AK HB111

School districts must provide parents of deaf or hard of hearing children with comprehensive, neutral information about hearing technology, communication methods, available services, and support agencies.

Parents may choose the communication method they determine most appropriate for their child, and school districts must provide services using that chosen method through trained professionals.

School districts must inform parents of their duties and parents' rights regarding communication method selection and service delivery.

Defines key terms including "deaf," "hard of hearing," "bilingual approach," "cued speech," "listening and spoken language," and "total communication."

Department shall support one or more programs for deaf students statewide, which may include residential services in collaboration with nongovernmental organizations serving deaf and hard of hearing populations.