Deaf Student’s Bill of Rights
S-2044 (P.L.2021, c.204) establishes the “Deaf Student’s Bill of Rights,” recognizing that students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind have the same rights and potential as other students. This bill requires that school districts provide such students with the following:
- Screening and assessment of hearing and vision capabilities, and communication and language needs, at the earliest possible age and the continuation of screening and evaluation services throughout a student’s education.
- Early intervention to support the acquisition of solid language bases.
- Information for parents concerning all placement considerations and options available, which will provide opportunities for parents and guardians to fully participate in the development and implementation of their child’s education plan.
- Opportunities to learn advocacy skills, including self-advocacy.
- Opportunities to meet and associate with their peers in the school environment and during school-sponsored activities.
- Direct instruction.
- A communication plan in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a plan prepared pursuant to section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- Placement that is best suited to the child’s individual needs including social, emotional, communication, and cultural needs, with consideration for the child’s age, degree and type of hearing loss, academic level, and mode of communication.
- Full communication access to all programs in their educational settings.
- Information for parents on the medical, ethical, cultural, and linguistic issues of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind.
