Learn Your ADA Rights at an HLAA Orange County Workshop

On January 6^th, the Hearing Loss Association of America will be hosting its City of Orange meeting. One of the highlights of this meeting is guest speaker Callie Frye, who is a sensory disability advocate for Disability Rights California (DRC). Ms. Frye will be discussing the rights of people who are deaf or have hearing loss when dealing with public entities, specifically what accommodations people with hearing loss are entitled to. Another highlight is club co-founder Toni Barrient, who will discuss inclusive technology. Join this free, two-hour event this Saturday at 9:30 Mariposa Women and Family Center in Orange County and become more confident in understanding your rights.

What are ADA rights?

ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a comprehensive piece of civil rights legislation that protects the rights of all Americans with disabilities. The act was signed into law in July of 1990, and was modeled after the Civil Rights Act which protected against discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The ADA specifically protects people with disabilities from discrimination and from lack of access to mainstream daily life. Because of the ADA, employers, businesses, and community events are required to provide certain accommodations for those with disabilities to be able to fully participate. “To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability, which is defined by the ADA as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment” (https://www.ada.gov/ada_intro.htm). Therefore, if your hearing loss limits one or more life activities, you are protected under ADA as well.

What will we learn at this workshop?

At this workshop, attendees will learn which federal and state laws exist to protect people who are deaf or have hearing impairments. Attendees will also gain a fundamental understanding of what these laws mean in day-to-day experiences, especially when it comes to their right to effective communication when communicating with public entities or private businesses. Probably most importantly, attendees will learn what accommodations they are entitled to and how to effectively advocate for themselves, as well as what to do if they feel they have been discriminated against. This discussion will also include directions on what to do when stopped by police as a person with hearing loss.

Another part of the meeting will be dedicated to “Tech Corner with Toni Barrient.” During this time, Ms. Barrient will share device and technology updates that specifically assist those with hearing loss. There will be some technology demonstrations during this time as well.

Of course, the meeting will be fully equipped with hearing loop systems as well as captioning.

About Disability Rights California

Disability Rights California (DRC) is a non-profit organization with the following vision statement “We envision a barrier-free, inclusive, diverse world that values each individual and their voice. In this world, all people with disabilities enjoy the power of equal rights and opportunities; freedom from abuse, neglect, and discrimination; dignity; and respect for their choices based on their own goals and values” (http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/about/vision.htm).

2018 will be DRC’s 40^th year advocating for and advancing the rights of all individuals living with disabilities in the state of California. DRC has nine different programs that each assist with a different aspect of life for those with disabilities. A few of these programs include: legal work, mental health stigma & discrimination reduction, peer or self-advocacy, investigations and diversity. To learn more about Disability Rights California and their programs, visit their website here: http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/

Recap of the event

As a recap, the meeting is being held this Saturday, January 6^th at 9:30 am at the Mariposa Women and Family Center and should last about 2 hours. The Mariposa center is located at 812 W. Town & Country Road, Building C in Orange County. Parking is free at the center, and light refreshments will be served throughout the meeting. 

Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services

If you think you may be experiencing some of the signs of hearing loss, reach out to our friendly team at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services today. We are proud to serve the Orange County region of California, and we look forward to walking with you on your journey to better hearing.