About the Hearing Loss Association of Florida
HLAA-FL is the Florida State Association of the Hearing Loss Association of America. We are an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) that connects Florida chapters, hosts captioned meetings and advocates for people with hearing loss across the state.
Our mission
To open the world of communication to people with hearing loss in Florida through information, education, support and advocacy.
In practice that means three things: outreach, so Floridians who are losing their hearing find us and each other; advocacy, so communication access is available where people worship, learn, work and vote; and education, for people with hearing loss, their families and children, and the professionals and public officials who serve them.
Outreach
Reaching people who are new to hearing loss and do not know help exists, and reaching families and children affected by it.
Advocacy
Captioning, hearing loops, effective communication under the ADA, and representation on the Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Education
Captioned Zoom meetings, speakers for chapters, and plain-language information on hearing aids, cochlear implants, technology and financial help.
Our history
The Hearing Loss Association of America was founded in 1979 by Howard E. "Rocky" Stone, who believed people with hearing loss could help themselves and each other. The organization was first called Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH). Today HLAA is the nation's leading consumer organization for people with hearing loss, with chapters and state associations across the country.
Florida's state association was incorporated in 1997 as SHHH Florida, Inc. and later took the HLAA name along with the national organization. It has held IRS 501(c)(3) recognition since 1998. Through the years it has been known as FLASHHH and HLAFLA, and it is registered with the State of Florida today as The Hearing Loss Association of Florida, Inc.
Founder of HLAA, 1979
What the state association does
Florida chapters run their own meetings. HLAA-FL is the connective tissue between them and HLAA national.
Supports Florida chapters
Speakers, a Zoom platform, leader resources and help starting new chapters and support groups.
Learn moreHosts statewide meetings
Captioned online meetings on hearing aids, cochlear implants, technology and living well, open to everyone.
Learn moreAdvocates in Tallahassee and beyond
Communication access, captioning, hearing loops and a voice on the Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Learn moreBrings hearing loops to Florida
Helps churches, theaters, government rooms and clubhouses install loops so hearing aid users hear clearly.
Learn morePublishes Florida news and email updates
Meeting announcements, chapter news and plain-language updates on technology and financial help.
Learn more
Board of trustees
HLAA-FL is led by volunteer officers elected by the membership.
Tanya B. Williams
President
Roseanne Boyle
Treasurer
Lisa Johnston
Secretary
Legal status and accountability
- Legal name
- The Hearing Loss Association of Florida, Inc.
- Tax status
- IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity since 1998
- EIN
- 65-0783660
- Florida corporation
- Not-for-profit corporation, document number N97000004681, incorporated August 15, 1997
- Florida charitable registration
- CH8988
- Parent organization
- Hearing Loss Association of America, Rockville, Maryland
Common questions
What does HLAA do?
The Hearing Loss Association of America provides information, education, support and advocacy for people with hearing loss. It runs chapters, virtual groups, the Walk4Hearing, a national convention and campaigns for hearing health policy. HLAA-FL carries that work into Florida through chapters, captioned meetings and state advocacy.
Is HLAA-FL part of HLAA national?
Yes. HLAA-FL is the recognized Florida State Association of the Hearing Loss Association of America. We are a separately incorporated Florida nonprofit with our own board, and we follow HLAA's mission and policies. Membership in HLAA is handled by the national office.
Is HLAA-FL a registered charity?
Yes. The Hearing Loss Association of Florida, Inc. is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 65-0783660, and is registered to solicit contributions in Florida under registration number CH8988. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
How is HLAA different from organizations for the Deaf community?
HLAA serves people with hearing loss who mainly use spoken language, hearing aids, cochlear implants and captions. Organizations such as the Florida Association of the Deaf serve Deaf Floridians who use American Sign Language. We work together on shared issues, including through the Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
How many people in Florida have hearing loss?
About 3 million Floridians live with hearing loss, and roughly 48 million Americans nationwide. Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions in older adults, and it affects children, working-age adults and veterans too. Most people wait years before seeking help, which is why outreach matters.
Be part of HLAA Florida
Volunteer, join the board, sponsor a program or become a member. Every role is filled by someone who cares about hearing loss.