ALDA

ALDA advocates for people of all ages with all types of hearing loss regardless of when your hearing loss journey began.

The mission of the Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA) is to improve and empower the lives of people of of all ages with hearing loss through a national network, local groups, an annual convention and legal advocacy. Whether you use sign language or spoken language, were born Deaf or lost your hearing as an adult, ALDA recognizes you as part of our community. In addition to providing a netw

REGISTRATION DEADLINE / ELECTION REMINDER 08/10/2024

Today an eBlast was sent with a few reminders/announcements.

1. Hotel and ALDAcon online registration ends on Aug 12th (Mon).
After that, you will need to register in-person for ALDAcon and you will need to contact the hotel directly if you want a room.
2. ALDA Board - if you are interested in joining, an announcement will be made at ALDAcon and online. Watch for that in the coming weeks.

Other announcements were also added.

See the full eBlast here: https://mailchi.mp/alda/registration-deadline-election-reminder

Thank you

REGISTRATION DEADLINE / ELECTION REMINDER

07/26/2024

Happy Anniversary to the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It was signed on July 26th, 1990.

PRESIDENT OF ALDA SHARES DEADLINES & NEWS 07/26/2024

It is Disability Awareness month! Please see a message from our ALDA President and some reminders for deadlines this month. See the eBlast at

PRESIDENT OF ALDA SHARES DEADLINES & NEWS

07/18/2024

The Summer 2024 issue of ALDA News has gone out this morning to our current members. If you are a current member and did not receive it via email, please contact [email protected] Thank you and enjoy this issue while traveling or out by the pool. šŸ˜Ž āœˆļø šŸ–

07/04/2024

šŸŽ†Celebrate Independence day, America! šŸŽ†

Are you feeling suppressed by hearing loss? Wish you could feel more free to share with others how to walk this journey?

ALDA is here for you to help you find your independence from that lonely feeling. We have the tools to walk more confidently, socialize more readily and live more joyfully. We've got a "Whatever works" state of mind! Check us out and join the ALDA family!!šŸ¤Ÿ

Join here: https://alda.org/membership/

07/01/2024

We are happy to inform you that the United Nations is now offering tours in American Sign Language.

Use promo code ASLJJ2024 for a 20% off throughout the month of July.For additional information, or to request a tour in ASL on a different date, please contact [email protected].

Standard UN Tour in ASL -

Visit the United Nations in the heart of New York City! Guided tours offer an engaging way to discover the United Nations Headquarters. Visit the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chambers, meetings permitting. Learn how the United Nations addresses International Peace and Security, Human Rights, and how you can support the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN Standard Tour in ASL will be offered on
July 10th, 2024 at 11:30 AM.

Book here - https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/visit-un/items/557008/calendar/2024/07/?flow=1211111&full-items=yes

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Children's Tour in ASL



Children aged 5 to 10 are invited to learn more about the UN and how to be global citizens on a special UN Childrenā€™s Tour. A child-friendly ā€œKids Corridorā€ features wall-sized world maps, mounted flags of the Security Councilā€™s members, an actual refugee tent and more! Interactive games with the Tour Guides, quizzes and role-playing help young visitors understand the work of the UN and how it relates to their daily lives. Please note: the Children's Tour does not access the Conference Building. Participants will visit the Kids Corridor and the General Assembly Hall (meetings permitting).


The Childrenā€™s Tour in ASL will be offered on

July 15th, 2024 at 1:30 PM

Book here - https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/visit-un/items/558104/calendar/2024/07/?flow=1211111&full-items=yes

06/30/2024

Today is the last day of the early bird rate for ALDAcon to be held September 11 to 15 in Clearwater Beach! Www.alda.org

06/18/2024

Our Friday night entertainment after the I King Jordan Awards Banquet. Mystic Magician from Cirque Vertigo!

ALDA News submissions / Award Nominations and ALDAcon update 06/18/2024

Greetings! The latest ALDA eBlast went out today. There is the ALDA News Summer 2024 Call for Articles, the ALDAcon 2024 Call for Volunteer Award nominations and an update on ALDAcon 2024 including a link to the ALDAcon 2024 Schedule. Reminder that the Early-bird deadline for registration is 6/30/24. See the full eBlast here:

ALDA News submissions / Award Nominations and ALDAcon update

06/02/2024

President Laura's "Better Hearing/Speech Month" Message for May 2024
-------------------
A man walks into an elevator...and comes out a champion!
As the "Better Hearing Month" of May comes to a close, we hope you have enjoyed reading ALDA's mailings as a member or subscriber to ALDA. This last one features just how impactful one person's passionate advocacy can turn into tangible positive change for those of us with hearing loss.

I hope these weeks have encouraged you to listen mindfully, seek support when you are feeling challenged by your hearing loss and know that you are not alone in this journey. Your mind's health is intertwined with your body's health.

Let June spur new energy and connections for your health. Don't let isolation and frustrations fester. Reach out to your Regional Director today! They are planning one big virtual meeting where you can observe, learn coping strategies and join in the conversation. June also marks the last month of our Early Bird registration discount to ALDAcon 2024 in Clearwater Beach, FL. Tune in for guest appearances from your hosts from our ALDA - Suncoast Chapter!!

Perhaps share what is going on in your corner with a Newsletter submission ([email protected]) . Deadline is in a few weeks for the June 2024 issue.

ALDAbest!
Laura Sinclair, President
-------------------
LOCAL NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENT TAKES ELEVATOR ADVOCACY FOR THE D/HOH TO NEW HEIGHTS BY ADDING BUILDING CODE TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATION ACCESS

The attached photo shows a new panel in a modernized elevator in an office building in Boston, one of several across the US that recently completed a major elevator modernization project. The panel includes new building code requirements championed by Andy Cid, a NH resident. Andy, who is profoundly Deaf, works in his spare time as an activist (he has an unrelated career) in the building code field to push for equal communication access for the Deaf and HoH nationwide. The new building code now requires elevator cab panels to honor the amended code to have two-way live interactive visual and tactile emergency communication systems and one-way live video monitoring. The new requirements are the result of the 2018/2021/2024 IBC codes (International Building Code) that Andy proposed and presented at annual ICC (Intā€™l. Code Council) conferences across the country. Further information can be found at www.iccsafe.org.

Andy performed all of this work in his own spare time and dime to six states from 2015 to 2022. To emphasize how one personā€™s actions can make a difference, there were no angels, sponsors, or special interests involved. Allies from various professions (building officials, architects, First Responders, industry reps, etc.) teamed up with Andy over the years to bring this to fruition. Teamwork was the key to success.

Backstory: Andy was compelled to have the code changed because he was actually trapped in an elevator in 2011 at his office building for about four scary minutes realizing the phone handset in the wall panel was useless to him. He vowed to endeavor to change the code after being told by the Building Manager that the existing code only required an audio phone in the cabs. Not long after, a deaf friend of his was also trapped in an elevator in a different location showcasing that his experience was not unique and making the need for code changes evident.

The first code that required access for the Deaf/HoH came out in 2018 (proposed in Memphis in 2015). Subsequent code passages in 2021 and 2024 had the same or similar code language, but it was tweaked over the years to provide more clarity for industry. Construction/modernization projects take time from inception to completion and require funding and approvals, so they are slowly coming out in the marketplace. While not perfect, the new screen system in the photo can be considered a ā€œ1st generationā€ system.

The new codes benefit 54 million Deaf and Hard of Hearing along with 25 million visually-challenged people. An assurance of safety is paramount in elevators so these codes will ensure entrapped individuals will never be "alone" in an elevator again. The code also enhances communications between First Responders and entrapped occupants. The IBC code impacts new construction nationwide, including elevator modernizations (including replacements).

Also, a new IEBC (International Existing Building Code) for existing buildings passed for 2024 and beyond (proposed in 2022 in Louisville) with the same visual communication system requirements. Existing vertical inventories nationwide are impacted by this code when they are slated for modernizations or replacement. Please note that each state has different code adoption schedules/years.

(Note: The screen in the pic is too high but a proposed remedy has been submitted by industry to lower the height so wheelchair users and others can view the screen with ease. The proposed changes are not yet final).

Text is used between authorized personnel and entrapped passengers with brief messages exchanged and yes/no answers are entered.

Andy also proposed a new IBC code in 2021 (effective 2024) for new outdoor stadiums to require their PA systems to have caption systems or pre-recorded captions of announcements. Stay tuned!

05/27/2024

This Memorial Day, remember those who gave all ā™„ļø

šŸ‘ Welcome Our New Chapter/Group Chair! 05/14/2024

New Chapter/Group Chair - ALDAcon Scholarship Deadline

šŸ‘ Welcome Our New Chapter/Group Chair!

05/14/2024

Join hundreds of others with varying causes of hearing loss in the ALDA Discussion Group. It is a private group so just request to join and wait for approval. Then, feel free to join the many discussions happening with that group.

05/14/2024

Join hundreds of others with hearing loss in the ALDA Discussion Group. It is a private group so just request to join and wait for approval. Then, feel free to join the many discussions happening with that group.

Justice Department Secures Agreement with City of Virginia Beach to Improve Access for Individuals with Disabilities 04/29/2024

NOTE: this includes giving communication access for interpreters and CART! Good news to have ADA rights upheld. Items such as these raise awareness in areas of public access. Be sure to share where you see this in action. Make your access requests respectfully and share broadly how the experience turns out for you. We can take action to help ourselves which in turn helps others. This is only one step away from asking for legislation for Open Captions at theaters and public TVs. In MD recently this had some success. Make some noise!

Justice Department Secures Agreement with City of Virginia Beach to Improve Access for Individuals with Disabilities The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement with the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, to ensure that individuals with disabilities, including Veterans, have equal access to city buildings and other civic programs. The agreement is part of the departmentā€™s commitment to ensure th...

2024 Open Captioning Movies Bill Updates # 5 04/13/2024

ASL VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKQSpUxmveo&fbclid=IwAR1PHCxJ-J0AimOg0ASxgs7GJyen8LMkynuKIK_-2SM8eleJcS7IvINKi9o_aem_AagX6GKMg684-XQpESlcvFH-xKxMwNKcqL1rzw4b18Jp4qmJpOavOagRAncjpffCyhOvOt-cswDF0ufnEgoPGywC

Hello Everyone!

We have exciting news to share!!! Both Opening Captioning (OC) movie bills, HB 426 and SB 92 with amendments have recently PASSED!

Some of the original language that we had suggested for the bill was replaced with amendments.

The amendments are:

OC movies will be shown in a movie theater that has eight or more screens per theater;

If the movie theater shows the same movie five times or more per week, they must provide open captioning movies two times a week in the first three weeks of the premiere; and

Requests for an open captioning version of a movie can be made with reasonable advance notice after the third week of the movieā€™s debut at the theater.

Both bills are now on the way to Governor Mooreā€™s desk so he can sign the bill. Once that happens, the bill will become law on October 1, 2024!

The amendment requiring OC movies is ONLY for theaters with eight or more screens. This will impact the Eastern Shore the most because there arenā€™t any theaters with eight or more screens in the area except for one movie theater in Salisbury with 16 screens.

In contrast, movie theaters with 7 or fewer screens will not be required to show OC movies. It is up to them to show OC movies on a voluntary basis.

The committee plans to continue to push for more access to OC movie showings and make sure Eastern Shore has the same level of access like other counties. We hope you will join us in the fight next year!

Stay tuned for more information that will be coming throughout this year. We would like to thank Delegate Bhandari and Senator Brooks for all of their hard work and support in getting both bills across the finish line!

If you have any questions, suggestions, or are interested in joining our committee as a volunteer, please email us at [email protected].

Thank you for supporting us!

Open Captioning Movies Bill Committee

Gabrielle Davis Roy Fernandes

Meredith DeSomma Fred Hartman

Tina Joyner Sagar Kothari

Jacob Leffer Heidi Burghardt

Nat Balsley Vikki Porter

Deanna Tilden

2024 Open Captioning Movies Bill Updates # 5 [Video Description: A white man with glasses, brown hair, wearing long-sleeved buttoned down shirt, with a plain blue background.]Transcript:Hello! I am Jaco...

04/06/2024

April is National Deaf History Month

National Deaf History Month celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of people who are deaf and those who are hard of hearing and raises awareness for the Deaf community. It was first introduced in 1997 by National Association of the Deaf and in 2006, the American Library Association partnered with NAD in supporting and spreading awareness of this celebration.

Initially, the month was celebrated from mid-March to mid-April. Then in March 2022, the National Association of the Deaf released a statement changing the dates to April 1-30 based on feedback from the NAD Deaf Culture and History Section and various stakeholders, including from organizations that represent marginalized communities within the Deaf Community.

Speaking of the eclipse, VT town tells locals: Stay off big roads, stay off cellphone, be patient with flatlanders - Granite Geek 03/27/2024

For those in the path of the coming eclipse, please heed these warnings. Some people have found free viewing glasses through libraries. Make sure any set you intend to use have the proper rating to protect the eyes. They should comply with ISO 12312-2. Some schools will be closed and children or others developmentally delayed are being kept inside for the few minutes duration due to their innate curiosity. Take care of those who may need help during this event. Be safe out there.

Speaking of the eclipse, VT town tells locals: Stay off big roads, stay off cellphone, be patient with flatlanders - Granite Geek Hereā€™s an excellent package of advice for locals about how to deal with the eclipse on April 8. Itā€™s from the Emergency Management folks in Plainfield, Vermont, between Montpelier and St. Johnsbury, which will see totality. If they havenā€™t reached their destination (if they had one) by the tim...

Famous Deaf Women - Sorenson 03/18/2024

In Honor of Women's History Month
----------
Great Deaf Women in History (and Present) [from Sorenson]
For many people the phrase ā€œFamous Deaf Womenā€ means Helen Keller, Marlee Matlin, maybe Lauren Ridloff ā€” and not much else. But there are so many other awesome Deaf women out there both past and present. Weā€™ve highlighted some of them.
How many of our featured Deaf women do you know?

Famous Deaf Women - Sorenson Ā« Deaf Community News News and updates about Sorenson VRS products and features and the Deaf community Ā« Hearing Health Providers NewsHearing loss news and ...

03/15/2024

Spring ALDA News issue
-------
Tomorrow, Saturday, March 16th, the Spring issue of ALDA News will be sent out via MailChimp to our current ALDA members. Please watch for it.

If you are a current member and do not receive it, please check your SPAM folder. If it is not there, please contact ALDA Membership at [email protected]

If you are NOT a current member and want to join and receive our quarterly newsletter, ALDA News, full of articles, stories, shared experiences and photos, please consider joining ALDA at this link: https://alda.org/membership/

Thank you!

03/15/2024

TIME SENSITIVE! I believe our dear John Waldo spoke of this advocacy in action back in 2021 which has been picked up since by our ALDA friend Dean Olson of WA in coming articles for ALDAnews...stay tuned for the next issue but for now read more here:
Thereā€™s good news for residents of Washington state who wear hearing aidsā€”a new law now requires some large group health plans to cover the cost of hearing aids and services. And some Kaiser Foundation Health Plan members may be eligible for reimbursement for their hearing aids under a recent class action lawsuit settlement if they act before April 2, 2024.

These recent efforts illustrate the importance of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and its community of local advocates to spur change across the nation.

Grassroots Efforts Pay Off
The HLAA Washington State Association was instrumental in pushing for the expanded coverage for hearing aids and services that just went into effect January 1, 2024. House Bill 1222 now requires some large group health plans in the state, and those for public employees, to cover the cost of hearing aids, assessments, adjustment, fitting and trainingā€”up to $3,000 per ear every three years. While this law exempts companies that are self-insured, itā€™s an important precedent, and local advocates continue to push for broader coverage.

Also, claims are now being accepted in a class action settlement in Washington for people who bought hearing aids. The case, Schmitt, et al., v. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, argues that excluding hearing aids and services violates the Affordable Care Actā€™s anti-discrimination provision. An opinion by the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed, calling the exclusion discriminatory.

This expanded coverage in Washington, together with the anti-discrimination settlement, is good news to millions of people with hearing loss across the U.S. who donā€™t get the treatment they need because of cost. We fully expect that other states could use this as an example to follow. This is the kind of grassroots spark that HLAA can share with members and constituents throughout the country.

Act Fast for Hearing Aid Payouts
The settlement establishes a $3 million fund that will reimburse people who paid out of pocket for hearing aids and related services from October 30, 2014, through December 31, 2023, and were covered under certain Kaiser Foundation Health plans in Washington state.

Claim forms and information are available online and must be filed by April 2, 2024, at https://www.kphearingaidsettlement.com.

Next Steps and Wider Implications
HLAA Washington State Association (HLAA-WA) says more legislation could further broaden coverage for hearing aids and services in individual and small group health plans, too. Thanks to SB 5338, also passed last year, the Washington State Insurance Commissioner is seeking the addition of hearing aids to the stateā€™s Essential Health Benefits (EHB). The EHB spells out what every health insurance plan overseen by the state must offer. HLAA-WA hopes others follow suit, potentially influencing Congress to provide coverage to Medicare beneficiaries.

Since the Kaiser case ended in a settlement between two parties, no court ordered a judgment. But the opinion could be repeated by bringing additional lawsuits in other states if health plans exclude hearing aid coverage based on disability.

03/03/2024

World Hearing Day is an annual global advocacy event for raising awareness regarding hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care, and calling for action to address hearing loss and related issues. Each year, this event is celebrated on 3 March, covering a specific theme on which the World Health Organization and its partners carry out activities based on this theme. For more information, see www.worldhearingday.org

02/08/2024

FYI, current ALDA Board member Tina Childress, and former ALDA Board member David Baldridge are both featured in this (along with others). It is free, as long as you register.

On the job with hearing loss? Join us on February 27, noon-1 p.m. ET, for a webinar exploring new technologies that can help even the playing field. A panel of career professionals with will discuss various solutions at a range of workplaces.

This HearingU webinar is free to attend and will be captioned and recorded. Please share with friends and colleagues!

Learn More & Register: hearingloss.org/work

02/08/2024

Get pumped, folks! Super Bowl LVIII is turning the volume up this year with a twist - a fantastic line-up of Deaf Performers!

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD), LOVE SIGN, and the NFL proudly announce that Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 11, 2024 will feature Deaf performers Daniel Durant, Anjel PiƱero, and Shaheem Sanchez during pregame festivities. Actor Daniel Durant, who starred in the Academy Award-winning movie ā€œCODA,ā€ will perform the National Anthem in ASL; actress and model Anjel PiƱero will sign ā€œAmerica the Beautiful;ā€ and Shaheem Sanchez, actor, dancer, and choreographer, will sign ā€œLift Every Voice and Sing.ā€ Sanchez will also perform the ASL Halftime Show. The ASL pre-game performances and the ASL Halftime show will be produced in partnership with Alexis Kashar of LOVE SIGN and Howard Rosenblum of the NAD. Information on where to best watch these sign language performances will be shared when it becomes available.

Daniel Durant is best known for his starring role as Leo Rossi in CODA, a film that garnered three Oscars (2022), including Best Picture. Daniel received numerous accolades for his work in the movie, including: a Screen Actorā€™s Guild Award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture; a Sundance Award for Best Ensemble, a HCA Spotlight Award; and the AFI Award for Best Ensemble. Daniel most recently appeared in Season 31 of Dancing with the Stars and the 2023 Dancing with the Stars Tour. Daniel is also well known for his role as ā€œMoritzā€ in the Broadway theatrical production of Spring Awakening, and for this performance, won the Theatre World Award for Outstanding 2016 Broadway Debut Performance. Over the years, Daniel has acted in several theater productions. In addition, Daniel has appeared in several television series, including the series ā€œYou,ā€ ā€œChicago Med,ā€ ā€œFlorida Man,ā€ and a recurring role on ā€œSwitched at Birth.ā€ [photo credit: Apple]

Anjel PiƱero is an actor and model who placed in the top 23 of the 2023 Miss New York USA pageant and is competing in the 2024 Miss New York USA pageant. Anjel has performed in many roles on television, video, promotions, and stage. She has appeared in Law and Order SVU, as well as in ASL promotions of Nickelodeonā€™s Spongebob Squarepants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Kenan and Kel. Anjel has been featured in ads for Android, Mercari, and Apple. Anjelā€™s theatrical performances include productions of: One Flew Over the Cuckooā€™s Nest at Gallaudet University; Into the Wood Little Red at Lincoln Center New York City; Here, All Dwell Free Handless Maiden at New York University; and The Music Man at Olney Theatre Center. Anjel was the Valedictorian of the 2018 graduating class of the New York School for the Deaf ā€“ Fanwood. [photo credit: Miss New York USA Team]

Shaheem Sanchez is an actor, performer, dancer and dance choreographer who is well known for his online presence which both entertains and teaches ASL to thousands of followers. Shaheemā€™s dance career has earned admiration from many professionals and followers. Shaheemā€™s professional journey has included collaborations with music artists such as Ciara, Usher, and Snoop Dogg. He has also worked alongside esteemed actors like Academy Award-winner Troy Kotsur. In 2019, Shaheem made his feature film debut in the feature film ā€œSound of Metal.ā€ Shaheem has been involved in various promotions for Apple Music and Apple TV+. During the 2023 season, the NFL produced the ā€œDrip by NFLā€ campaign, launching a national commercial starring Shaheem. As the founder of Feel the Music, Shaheem pledges to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing communities. He currently resides in Los Angeles. [photo credit: Julien Billy]

01/28/2024

šŸ¤©ALDA Board Region 4 VacancyšŸ¤©

Want to help ALDA fill an immediate need for a volunteer and connect with others?

ALDA has an unexpected board vacancy for Region 4 Director (RD4). A paid ALDA member is eligible if residing in any of the following states, provinces or countries:

Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Montana
New Mexico
Nevada
Oregon
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
British Columbia (CAN)
Alberta (CAN)
Saskatchewan (CAN)
Northwest Territories (CAN)
Yukon Territories (CAN)
Japan
Pacific Islands
Australia
New Zealand
(see link: https://alda.org/chapters-groups/regional-directors/).

The current term runs until Dec. 31, 2024, as the position is up for re-election this Fall for the two-year 2025-2026 term. You would be able to try it out for this remaining term including the convention in Clearwater Beach, FL in mid-September and run for re-election, if desired!

What does a Regional Director do? There are four ALDA Regional Directors worldwide which operate with support from our Chapter/Group Committee and each other. Each Regional Director is responsible for communications addressed to the Association by individuals residing within that region who are seeking information and local resources, providing support and information to groups, chapters, individuals, families, and professionals within their region, networks with other organizations within their region, and represents regional interests and concerns at Board meetings. Quarterly virtual meetings connect potential and registered members within the region with the added benefit of potential new groups and chapters to form. The ALDA Board meets approximately every other month, and as needed. Attendance, reporting, and connecting at ALDAcons is encouraged but not mandatory. Travel expenses to and from the convention Board meeting are reimbursable under standard guidelinesā€¦reasonable transportation by air, train, bus, or car, meals, and half hotel room expense for the night before and the night after the meeting.

Do you have questions or are you considering this position? Perhaps you have an ALDA national member in Region 4 you would like to recommend? Contact me at [email protected] If not as a regional director, there are other opportunities to volunteer a few hours here and there to committees with a focus on things such as advocacy, membership, the newsletter or communications, international flare, or behind-the-scenes general administration of ALDA interests. Be a part of something that helps others and feeds your soul!

Laura Sinclair, ALDA President

Open Captioning Movies Bill Letter 01/28/2024

From Region 1 Director, Debra Bare-Rogers:
ALDA Region 1 has exciting opportunities in 2024! We have several states with members interested in starting groups and chapters! If you know anyone in Maine, Maryland, or New York who wants to get involved, reach out to the ALDA Contact Us page at alda.org/contact/ so we can get people connected. (Admin added note: Toronto, Southern California, Texas, and Florida also have interested people if you know of others in those states to connect through the appropriate regional director and membership)

Also, Maryland has new bills in legislation for Open Captions at movie theaters...Check this out and lend your support if you can! (see link below). ALDA Inc. has sent letters of support for the bill via legal counsel and leadership these last two years to help get to this point. Similar initiatives have passed in some states while others are just getting started in states such as OR and WA.

Here is an MD committee announcement regarding the Maryland Open Captioning Movie Bills.

Senate Bill 92: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0092
House Bill 426: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0426

The committee is asking you to share the Google form with your family, and friends in the State of Maryland that was created for individuals to fill out. Here is the Google form link: http://tinyurl.com/MDOpenCaptionsMovieLetter

Since the House has a hearing before the Economic Matters Committee on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, your letter is needed by Wednesday, January 31, 2024, and can be uploaded for you. OR you can upload your letter on the MGA website (as above) on Friday, February 2, 2024.

For the Senateā€™s hearing before the Judicial Proceedings Committee on February 8, 2024, your letter is needed by Monday, February 5, 2024, and can be uploaded for you. OR you can upload the letter on the MGA website (as above) on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

If you want to testify in person or on Zoom, please let this committee know ASAP so they know who is testifying in supporting this bill and to let the sponsors know. You can testify on either day or both days.

For any questions and clarifications, please reach out anytime at [email protected].

Open Captioning Movies Bill Committee

Gabrielle Davis Roy Fernandez
Meredith DeSomma Fred Hartman
Tina Joyner Sagar Kothari
Jacob Leffer Heidi Burghardt
Elke Pieters Nat Balsley
Vikki Porter Deanna Tilden

Open Captioning Movies Bill Letter Thank you for supporting the Open Captioning Movies Bill for the Movie Theaters in the State of Maryland. The form will customize your letter of support for HB 426 and SB 92 which will require movie theaters in the State of Maryland to show more open captioned movies. The Open Captioning Movies Bill...

ALDAcon 2024 - Call for Papers 01/18/2024

The ALDAcon 2024 Call for Papers was sent out today. If you are interested, submit your proposal by April 19, 2024.

See the eBlast here:

ALDAcon 2024 - Call for Papers The Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA, Inc.) is now accepting workshop proposals for the 35thĀ Annual International Convention (ALDAcon), September 11-15, 2024, at the Sheraton Sand Key ResortĀ in Clearwater Beach, Florida. If you have a workshop idea that will enrich the hearing loss commun...

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Womanspace offers programs and classes for women, children & men to enhance body, mind & spirit. All

Global Impact Global Impact
Rockford

Founded in 1997, Global Impact's mission is to release freedom and empower potential internationally

Rock River Valley Blood Center Rock River Valley Blood Center
419 N 6th Street
Rockford, 61107

Saving Lives since 1952. RRVBC serves as a centralized, community blood center to hospitals in Boone

Golden Apple Foundation Golden Apple Foundation
5301 E. State Street , Suite 114
Rockford, 61108

Golden Apple Foundation Inspires, Celebrates and Supports Excellence in Education.