NC H1002

Establishes the "Deaf Child's Bill of Rights" as part of North Carolina General Statutes Part 29 of Article 3 of Chapter 143B.

Requires IEP teams to consider deaf or hearing-impaired children's specific communication needs, including American Sign Language, English-based sign systems, and oral/aural training methods.

Mandates that IEP teams ensure children have access to age-appropriate communication peers, deaf/hearing-impaired role models, and qualified personnel proficient in the child's primary communication mode.

Prohibits schools from denying instruction in a particular communication mode based on residual hearing, parental fluency, or prior experience with other communication methods.

Requires parents or legal guardians receive a copy of the "Deaf Child's Bill of Rights" upon determination of their child's hearing loss and before special education eligibility determination.