State Advisory Boards Representing People who are Hard of Hearing
Consumers with hearing loss can and should be on state advisory boards to represent the needs of people who are hard of hearing and improve services across the state.
Most advisory boards have slots allocated for consumer and/or specific disability representation. This is to ensure that the agencies have input from the widest range of constituencies. As a consumer on the advisory board you can make sure that the services being provided are appropriate and adequate for people with hearing loss.
There are two main types of state agencies that have advisory boards:
Those related to disability issues such as vocational rehabilitation councils, and telecommunications relay services.
Those related to general services such as the Public Utility Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services.
We strongly encourage people with hearing loss to get on both types of advisory boards to play an active role in raising awareness about hearing loss issues and improving state services for people with hearing loss.
Membership on the Boards is usually through appointment by the state governor. It is therefore important to play an active role at the state level in order for people to get to know you and your expertise so that they can nominate you to be appointed.
Hints To Get You Started:
Learn what advisory boards are in your state and select the one that fits your interests and expertise
Sit in on meetings to observe how business is conducted and what issues are currently under discussion
Get exposure to the key players for you to know them, and for them to know you
Know and keep up-to-date with the issues – talk to consumers who use the services, read the HLAA position papers on relevant subject matters - check the HLAA web site, and past issues of the Hearing
Loss Magazine. Get information from other consumer or professional organizations to get the broadest perspective about the issues
Know what you need for accessibility in order to be able to hear in the meetings, where to get it, and how to request it
Get the word out that you are interested to be on a specific advisory board and get supporters to push for your appointment
Do you homework and have basic information on hearing loss statistics, nationally and state wide
Link through the HLAA national office with consumers on advisory boards in other states to share expertise and experiences
Apply to participate in HLAA Leadership Training programs to update your leadership skills
