September 10, 2010

Governor Signs Deaf and Hard of Hearing Bill of Rights Legislation

HB 283 creates rights for Delaware school children who are deaf or hard of hearing

NEWARK – Legislation creating a Bill of Rights for students who are deaf or hard of hearing was signed into law on Friday afternoon, providing those children with the educational opportunities needed to interact with other schoolchildren and gain a quality education.

Governor Jack A. Markell signed House Bill 283 at the Delaware School for the Deaf (Margaret S. Sterck School) in Newark before hundreds of students, parents and faculty, even signing his greeting to the students.

“Communication comes in many forms, but learning to communicate effectively is a priority,” Governor Markell said. “This bill promotes an understanding that students, as individuals, have different communication needs. Regardless of a young person’s hearing challenges, our schools have a responsibility to provide different modes of communication that will allow young people to learn and ultimately achieve their greatest potential.”

Sponsored by Rep. Terry Schooley, D–Newark, HB 283 makes Delaware the 12th state to adopt a Bill of Rights for the deaf and hard of hearing. Federal regulations through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) require standards of services and education for all children with disabilities. The legislation creates a checklist of issues that need to be addressed and questions asked when school districts are performing individual education plans (IEPs).

“I always say that children make up 25 percent of our population, but 100 percent of our future,” Rep. Schooley said. “And that means all children, including those with disabilities. This bill of rights will ensure that all children have the opportunity to get a quality education and succeed.”

The legislation notes that deaf and hard-of-hearing children use a wide variety of communication modes, including American Sign Language, spoken or written English, lip–reading, hearing aids, cochlear implants or other assistive listening systems. Under the new law, school districts and charter schools developing an individualized education plan (IEP) must consider the related services and program options that provide the child with an appropriate and equal opportunity for communication access.

The legislation is personal to Rep. Quinn Johnson IV, D–Middletown, whose son Quinton V is deaf. Rep. Johnson and his wife Julie are active with Delaware Hands and Voices, a nonprofit group that helps families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“We have set out a goal in Delaware that we want all children to receive a world class education, including those with disabilities,” Rep. Johnson said. “My family has educated ourselves on what needs children with hearing loss have when it comes to accessing information and the accommodations necessary for them to have equal access to education. It is very important that all parents have this information when they are working with the school district on their child’s IEP.”

“It’s a goal through a statewide services program to ensure that every child, regardless of which school district they reside in, is receiving the same standard of education as other students receive with in the state. With these support services, these children are more likely to be successful in school and grow up to become educated, productive, working citizens of our society.”

Rep. Johnson said that the new law will help assure students and their families that the children are receiving the appropriate accommodations and services that will allow them to have equal access to education.