By Brittany Pudnos • Posted on October 19, 2022
Did you know that Close to 30 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aid use? And that the average price of an adult hearing aid is about $2,000-$3,000. It can range from $1,000 up to more than $4,000 for each device, depending on the level of technology. The good news is that the push for easier access to assistive technology had a big win recently! On August 16th, The U.S. FDA issued a final rule to improve access to hearing aids. Certain hearing aids for those who are 18 and older will now be available with no doctor's visit or fitting necessary. These new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids enable consumers with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription, or fitting adjustment by an audiologist.
“Reducing healthcare costs in America has been a priority of mine since Day One, and this rule is expected to help us achieve quality, affordable healthcare access for millions of Americans in need,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’s action by the FDA represents a significant milestone in making hearing aids more cost-effective and accessible.”
What a great way to take down barriers and make healthcare accessible for all!
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans
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[date] => 2021-02-03
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[title] => ACC's Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response services bring peace and security
[author] => Anonymous
[article] => How has the Disability Disaster Access and Resources Program changed your life?
Ever since the Thomas Fire this has been in the back of my mind being worried about the electricity going off and all of a sudden PG&E referred me to you and there was an overwhelming amount of peace. It gives you a deep peace to know you’re not subject to the whims of the weather. You can never tell about the unknown factors. You can watch the weather all you want but the reality is you need to be prepared.
How do you feel about how ACC has helped you prepare for disasters and emergencies? How did you feel before?
It's like a miracle happened to me. That's the way I feel. In the beginning I couldn't believe it. I didn't believe it for the first week or so. It's wonderful, I don't know how to describe it, it's beyond words at times. Before planning with ACC there was nothing and I explored everything to find assistance. Unless I had $5,000 to buy a battery there was nothing for me and I felt frustration that the winds could make them turn the power off. It's nice to be able to do something about it. Before planning it made me feel powerless. It gave me power in this situation to get the planning.
What is different now that you have the backup battery and disaster plan?
It's peace of mind I guess. It's being proactive instead of waiting for the situation to happen and seeing what help you can find. This program is safety and gives you a nice warm fuzzy feeling.
"ACC isn't like a government agency it's like people helping people. It's real help by real people."
-Michele, Consumer of Lauren Utterback- Independent Living Advocate
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[date] => 2021-02-11
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[new] =>
[title] => ACC staff and consumers talks about ACC services and successes
[author] => Anonymous
[article] =>
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[id] => 29
[date] => 2021-08-30
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => A Housing Consumer Success Story
[author] => Petra Lowen, Community Living Advocate
[article] => Our Community Living Advocate in Santa Barbara has worked with a consumer since 2017. He has been homeless since that time, sometimes sleeping on a couch at a friend’s apartment, sometimes sleeping in his car or just on the street. In 2017 we helped him sign up for all the waiting lists for subsidized housing that he was eligible for. We explained that the wait is typically several years long. We always let him know when a new opportunity for affordable housing came up. Finally in March of 2021 the consumer had reached the top of the City of Santa Barbara Housing Authority section 8 waiting list and received a voucher. This was a major milestone but the housing market in Santa Barbara is currently extremely tight, meaning there are very few apartments available that are under the current housing standard of $2015 for a 1-bedroom apartment. The ACC made multiple housing referrals from rental lists. Then the consumer on his own found a landlord who was willing to accept his voucher. Unfortunately, the Housing Authority turned it down because it did not meet their criteria. By this point, two months had passed and the Housing Authority gave him a 2-month extension. The ACC made more housing referrals. Then the consumer received a call that there was an opening at the Bradley Studios, a property built by the Housing Authority. The consumer was familiar with the property and was more than happy to accept the offer. He moved into the apartment in late June and is now more or less settled. He finally has stability in his life and can take care of several pressing health issues that require him to have secure housing for recovery. It has made a huge difference in his life.
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