FL H1385

Creates the "Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children's Educational Bill of Rights" to ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing children receive education based on their unique communication and language needs.

Recognizes that deaf and hard-of-hearing children communicate through various modes including American Sign Language, aural/oral communication, and combinations thereof, and should have quality ongoing communication both in and out of classrooms.

Establishes legislative findings that these children require teachers and service providers specifically trained to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing students, age-appropriate peer interactions, exposure to deaf role models, and direct access to all school activities.

Requires the Department of Education to develop a model "communication considerations" framework to be incorporated into individual education plans (IEPs) for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and disseminate it to all school districts with training.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.