This is a weekly report from the HLAA national office in Bethesda,Maryland. Please also sign up for the HLAA e-News where even more news is published.
ADVOCACY
HLAA joined other consumer groups, including the National Association of the Deaf and Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI) in filing comments with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding their Consideration of Negotiated Rulemaking Process under the Air Carrier Access Act. The filing was made January 21, 2016. In this Notice of Intent, the DOT indicated that it is exploring whether a Negotiated Rulemaking would be feasible in resolving a number of accessibility issues for air travel. Among these issues is whether this kind of rulemaking would be helpful to “[e]nsure that the same in-flight entertainment (IFE) available to all passengers is accessible to passengers with disabilities.”
HEARING LOSS MAGAZINE
The January/February 2016 issue of our Hearing Loss Magazine is hot off the presses! This issue is our annual Walk4Hearing kickoff issue. It contains information and stories about the Walk, as well as some great articles about hearing loss and cognition, ears and balance, and managing tinnitus, along with many other topics! If you are an HLAA member you will be receiving your issue shortly. If you’re not a member why not consider joining? Join Now. At only $35 per year you get the award-winning Hearing Loss Magazine along with many other benefits!
CHAPTERS
IMPORTANT REMINDER – IRS FILING DATE DUE MAY 16, 2016
Your Chapter and State Organization must file documents with the IRS to establish and maintain its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. In order to maintain tax-exempt status the Chapter must file an annual information return with the IRS. The particular form that must be filed (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N) varies according to the amounts of the Chapter’s gross receipts for calendar year 2015. The due date for filing is May 16, 2016. (The usual filing date of May 15 falls on a Sunday. When that happens, the form is due the next business day).
HLAA will soon have updated informational documents to help Chapters complete the filing process. This HLAA document is intended for informational purposes only and does
not replace IRS rules and regulations. Chapters are encouraged to consult the IRS or a qualified tax preparation professional for specific advice. To learn more please go to the IRS page for charities and nonprofits.
CONVENTION 2016/IFHOH CONGRESS
Attention Early-bird Registrants
If you register for the Convention by January 31, 2016 not only will you receive the best prices on registration packages, you are also eligible for a drawing for one of 15 iLuv SmartShakers, a wireless alarm controlled by your smartphone (iOS and Android). In addition you will be eligible to select your table at the banquet starting in February. Don’t delay, register today!
Speaking of the Capital Banquet (Saturday, June 25)
This banquet is going to be fabulous with comedienne and hearing loss advocate Gael Hannan as our emcee, and evening and entertainment by mentalist and magician Max Major. Director of Events Nancy Macklin attended a Max Major show in Baltimore recently – she’s still scratching her head, “How did he do that?!” If you registered for the Full-activity package, then you already have your ticket.