Get Involved With HLAA in Florida
Volunteer, serve on the board, sponsor our work, give, or simply tell us what you need. Every role is open to people with hearing loss, their families and friends, and the professionals who serve them.
How to get involved with HLAA in Florida
There are two places to plug in: the Florida state association and your local chapter. You do not need to be an HLAA member to volunteer, and you do not need a hearing loss. You only need a few hours and a reason to care.
At the state level
The Hearing Loss Association of Florida (HLAA-FL) is the statewide, all-volunteer nonprofit that connects Florida's chapters, speaks up for people with hearing loss in Tallahassee and with state agencies, and runs statewide education and outreach. Our current priorities are outreach, advocacy and education for people of all ages with hearing loss, including children and their families.
State-level volunteers help with the board, communications, community outreach and speaking, legislative advocacy, hearing loop advocacy, technology, events and support for local chapters. Most of this work happens online, so you can help from anywhere in Florida.
At the local chapter level
Chapters and support groups are where most people first find HLAA. They are run by volunteers who host meetings, book speakers, greet newcomers, set up captioning and hearing loops, and keep members informed. Ask your nearest chapter what they need, or tell us on the volunteer form and we will make the introduction.
No chapter near you? We can help you start one.
Ways to get involved
Top priority
Volunteer with us
State-level and local chapter roles for people with hearing loss, families, friends and professionals. Apply online in a few minutes.
Learn moreTop priority
Become a sponsor
Put your organization in front of Floridians with hearing loss through our chapters, events, newsletter and website.
Learn moreJoin the board
Serve as an officer, trustee or committee chair and help set the direction of hearing loss advocacy in Florida.
Learn moreDonate
Give online or by check. Your gift funds outreach, advocacy and education across Florida, and it is tax deductible.
Learn moreMembership
Join HLAA nationally and you are automatically part of HLAA-FL and every Florida chapter. Veterans join free.
Learn moreAdvertise with us
Reach Florida readers through the HLAA-FL website and newsletter.
Learn moreDonate used hearing aids
Where to send hearing aids and cochlear implant processors you no longer use, in Florida and by mail.
Learn moreCommunity suggestion box
Tell the board what Floridians with hearing loss need. Every submission is read.
Learn moreShare your story
Your experience can help someone who is just starting out. Choose how your name appears.
Learn more
Common questions
Do I need a hearing loss to volunteer with HLAA-FL?
No. Our volunteers include people with hearing loss, family members, friends, audiologists, interpreters, captioners and others who care about communication access. Lived experience is valuable, but so are skills like writing, fundraising, event planning and technology support. Tell us what you can offer and we will find a fit.
Do I need to be an HLAA member to get involved?
Not to volunteer, sponsor, donate or share a story. Board candidates are expected to be HLAA members, and we encourage every volunteer to join because membership supports the national organization, your state association and your local chapter at the same time. Veterans receive complimentary membership.
What is the difference between HLAA-FL and my local chapter?
HLAA-FL is the statewide association. It supports Florida's chapters, advocates at the state level and runs statewide outreach. A chapter is a local group that holds regular meetings in your area. You can volunteer with either or both. If there is no chapter near you, HLAA-FL can help you start one.
Are meetings accessible for people with hearing loss?
Yes. Our online meetings use captions, and our volunteer form asks what accommodations you need, such as a hearing loop, CART captioning or an ASL interpreter. If you have a request we have not planned for, tell us and we will work it out before the meeting.
Ready to make hearing loss visible in Florida?
Start with a short volunteer application or contact us and we will point you to the right person.