Hi everyone!

Congratulations on helping to raise awareness about the need for free auto captions on video conferencing platforms like Google & Zoom for people with hearing loss. Thank YOU for all that you have done to show support! We just surpassed 21,000 signatures! 

An important voice has added its support. Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the largest consumer advocacy organization for people with hearing loss in the United States issued a position statement “Free access to automatic captioning for people with hearing loss to support social engagement, during the COVID pandemic.”

HLAA calls for “All online video call and conferencing platforms to offer free (no-cost) access to automatic captioning technology to people with hearing loss at the same level that platforms offer to their premium customers, during the COVID pandemic.” 

The statement continues, “The need for social engagement — a basic human need — is paramount, especially during this period of global crisis.” To support HLAA’s advocacy work, click here.

Google has already made its Google Meet platform with excellent auto captions free for everyone (rolling out throughout May). Zoom and the other platforms must do so as well. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Here’s a link to share: change.org/living-with-hearing-loss