reporting Requirements

In a unanimous vote November 15, 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Report and Order that will give consumers and the Commission better access to information about the...In a unanimous vote November 15, 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Report and Order that will give consumers and the Commission better access to information about the availability of hearing aid compatible (HAC) wireless handsets.  The Report and Order eliminated the annual wireless HAC reporting requirements (Form 655) for service providers. It … Read More >

September 26, 2018

Categories: Advocacy News, News, Newsroom

HLAA Files Comments with FCC Regarding IP CTS

HLAA and several national consumer organizations as well as research organizations filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding IP CTS (Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Services). HLAA spearheaded these...HLAA and several national consumer organizations as well as research organizations filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding IP CTS (Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Services). HLAA spearheaded these efforts because we know how important IP CTS is to many of you. The Commission opened a rulemaking on IP CTS to gather information from … Read More >

September 19, 2018

Categories: Advocacy News, News

HAC Task Force Announces Administrator Search

Hearing Aid Compatibility Task Force Announces Administrator Search Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), CTIA, the wireless industry association, the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the National Association of the Deaf...Hearing Aid Compatibility Task Force Announces Administrator Search Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), CTIA, the wireless industry association, the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDI) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), announced the opening for submissions for Administrator of the … Read More >

July 30, 2018

Categories: Advocacy News, News

UPDATE: FCC Votes to Adopt IP CTS Rules, Notice of Rulemaking

UPDATE: FCC Votes to Adopt IP CTS Rules, Notice of Rulemaking One of the items on the agenda for the June 7, 2018 Open Meeting of the Federal Communications Commission...UPDATE: FCC Votes to Adopt IP CTS Rules, Notice of Rulemaking One of the items on the agenda for the June 7, 2018 Open Meeting of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) related to Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Services (IP CTS). Under the heading of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service Reform, the Commission considered a Report … Read More >

July 15, 2018

Categories: Advocacy News, DOJ, News

DOJ Rules for Movie Theater Captioning and Audio Description Take Effect

As of June 2, movie theaters showing digital movies must provide a means for delivering closed captioning and audio description per rules issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)...As of June 2, movie theaters showing digital movies must provide a means for delivering closed captioning and audio description per rules issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by the Department of Justice (DOJ).   The final rules were issued in November 2016 and supplement provisions in DOJ’s ADA regulations on provision of … Read More >

June 8, 2018

Categories: Advocacy News, News

FCC Votes to Adopt IP CTS Rules, Notice of Rulemaking

One of the items on the agenda for the June 7, 2018 Open Meeting of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) related to Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Services (IP CTS). Under...One of the items on the agenda for the June 7, 2018 Open Meeting of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) related to Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Services (IP CTS). Under the heading of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service Reform, the Commission considered a Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Notice … Read More >

May 1, 2018

Categories: Advocacy News, News

St. Louis Theatre Must Provide Captioning for All Live Performances Says Federal Judge

Thanks in part to the work of HLAA Members John Waldo, Tina Childress, Mary Stodden and the HLAA Greater St. Louis Chapter, captioning for those who need it will now...Thanks in part to the work of HLAA Members John Waldo, Tina Childress, Mary Stodden and the HLAA Greater St. Louis Chapter, captioning for those who need it will now be available for all live performances at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis. A federal judge in Missouri recently ordered the 4500-seat indoor theatre to provide … Read More >

February 16, 2018

Categories: Advocacy News, News

House Votes to Pass HR 620

House Votes to Pass HR 620 The US House of Representatives passed HR 620, 225 in favor of passage, and 192 against. You can see how your Representative voted at http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2018/roll080.xml...House Votes to Pass HR 620 The US House of Representatives passed HR 620, 225 in favor of passage, and 192 against. You can see how your Representative voted at http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2018/roll080.xml Now, the fight moves on to the Senate. HLAA will be monitoring the situation as it moves forward and will keep you informed. February 12, … Read More >

December 6, 2016

Categories: ACAA, Advocacy News

HLAA Votes to Approve Proposals by ACCESS Advisory Committee

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation (ACCESS Advisory Committee) was established to negotiate and develop a proposed rule concerning accommodations for air travelers with disabilities....The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation (ACCESS Advisory Committee) was established to negotiate and develop a proposed rule concerning accommodations for air travelers with disabilities. The rule addresses three issues. One of them, regarding in-flight entertainment, specifically benefits those with hearing loss. (The other two pertain to accessible lavatories on … Read More >

March 11, 2015

Categories: ADA, Advocacy News

A Win for Police Officers with Hearing Aids: HLAA Was There to Help

In 2010, HLAA received a phone call from New York Police Department (NYPD) Deputy Inspector Daniel Carione. He was being forced to retire from the NYPD. His crime? He purchased...In 2010, HLAA received a phone call from New York Police Department (NYPD) Deputy Inspector Daniel Carione. He was being forced to retire from the NYPD. His crime? He purchased and used a hearing aid on the job. NYPD banned the use of hearing aids on the job, regardless of how well that officer does … Read More >