Hearing Loss Advocacy in Florida
HLAA-FL speaks up for communication access for Floridians with hearing loss: captioning, hearing loops, effective communication under the ADA, and a seat at the table where state policy is made.
What advocacy means at HLAA-FL
Advocacy is asking for what people with hearing loss need and are entitled to: captions on the screen, a hearing loop in the room, a sign language interpreter or CART when requested, and laws that treat hearing care as health care. HLAA-FL does this at the state level, supports Florida chapters doing it locally, and connects Floridians to HLAA's national campaigns.
Our bylaws direct us to monitor state and federal regulation, watch health care and hearing aid legislation, work with other Florida organizations and keep HLAA-FL represented on the Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Communication access in Florida
The ADA and effective communication
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires state and local governments, businesses and nonprofits open to the public to communicate as effectively with people who have hearing loss as with everyone else. That can mean captioning, CART, assistive listening, an interpreter or written notes, depending on the situation. Hospitals, courts, government offices and public meetings are covered. You have the right to ask, and the provider must give primary consideration to the aid you request.
Captioning in theaters and government meetings
Movie theaters must provide closed captioning devices for digital films. Live theaters and performing arts venues must provide assistive listening, and many now offer captioned performances. City, county and school board meetings that are streamed or recorded should carry captions, and in-person meetings should offer CART or a loop on request. HLAA-FL helps members ask for these accommodations and follows up when they are refused.
Hearing loops in public places
Assembly areas with sound systems must offer assistive listening under the ADA. Hearing loops are the option most hearing aid users prefer. Our Hearing Loop Initiative asks Florida venues to install loops and helps people request them.
Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (FCCDHH, often called the Florida Council) is a state advisory body created under section 413.271, Florida Statutes, and staffed by the Florida Department of Health. Its members include representatives of state agencies and of organizations serving deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind Floridians, appointed by the Governor.
The Council recommends policies that address the needs of Floridians with hearing loss, and provides technical assistance to individuals and organizations on employment, education and access to services. Its meetings are public and accessible.
One of HLAA-FL's standing objectives is to ensure that people with hearing loss who use spoken language have quality representation on the Council. If you are interested in the Council's work or would like HLAA-FL to raise an issue there, contact us.
National campaigns Floridians can join
HLAA national tracks federal and state legislation on hearing aid coverage, tax credits, captioning and telecommunications access, and makes it easy to write to your representatives. Action alerts take two minutes and carry Florida voices to Washington and Tallahassee.
HLAA action alerts
Current federal and state campaigns with pre-written letters to your legislators.
Visit siteKnow your rights
HLAA national's guides to the ADA, effective communication, employment and telecommunications access.
Visit siteCaptioned telephones and FTRI
Florida's Telecommunications Relay program provides free captioned phones and equipment to eligible residents.
Learn more
How to get involved
- Ask for captions, a loop or CART wherever you go, and tell us when a venue says no.
- Speak at a city, county or school board meeting about communication access.
- Sign up for HLAA action alerts and send the letters to your Florida legislators.
- Join an HLAA-FL committee or the board and help set our advocacy priorities.
- Share your story. Real Florida experiences move policy more than statistics.
Common questions
What does HLAA do?
The Hearing Loss Association of America is the nation's leading consumer organization for people with hearing loss. It provides information, education, support and advocacy. HLAA-FL is its Florida State Association: we support Florida chapters, run captioned meetings and advocate for communication access in the state.
How is HLAA different from the Florida Association of the Deaf?
The Florida Association of the Deaf represents Deaf Floridians who primarily use American Sign Language. HLAA serves people with hearing loss who mostly use spoken language, hearing aids, cochlear implants and captions. The organizations often work together, including on the Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Can I ask for captions at a government meeting in Florida?
Yes. Under the ADA, state and local governments must provide effective communication, which includes CART or captioning for public meetings on request. Ask the clerk or ADA coordinator in advance, in writing. If your request is refused, contact HLAA-FL and we will help you follow up.
Do I have to be a member to take part in advocacy?
No. Anyone can send an action alert, ask a venue for access or share their story. HLAA membership supports the national advocacy staff who track legislation, and members get updates first, but participation is open to everyone in Florida.
What is the Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
It is a state advisory council under section 413.271, Florida Statutes, staffed by the Florida Department of Health. Its appointed members recommend policies for deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind Floridians and offer technical assistance on employment, education and access. HLAA-FL works to keep people with hearing loss represented there.
Add your voice
Advocacy works when Floridians with hearing loss speak up together. Join us.