THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2910
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to Special Education.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that using sign language and cued speech benefits children of many ages and specific populations, including children with autism, dyslexia, specific language impairments, and Down syndrome.  The legislature also finds that the department of education should determine when sign language and cued speech services are appropriate.

     The purpose of this Act is to ensure that the department of education makes sign language and cued speech services available to children who are deaf or hard of hearing and other children with a disability for whom sign language or cued speech services would be appropriate.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Special education; sign language and cued speech.  (a)  The department shall ensure that sign language and cued speech services are available to:

     (1)  A child who is deaf or hard of hearing; and

     (2)  A child for whom sign language and cued speech services would be appropriate, as determined by the child's individualized education program.

     (b)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate this section.

     (c)  As used in this section:

     "Cued speech" means a phonemic-based system of communication that uses a small number of hand shapes in different locations near the mouth to supplement lip reading.

     "Individualized education program" refers to a program authorized under section 302A-443.

     "Sign language" means a language that uses visually transmitted sign patterns such as hand shapes, positions, movements, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning.  Sign language includes American Sign Language.  

     "Sign language and cued speech services" means the instruction of sign language and cued speech, provision of simultaneous communication, provision of oral transliteration services such as amplification, and provision of sign language and cued speech interpretation."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Special Education; Sign Language; Cued Speech

 

Description:

Requires the DOE to ensure that sign language and cued speech services are available to children who are deaf or hard of hearing and to other children with a disability for whom the services would be appropriate.  Requires the DOE to adopt rules relating to providing sign language and cued speech services for children with a disability.

 

 

 

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