October 2023 Edition

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Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Services Webinar Schedule And Recordings HLAA National Chapter Map Hear This! Site Index

The Kentucky Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) is seeking an Executive Director to serve at the direction of the Board of Commissioners to carry out the mission of the agency. Please CLICK on the following link for more details: Job Vacancy

This website is updated daily and every month new topical articles are added. Please CLICK here!: What's New?

On July 25, 2023, Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA-16) reintroduced the Communications, Video and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) bill, coinciding with the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which became law July 26, 1990. It's purpose is to update digital accessibility for current technologies. HLAA advocated and fully supports this important modernization of the original 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), which was signed into law in 2010. Your help is needed to pass this critical legislation. Urge your representatives to support CVTA today by clicking on this link: CVTA Action Guide

During this report period, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services program navigated a global pandemic that required isolation to control the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the world became more aware of the need for access to services. Kentucky relied on the belief, "We will get through this. We will get through this together." We learned the importance of human connection and the challenges of isolation. For individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Later Deafened, DeafBlind, or DeafDisabled, the pandemic brought additional communication challenges. We could not touch. We masked. We went virtual. We were afraid and life was uncertain. The DBHDID Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services program worked hard to connect with individuals and providers virtually, to address workforce shortages and to mediate the social and emotional effects of the pandemic. This report reflects those efforts as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead to create a more equitable and resilient system of care for individuals with hearing loss across the Commonwealth. Please CLICK on the following link: Biennial report

Released at our recent convention in New Orleans, this report details our impact and strategic plans moving forward. Read how our donors, members, sponsors and Hear for Life partners have helped improve the lives of millions of people with hearing loss in the last year. With your generosity and participation, we’re elevating hearing health and accessible communication and strengthening our community of support across the country. Please CLICK on the following link: HLAA's 2022 Annual report

Please CLICK on the following link: Hearing Life Magazine

This blog shares ideas and information from HLAA’s Executive Director Barbara Kelley and other HLAA thought leaders on the importance of hearing health. Please CLICK on the following link: Hear This!

Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids are now available directly to consumers, without a prescription. The FDA released its final rule, clearing the way for this new class of devices to hit the market. OTC hearing aids are designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss only. Please CLICK on the following link to learn more: OTC Hearing Aids

Hearing Life E-News keeps readers up to date with the latest information on hearing loss. Please CLICK here!: Hearing Life E-News

HLAA filed comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its proposed rule establishing Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids.  Once finalized by the FDA, consumers 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss will be able to purchase hearing aids at retail and online outlets. Please CLICK on the following link: HLAA In Action

Thanks to a joint effort by HLAA’s Get in the Hearing Loop (GITHL) program and Google, you can now use the Google Maps app to find out before you go if a hearing loop is available at a business or venue. Please CLICK on the following link: Google Maps Now Includes Hearing Loops

Read articles on hearing loss subjects of immediate importance, that have recently been announced. Please CLICK here!: STOP PRESS

HLAA National Facebook : Click HERE!

HLAA Kentuckiana Chapter Facebook: Click HERE!

Please CLICK on the following link: IDA Institute Newsletter

For the official Team Kentucky source for information concerning COVID-19, please CLICK here!: COVID-19 Update

Governor Beshear has established the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the floods and the severe weather system beginning July 26, 2022. All donations to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund are tax-deductible and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes after donating. Please CLICK on the following link: Flood Relief

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is a tax-exempt, charitable organization and is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions under the IRS Code 501(c)(3).
The Kentucky HLAA Chapters are tax-exempt under the umbrella of HLAA.
Mention of products or services on this website does not imply HLAA or HLAA Chapters endorsement, nor does exclusion suggest disapproval.