HLAA Statement on Gallaudet Board Action

Editor: I'm happy to see the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) step up with a statement on the situation at Gallaudet. Kudos to them for taking a stand that supports hard of hearing and late-deafened folks, and for publicizing their position!

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November 2006

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation's largest consumer advocacy organization for people with hearing loss. HLAA has 250 chapters and 13 state organizations, and has a Washington, DC area office located in Bethesda, MD. Because Gallaudet University is frequently recognized as an important educational institution in the United States for deaf and hard of hearing people, it is incumbent on our organization to be attentive to the important issues currently being discussed. A continuing concern for those of us representing people with hearing loss is the possibility of a return to a more restrictive communications mode in the Gallaudet classrooms.

The Hearing Loss Association recognizes the complex and difficult issues facing the leadership of Gallaudet University. We understand that Gallaudet University has a rich heritage and a unique place among educational institutions in our country. We appreciate that the research programs of Gallaudet University have helped to improve the lives of people with hearing loss through educational and research programs. The Hearing Loss Association values the opportunities for collaboration we have enjoyed in recent years.

The Hearing Loss Association believes in accountability for organizations, institutions and agencies that receive local, state and federal funding to provide services, support, programs and research for people who are deaf AND hard of hearing. This accountability must ensure that funds are being appropriated to support a variety of communication choices, including American Sign Language (ASL), real-time captioning, and hearing assistive technology. Since Gallaudet University receives more than $100 million annually in government funds, it is crucial that they be held accountable in this area.

The Hearing Loss Association supports the choice of people to use ASL as their primary language, or as a tool to communicate more effectively. However, discussion about programs and services must recognize that the vast majority of people with significant hearing loss (deaf and hard of hearing) do not choose this communication modality.

The Hearing Loss Association believes that medical and technological solutions for people with hearing loss continue to advance. Cochlear implants, advanced digital hearing aids, and potential medical breakthroughs will continue to shape the future. Terms such as deaf and hard of hearing are becoming less useful in describing people who are experiencing hearing loss.
Our organization will continue to focus on the millions of Americans who have a hearing loss and wish to use various communication strategies and technology to manage their own hearing loss and thrive in the mainstream of society. We still have a long way to go in improving public understanding of hearing loss, in the protection of civil rights, and in the challenge of accessibility.

Anne Pope, President
Hearing Loss Association of America