HLADE December Meetings (Newark – Dec. 11)

Delaware Hearing Loss Association of America Chapter logo

The New Castle Chat will be on December 11th, at the Newark Senior Center at 10:00am. I will be presenting at both meetings with the topic being “Emergency Preparedness” with some specific tips for those of us with hearing loss. I will be bringing one of my “Bug out Bags”, so you can actually see what you might need if you were forced to evacuate your home on short notice. 

Also, please note that dues for 2026 are now due. Dues are only $20 and help to defray the few fixed operating expenses we have. I ask that you fill out a new membership form with your dues payment so we can assure that our records are up to date. I will have forms with me, or you can go to our web site, www.hearinglossdelaware.org and download a form from the membership tab. Cash or checks payable to HLADE are acceptable and you can also include an additional donation if you want.

Russ Zehnacker, President
hearinglossde at gmail dot com

 

 

A telecommunications aid bill was signed into law. What does this mean for Delaware?

State Representative Eric Morrison speaks at a ceremony where House Bill 140 was signed into law on May 20, 2025.  Damian Giletto/Delaware News Journal

A bill intent on delivering telecommunications aid to Delawareans is now officially state law. 

The bill, which requires the Delaware Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to provide equipment and additional telecommunications assistance to individuals “who have deafness, hearing loss or speech disabilities related to deafness or hearing loss,” received Meyer’s signature on July 21.

The Hearing Loss Association of Delaware said roughly 120,000 people in the state have hearing loss.

While many agree this is a crucial step forward, they also point out that more needs to be done to ensure Delawareans who are deaf or hard of hearing are seen and supported.  

Read on at https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/05/delaware-new-telecommunications-law/85481779007/  (PDF copy which includes DAD’s and Feta Fernsler’s name)

 

 

Equipment Distribution Program update

Governor Matt Meyer signs HB53 into law.  Red shirt is Eric Morrison, our main sponsor of the bill.  

Going left from Eric is Dave from DDSC, Feta Fernsler - President, Keith Robertson - VP and Elisha Jenkins - DOL/DVR.  Governor Matt Meyer signs HB53 into law.  Red shirt is Eric Morrison, our main sponsor of the bill.  

Going left from Eric is Dave from DDSC, Feta Fernsler - President, Keith Robertson - VP and Elisha Jenkins - DOL/DVR.

Short version: 

Governor Matt Meyer signed HB 53 (EDP) bill last Monday (July 21, 2025). Feta, Keith and Dave were present.  Equipment Distribution Program will be released (updated really) within a year once rules finalized.  More info, contact ODHH, Christina Feil.

 

News articles:

Gov Meyer Signs Six Health-Related Measures into Law

 

Governor Meyer Signs Several Health-Related Bills Strengthening Protections for Overlooked Populations