Bill > HB39

This bill requires school districts in Alaska to provide parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who are suspected of being so, with comprehensive and unbiased information about various hearing technologies like cochlear implants and remote microphone systems, as well as different communication methods such as listening and spoken language, a bilingual approach (developing both American Sign Language and English literacy), cued speech (a visual system using hand shapes and mouth movements), and total communication (combining signs, speech, and other methods). Crucially, parents will have the right to choose the communication method they believe is best for their child, and schools must provide services using that chosen method and through professionals trained in it. The bill also mandates that school districts inform parents of these duties and their rights, and it directs the state department of education to support programs for deaf students, which may include residential services and collaboration with non-governmental organizations, with school districts operating such programs needing to submit annual plans for approval and retaining special education responsibilities for students placed in them.