GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

S	1 

SENATE BILL 644*

Short Title:  Early Intervention; Deaf/Funds.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Senators Cooper; and Speed.
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Referred to:  Appropriations.
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March 31, 1993

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO ESTABLISH EARLY INTERVENTION AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Whereas, the early identification of hearing loss and subsequent appropriate early intervention with the child and the family are the most critical factors in the success of deaf and hard of hearing children; and
Whereas, the history of early intervention for deaf and hard of hearing has been plagued by controversy and bias that often resulted in lost learning opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing children; and
Whereas, the evaluation and referral of deaf and hard of hearing children has been nonexistent in quality, and often accompanied by bias for a particular mode of communication; and
Whereas, the families of deaf and hard of hearing children have been without the emotional support, counseling, and education necessary for successful parenting; and
Whereas, educators of deaf and hard of hearing children need access to educational resources and in-service training; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Department of Human Resources, the sum of seven hundred seventy-one thousand dollars ($771,000) for the 1993-94 fiscal year and the sum of nine hundred thirteen thousand dollars ($913,000) for the 1994-95 fiscal year, to establish and operate Early Intervention and Educational Resource Centers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and their Families.
Sec. 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 1993.