The Hearing Loss Association of America “2023 Community Access Award” was presented to Peggy Bell (Palm Beach County, FL Chapter) and Wynne Whyman (Boulder, CO Chapter) on June 30 during the HLAA Annual Convention held in New Orleans.
Bell and Whyman are members of the HLAA national “Get in the Hearing Loop” Committee. They successfully advocated for the addition of “Assistive Hearing Loop” as an accessibility attribute on Google Maps just last year. Since then, they have updated Google Maps with verified data on thousands of locations that provide a hearing loop system, the consumer-preferred technology for hearing access/clarity in all types of public spaces.
For those who may not know, hearing loop systems broadcast filtered sound, wirelessly, to the T-Coil (telecoil) built into virtually all brands of hearing aids, cochlear implants and loop receivers. For those who do know of a looped location that is not currently identified on Google Maps, please use this form to add the location!
The other five accessibility attributes published by Google Maps include mobility-related accommodations mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information on the Annual Convention Awards Ceremony and other 2023 Award recipients, click here >>
HLAA Palm Beach County Chapter 