NYSA of SHHH, Inc.
New York State Association of 
Self Help for Hard of  Hearing People, Inc.
Reporter
 
 
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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE  
– Dick Shuey
 
 
Hearing assistive systems are essential if we are to live normal lives. The Americans with Disabilities Act and state building codes have established legal requirements for the provision of such systems. Improvements in legal requirements are actively being pushed by SHHH and its affiliates. However, what is actually available to us today is more limited by society's failure to make available what is legally required. Pragmatically, enforcement of current require- ments is more important than legislation. That is where we, the individual members of SHHH, come in.  

It is very difficult, and the motivation is often not there, for a third party organization that is not personally facing the problem first hand to push enforcement. We, as individuals, find public meeting rooms, motels, federal, state and town facilities, theaters, etc., that do not meet the equipment or operational requirements. The normal enforcement chain of government and business just is not working. An organization, even SHHH, is not a citizen with a problem. Individual citizens, each with a personal problem, and in large numbers, can be much more effective.  

What can you do? Always ask for assistive devices when they should be provided. Complain as an individual if they are not provided and properly run. Threaten filing a complaint with state and federal attorneys general. Contact the NY State Office of Advocate for Persons with Disabilities (800-522-4369). Give that office the details. It can better take action if based upon specific individuals. Our numbers will have an impact. I know from personal experience, you can make a difference.  

Dick Shuey is an active member of the Board of the NYSA.