I wanted to share some information with you about some Texas laws being discussed that have potential impact for families and professionals affected by hearing differences. There are many other states facing similar legislation and those of us affected by hearing differences need to know the facts about the proposals and legislation being discussed in our state.
TEXAS Senate Bill 354
This proposed legislation has to do with language and literacy readiness for children affected by hearing differences. For those interested in reading the actual proposal in its current form, check it out HERE. You can also follow the progression of the bill HERE. Texas is currently in the first of seven stages.
There have been significant concerns raised about the nature of this legislation. Take some time to get informed about the issues being discussed.
- There are 3 private schools in Texas serving students with hearing differences whose families have chosen a Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) approach. Please see HERE for their position statements on the proposed Texas Senate Bill 354 that was filed in December 2016 by Senator Kirk Watson.
- Private therapists in clinical settings may not understand the nature of this education-based legislation. For more information about the background and issues being discussed, see what one professional has to say HERE. Also check out this article written to highlight some of the major changes in the field of education, particularly related to education of persons with hearing differences.
Texas SB 354 was crafted and sponsored by LEAD-K, a group leading a “visual rights campaign” with the goal of incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) into all Deaf and Hard of Hearing children’s communication modes. You can learn more about LEAD-K by visiting their website www.leadk.org. Check out their FAQ facts sheet.
TEXAS House Bill 490 & Senate Bill 552
This proposed legislation has to do with insurance plan coverage of hearing aids and cochlear implants. For those interested in reading the actual proposal in its current form, check it out HB 490 HERE and SB 552 HERE.
Let Texas Hear has more information and a link to an online petition on their website. For more information log onto their website at www.lettexashear.org
Other Legislation
Texas Hands and Voices has additional links to all kinds of legislative updates on their site. You can follow the updates under the Legislation Section on their website.
Wherever you stand on the issues being raised, it is important to stay informed and work to understand all the different points being discussed. Taking action is your right as an individual. I encourage you to STAY INFORMED and SPEAK UP.
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3 Comments on “Staying Informed”
HI Carrie, I don’t know if you remember me. I’m the speech path from Amarillo. The older one. I think I told you both my kids are having babies in February. One is here. He is 5 days old and did not pass hearing screening in one ear. I’m sure he is fine, but we do have a concern. I got so mad when I read the Bill 354. I thought we finally were over this. This is nuts. I have nothing good to say about it. Tell me what more I can do to help.
Hi Terri!
(Of course I remember you!!) Congratulations on those sweet grandbabies!
Yes!! To be a part of letting your voice be heard about Texas SB 354 please visit this link from the Center for Hearing and Speech and you can coordinate with them in an effort to bring awareness to the importance of parent choice in communication options for children who have hearing differences. http://www.centerhearingandspeech.org/forms/share-your-story/
Thank you for taking the time to be informed and to speak up!!
~Carrie
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