"I wasn't sure what people were saying," Alston, D-Phoenix, said. "You are hesitant to reply."
Thanks to new technology at the state Capitol, Alston and more than 1 million Arizonans with hearing loss can now more easily engage in the legislative process.
The Arizona Legislature this week became only the second state capital to provide looping technology that directly broadcasts amplified sound to hearing aids and cochlear implants. Most hearing aids already include "telecoils" required to use the technology. Individuals can access it by just pushing a button on their device.
Alston was on hand Wednesday as the system was activated in a House hearing room. As she heard the clear sound broadcast by the system via her hearing aids, a huge smile spread across her face and she began to cry.
"Oh, wow!" she said. "They thought I talked a lot before. They better watch out now. I will be even bolder than I was before."
Even more important, Alston said, is more members of the public can now participate in the process.
