By Katie Wright, President HLAA-CA
The 2025 HLAA Convention in Indianapolis was packed full of information as usual. Cybersecurity and Hearing Loss, Hospital Safety and Communication Access Plans, Navigating relationships with hearing loss, an update on the future of Bluetooth and Auracast and the latest from the FCC were just a few of the amazing workshops that were offered.
I went early to attend the day-long Chapter Leaders Meeting. If you haven’t yet explored the updated HLAA website, you need to! There is a newly organized Chapter Portal which is a one-stop resource hub for leaders and members. To access the Portal, go to hearingloss.org, click the “Chapter Leader” tab, register once, then log in anytime. You don’t have to be a “chapter leader” to access the portal. All you need is curiosity!
These are the resources available within the Portal. If you are a Chapter Leader or just curious, it is well worth your time to explore.
- Annual requirements to stay in good standing
- Group exemption and 990 filing instructions
- Sample bylaws (updated by Ann Thomas), budgets, and meeting documents
- Publicity & promotion tools, including communications tips and messaging guidelines
- HLAA Communications signup (eNews, advocacy alerts)
- How to start a new chapter or group
- Archived webinars on topics like social media and advocacy
Chapter Leaders also had a presentation on the legal responsibilities of Chapter Leaders, handling of conflicts, parameters of public advocacy on sensitive issues, sponsorships vs. advertising, when to check in with HLAA, and advocating for local hearing access.
We concluded the afternoon with discussions among other chapters at our tables on outreach strategies and successes. Three chapter leaders presented how they have encouraged growth post-pandemic. So many great ideas flowing throughout the room. It was an amazing day. Special thank you to Melissa Kruse, HLAA Chapter Engagement Manager, for organizing the day and then sending out such good notes afterward.
Next year’s HLAA Convention will be in Louisville, Kentucky, June 10-12, 2026. Make a plan to be there!
