a guide to advocate for hearing loss

What Is Advocacy?

Advocacy is the essential and necessary means by which we can make a difference in public policy, political action and popular opinion. Did you know that you are a constituent who has voting power; your legislators depend on your vote for their election. That's why it's important for you to tell your members of Congress how legislation affects you.

As a grassroots advocate, forming relationships with your representative and senators makes an impact.

Why is Advocacy Essential?

Advocacy is used to educate; inform; and persuade others to support creating change and inclusion for those who are

Deaf or Hard of Hearing

You Make A Difference!

You have the strongest voice when it comes to advocacy:

By sharing stories about how issues impact you, your child, or those you serve, you exercise your right as a constituent (and someone who votes) to let your voice be heard

Guide to Being an Advocate

Whether you're a parent of a child with hearing loss, are diagnosed with hearing loss, are an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, or student entering the profession, you have the expertise to talk about the legislative issues that impact you, your child, or those you serve.

Keys to Successful Advocacy

Active participation
Accountability
Communication and collaboration
Research
Flexibility
Perseverance
Patience

Successful Advocacy Produces Results

Here's What Needs to Change:

National Mandated Coverage: Pediatric Hearing Aid, CI & HAT Mandate
Special Education Reform: 504 & IEP/ADA Accomodation Cross Training
Classroom Inclusive Mandates: Acoustics, Accountability & Action
End Deaf Segregation: Sign Language in Public Schools; Inclusive Education

Here's How You Can Help!

Follow Hearing Loss Foundation on social media

Take Action By

Send letters to your legislators- lawmakers and policymakers
Sign the Hearing Aid Petition for Mandated Coverage
Join Our Live Events
Volunteer to Help Spread Hearing Loss Awareness in Your State
Buy HF Merchandise to help fund and support the cause
Recycle Used Hearing Aids- Collect and Send to The Hearing Loss Foundation at 200 Middle Hwy, Suite 211 Barrington, RI 02806