Bill > H511

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework to support language development and readiness for deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing children from birth to age 6. It creates a new section in Massachusetts law that requires the Commission of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, in collaboration with the Departments of Public Health and Elementary and Secondary Education, to develop resources for parents and educators to track language acquisition and developmental milestones. The bill mandates the creation of a diverse 18-member Committee on Kindergarten Readiness, with a majority of members being deaf, deafblind, or hard-of-hearing, to select language developmental milestones and provide recommendations for assessing language skills. Key provisions include developing a parent resource that explains language development in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English, selecting assessment tools for educators, and requiring an annual report on language and literacy development of these children. The bill emphasizes the importance of supporting various communication modes, including ASL, spoken English, and total communication, and ensures that parents have access to comprehensive information about language and communication options. Additionally, the bill integrates language readiness services into early intervention services and requires the development of uniform rules for implementing these services, with the ultimate goal of helping deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing children become linguistically prepared for kindergarten.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H511