HI SCR76

Requests the Superintendent of Education and Director of Health to form a working group assessing whether deaf and severely hard of hearing children choosing oral/aural communication receive proper spoken language training and support.

Working group to evaluate gaps in education and health care access to trained oral speech therapists and whether required accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, IDEA, and the Affordable Care Act are being provided.

Directs review of the transition process between Department of Health (serving ages 0-3) and Department of Education (ages 3+) to prevent children from falling through the cracks between agencies.

Requests assessment of methods to recruit trained oral speech therapy teachers, including job posting procedures and salary requirements, and consideration of hiring experienced interim teachers to address gaps.

Requests evaluation of covering insurance costs for families using telehealth services to access oral speech therapy sessions, particularly for rural areas with limited access to specialists.