MI HB5159

Establishes the "Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard-of-Hearing Children's Educational Bill of Rights" requiring the Michigan Department of Education to promote communication-mode and language-driven practices, policies, services, and programs for eligible students.

Mandates that deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing children receive quality language and communication modes in the classroom, appropriate educational environments tailored to their communication needs, and teachers and staff trained in facilitating spontaneous and fluid communication.

Requires access to the general education curriculum and all educational experiences including recess, lunch, extracurricular activities, and social or athletic activities, along with transition planning programs consistent with federal law.

Directs the Department of Education to develop or adopt a model worksheet detailing language and communication mode considerations to be used by school districts, public school academies, and intermediate school districts in developing individualized education programs.

Establishes that parents or legal guardians retain sole discretion to determine which language and communication mode options best serve their child's educational progress, and takes effect 90 days after enactment (contingent on passage of a related Senate or House bill).