Policy Issues

You may want to use these two ‘checklists’ to identify the laws and services available in your state. Each checklist is a tool to help identify the gaps or unmet needs and whether a state law need to be passed to close those gaps or unmet needs. Not all state laws is applicable to the state agencies of the deaf and hard of hearing nor are the services administered by them.

STATUTORY CHECKLIST
State laws related to deaf or hearing loss in your state

  • Newborn / Infant Hearing and Screening
  • Early Intervention
  • State Agency on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Telecommunication Relay Service
  • Telecommunication Equipment Distribution
  • Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights
  • School for the Deaf
  • Interpreting – Arrests
  • Interpreting – Court
  • Interpreting – Certification & Licensure
  • Interpreting – ITP in Post-Secondary Education
  • Interpreting – Educational Interpreter Standards
  • ASL as a Foreign Language (K-12)*
  • Hearing Aid Insurance Coverage
  • Fair Housing
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Service Dogs
  • Assistive Technology
  • Mental Health Statewide Coordinator
  • Other:________________

 

“CRADLE TO GRAVE” CHECKLIST
Specialized services for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind in your state

  • Newborn Hearing & Screening
  • Early Intervention (Age 0-6)
  • Children Protection Services
  • Education – K-12
  • Education – Colleges & Universities
  • Education – Adult Basic Education
  • Employment – School to Work Transition
  • Employment – Community Rehabilitation Professionals
  • Independent Living
  • Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
  • Assistive Technology Distribution
  • Assistive Technology Financing
  • Mental Health Services
  • Alcohol & Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Case Management Services
  • Support Service Providers
  • Emergency Notification Devices Distribution
  • Telecommunication Relay Services
  • Telecommunication Equipment Distribution
  • American Sign Language Classes
  • Deaf & Developmental Disabilities Group Homes
  • Aging – Assistive Living, Partial Care, Nursing Housing
  • Hospice