HB 111 aims to improve education for deaf and hard of hearing students in Alaska

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) – On Monday, The Alaska House of Representatives passed HB 111 which establishes a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children’s Bill of Rights for the purpose of ensuring access to academic resources.

House Bill 111 addresses the specific educational needs and rights of deaf and hard of hearing children in schools. As stated in a press release Monday, the goal of HB 111 is to allow all students the ability to thrive and part of that involves empowering parents to choose the best method of communication for their child. Thus, requiring the school districts to provide assistance in the chosen communication method.

“Deaf children possess the inherent ability to acquire language and succeed academically, just like their hearing peers,” stated bill sponsor Representative Jamie Allard (R-Eagle River) in a press release.

“This bill guarantees that their rights to communicate and learn are not only recognized but also actively supported by our educational system. I was one of those kids, I understand the need to be treated with equal opportunities.” Allard added.

This bill mandates and ensures that deaf and hard of hearing students can participate in and reap the benefits of all school activities and programs. This will include providing assistive technologies and services for each child to better achieve the individualized education programs.

HB 111 is moving to the Senate for consideration.

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