May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, an observance that highlights the importance of communication health and its impact on quality of life. This campaign brings attention to hearing loss as a significant health concern that can arise from various factors, including genetics, age, exposure to loud noises, and certain medical conditions.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes the challenges faced by veterans who have served in noisy environments. The VA emphasizes the importance of protecting hearing from a young age with ear protection in noisy environments. Veterans can access free hearing tests at VA locations. Visit VA’s article about National Speech-Language-Hearing Month here.
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) provides guidelines for supporting individuals who identify as deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. They emphasize the importance of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and NYC Human Rights Law. For more resources and information, DOHMH’s Resources for Supporting Individuals Who Identify as Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind.
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) also provides communication assistance resources for New Yorkers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have communication disabilities, including:
- Information on assistive listening devices and sign language interpretation services
- TTY Loaner Program through NYC Public Libraries
- Resources offering hearing testing, hearing aid fittings, and speech therapy
- Verizon New York Equipment Program providing free amplified phones
For complete resources and program details, visit MODP’s resources page here.
For children with communication needs, NYC Department of Education (DOE) provides specialized support through their Special Education Home Resources program. Additionally, for families seeking early intervention services for children 2 years and 11 months or older, they can call 311 and ask for the “Committee on Preschool Special Education.”
