| Hard Work Happening Behind the Scenes It’s been a surprisingly busy time for the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and its allies working on accessibility at the federal level. As you might expect, much of the activity is happening in the regulatory and standards-making space, where several changes are afoot. HLAA is also involved with several group efforts to keep the policy priorities of people with hearing loss front-and-center for lawmakers. Let’s dig into it. |
| Concern About Federal Grant Process Changes The federal government is usually proactive about soliciting input from subject matter experts and community groups to ensure the real-world applications of research and assistance programs are effective. Now, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is proposing a rule change that would reduce this kind of evidence-based collaboration with people with disabilities and make it harder to share information that helps federally-funded programs succeed. HLAA joined coalition partners in writing and posting public comments about the rule change. The comments explain that federal grants have a long record of making accessibility options successful in daily life. (Captions during emergency briefings, screen-reader access for blind people, tactile interpreting for DeafBlind people, video relay services for Deaf people and hearing-aid-compatible phones for people with hearing loss, just to name a few.) We emphasized that the rule would let agencies reject strong projects, cancel successful long-term work after money and trust have already been invested and make it harder to share lessons learned with the public. |
| Making Closed-Captioning Options Easier to Find New televisions, tablets, streaming devices and set-top boxes must soon make it easier to find and use closed-caption display settings. A new rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says manufacturers and video providers must make caption settings “readily accessible.” This should reduce the number of steps you have to take to find and change closed-caption settings. While this rule only applies to devices deployed after August 17, 2026, the improvements will offer a better viewing experience for everyone. HLAA supported the original proposal that shaped this new rule and we are excited to see the results. |
| HLAA Appointed to Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Advisory Committee Do you know your rights when you fly? The ACAA set the standards for what airlines must do to provide services and information to passengers with hearing loss and other disabilities. HLAA has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ACAA Advisory Committee. We will serve as a national disability organization representative, building on our long record of advocacy for travelers with hearing loss. |
| Legislation Still Matters HLAA and its partners continue to advocate for the Communications, Video and Technology Accessibility (CVTA) Act. The bill would expand on the success of older laws to update accessibility standards for streaming platforms, emergency communications, virtual meeting services and other modern tools. And, of course, there’s a reasonable amount of legislative activity at the state level people with hearing loss will find interesting:Thanks to a new Kentucky law, insurance plans issued or renewed starting January 1, 2027, will increase the coverage limit for hearing aids from $1,400 to $2,500.California lawmakers and advocates are locked in a debate over expansion of private insurance requirements for pediatric hearing aid coverage.Advocates in Virginia are enjoying expanded open-caption options in movie theaters through a law that took effect July 1, 2026  Take Action! Tell your members of Congress why updating accessibility requirements to address modern technology would help you.Send a message about the CVTA |
| Parting Thoughts The 2026 elections are around the corner. Accessibility of polling places is something worth understanding—and planning to use fully. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division maintains a website explaining how the Americans with Disabilities Act relates to voting rights and accommodations. If you have questions, remember to contact your state and local election offices. |