The New York City Council passed an important bill supporting access to public spaces for people with hearing loss.
Intro 882-A, sponsored by Council Member Helen Rosenthal of Manhattan, provides for the installation of hearing loops in City-funded capital projects with an estimated construction cost of $950,000 or more. This includes new construction and renovation, and means that close to 300 projects will be looped across New York City, according to City Council Member Rosenthal’s press release.
Hearing loop advocates believe that New York City is the first major municipality in the country to enact such legislation.
The press release included statements of support from Barbara Kelley at HLAA National, Chris Widelo of AARP, and Katherine Bouton, President of the New York City Chapter of HLAA.
Read more specifics about the legislation and Council Member Rosenthal’s press release.