HLAA-DC, the Washington DC chapter of HLAA, is a community of people who provide information and education on a wide variety of topics of concern to people with mild to profound hearing loss, and their friends and family, but who wish to function and thrive in the wider hearing world. We stress the use of hearing technologies, communication strategies, and dissemination of information about legal and regulatory requirements that enable people with hearing loss to understand and advocate effectively for themselves in obtaining hearing support in public places and in educational and employment settings. We do these things by inviting knowledgeable speakers to address issues of concern, by reaching out to community groups and local government agencies that provide (or could provide) services to the hard of hearing community, and by acquainting the public about how best to accommodate the needs of the some 15 or 20 percent of the U.S. population with some degree of hearing loss.
What We Do:
A. Promote Recognition of Hearing Loss as an Important Public Health Concern
1. Participate in Public Health Forums
-NBC Health Fair
-Federal Department Health and Fitness Fairs
-DC Students with Disabilities Fair
2. Hold Chapter Programs to Provide Interactive Tutorials for HOH Adults
-Recognition of Hearing Loss & the Importance of Seeking Help
-Hearing Testing
-Purchasing Hearing Aids
-Assistive Listening and Alerting Devices
-Communicating in Everyday and Critical/Emergency Situations
-Self-Advocacy
-Your Rights Under the Americans for Disabilities Act
-Thriving in the workplace — Interviewing & Self-advocacy on the Job
3. Get the Word Out on the Impact of Hearing Loss
-Programs for Neighborhood “Villages” to Facilitate Aging in Place
-Basic Hearing Training for Staff at Residential Facilities
B. Combat Social Isolation & Attendant Problems Associated with Hearing Loss
-Family Picnics
-Teen Activities
-Counselling Nursing Staff at senior centers on Impact of hearing loss on residents
-Encourage participation in activities responsive to hearing loss needs
C. Advocate for Accommodations for People with Hearing Loss – Support for Federal/Local Legislation & Regulation, Especially Enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
1. Work with DC Government Agencies to identify enforcement actions:
-Office of Disability Rights
-Office of Human Rights
-Office of Ageing
-Public Transportation Services
2. Promote self help advocacy for Recognition and Support of Hearing Needs
-Making Your Needs Known in Everyday Situations
-Making Your Needs Known in Critical/Emergency Situations
-Advocating for Local or Federal Legislation supporting relevant measures
3. Work with local businesses, service, cultural and entertainment organizations and Educational Institutions to provide understanding of needs and Technology Support
-Retail businesses and Banks
-Libraries
-Museums
-Medical facilities
-Movie and Live theaters
D. Provide Guidance on Where to Find Additional Support
-HLAA and HLAA-DC
-ADA enforcement
-DC Government Agencies
-Audiological and Medical Services
-Availability of & Financing for Hearing Assistive & Alerting Technologies