The Hearing Loss Association of America reaches people with hearing loss through its network of more than 200 local chapter and state organizations. All HLAA state and chapter organization volunteer leaders have direct experience with hearing loss. Joining your state and/or local HLAA organizations helps augment your experience with HLAA and learn more about coping with hearing loss.
HLAA chapter and state organizations provide strategies and support that are modeled after HLAA Founder Howard “Rocky” Stone’s self-help philosophy. They also offer excellent personal growth and leadership skills-building opportunities.
Find the HLAA organizations in your area.
Are you a leader of an existing HLAA Chapter or State organization? Help yourself succeed as a leader by tapping into the many resources HLAA provides. Learn how to help your HLAA Chapter or state organization thrive!
See the video HLAA – Teamwork for Hearing Loss Awareness for information about HLAA and how chapter and state organization work together with the HLAA national organization. The video was made possible by a generous contribution from the HLA-Manhattan (NY) Chapter from their Walk4Hearing proceeds.
Chapters
Chapters are local or area-wide organizations offering regularly-scheduled meetings and programs. The Chapters offer emotional support, camaraderie, tips and techniques for living with hearing loss, and technical information about hearing assistance devices. A few of the Twelve Reasons Why Self-help Groups are Good for You are that they:
- provide a community of people with hearing loss who understand and are empathic to your unique problems.
- help you deal with the issue of hearing loss stigma.
- share technologies beyond your hearing aids that will enhance your ability to function in the world.
- show you how to stay tuned into family conversations.
- empower you through exchange of knowledge, encouragement and the sharing of experiences.
- alleviate the despair and isolation of hearing loss through their support.
State Organizations
State organizations focus on issues common to everyone living within the state. State organizations also build partnerships and coalitions with government agencies and volunteer organizations with similar goals, to expand access to mainstream and assistive technologies, enforce existing disability laws, and introduce new legislation, regulations and standards to impact the lives of people with hearing loss. Like national HLAA, HLAA state organizations promote self-advocacy for its constituents to ensure equal opportunity in the areas of telecommunications, employment, health care, education and community life. State associations consist of HLAA members and Chapters within the state; state offices are appointed by national HLAA and have a volunteer director.
