An Act Concerning The Inclusion Of Language And Communication Plans In 504 Plans For Deaf, Hard Of Hearing And Deaf-blind Children.
Impact
The addition of language and communication plans to 504 plans is designed to improve the educational experiences and outcomes for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. By mandating that such plans include detailed safety protocols for emergencies, the bill aims to ensure that these students are not only supported academically but also safeguarded in various situations that may pose risks due to communication barriers. The overarching goal is to foster an inclusive educational environment that recognizes and addresses the challenges faced by these students.
Summary
House Bill 6195, introduced by Representative Kokoruda, aims to enhance the educational provisions for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children by amending existing laws related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The bill specifically stipulates that any educational plan developed under Section 504 must now include a language and communication plan tailored to the unique needs of these children. This amendment seeks to ensure that all students with hearing impairments have access to appropriate language resources that cater to their specific communication needs in educational settings.
Contention
While the bill largely received positive support from advocates for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, some discussions highlighted concerns regarding the implementation of these communication plans. Critics raised questions about the adequacy of resources and training for educators to effectively develop and execute these tailored plans. Additionally, there were worries about potential increased administrative burdens on schools, which could arise from the necessity to create individualized assessments and proactive emergency measures for each student identified under the new provisions of the bill.
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