CO HB1067

Creates a family and community intervener program within the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind to be established by October 1, 2023, to support children experiencing deafblindness and their families.

Defines "deafblind" as concomitant hearing and visual impairments causing severe communication and developmental barriers that cannot be accommodated in special education programs for deaf or blind children alone.

Establishes requirements for interveners (minimum age 18, completion of intervener training, proficiency in child's functional language, and at least 6 months experience with deafblind individuals) and program managers (master's degree in health/human services field with 1+ year relevant experience, or bachelor's degree with 2+ years experience).

Intervener services include one-on-one support to facilitate connections between child and community, development of communication skills, transportation to community services, and collaboration with state agencies providing services to deafblind children.

Appropriates $130,092 from the Colorado Telephone Users with Disabilities Fund for the 2023-24 fiscal year to support program implementation, requiring an estimated 0.4 FTE.