Government documents

A plain-language overview of hearing aid styles, how they work, and how to choose one, from the federal research institute. A strong general consumer education anchor. Learn more here .

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is the primary federal authority on hearing. This page explains what OTC hearing aids are, who they are intended for, and how they differ from prescription devices. Given how much of ICAAT's news covers OTC devices, this is a foundational reference. Learn more here .

The National Weather Service's guidance on receiving weather warnings without relying on sound. It explains weather-alert radios that pair with bed shakers, strobe lights, and text displays so that alerts can reach people who are deaf or hard of hearing, including at night, and includes an explainer in American Sign Language and English. Learn more here .

The National Weather Service's guidance on receiving weather warnings without relying on sound. It explains weather-alert radios that pair with bed shakers, strobe lights, and text displays so that alerts can reach people who are deaf or hard of hearing, including at night, and includes an explainer in American Sign Language and English. Learn more here .

The federal government's emergency-preparedness resource for people with disabilities, maintained through Ready.gov. It covers building a personal preparedness plan, receiving accessible emergency alerts, and maintaining communication access during an emergency, with guidance relevant to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Learn more here .

The FCC's consumer information on Text-to-911, which lets people send a text message to reach 911 in areas where the service is available. This matters for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, for whom a voice call to 911 may not be accessible. The page explains where the service is available, how to use it, and its current limitations. Learn more here .

The Federal Communications Commission's consumer guide to Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the short messages sent to mobile phones during emergencies such as severe weather, evacuation orders, and AMBER Alerts. The page explains what types of alerts phones can receive, how the alerts work, and how to check or adjust alert settings on a device. Learn more here .

Throughout the month of August, the U.S. Access Board held a series of public hearings on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on people with disabilities. On August 8, two hearings (in the morning and afternoon) were held to hear from members of the disability community. Additionally, a panel of speakers delivered remarks on the risks, benefits, and potential of artificial intelligence with…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is divided into five sections, which are known as titles. These five titles describe the rights of people with disabilities and the responsibilities of governments, businesses, and organizations covered by the law. What happens when someone believes the law was violated? Several federal agencies enforce the ADA. The agency responsible for responding to a…

The U.S. Department of Justice publication, ADA Requirements: Effective Communication is designed to help title II ((State and local governments) and title III entities ((businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve the public) understand how ADA rules for effective communication apply to them. These entities must provide auxiliary aids and services when needed to communicate effectively with…