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Bill

HD 776

An Act ensuring language readiness in deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing children entering kindergarten

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brian Ashe

Massachusetts bill requires schools to assess deaf and hard-of-hearing kindergarteners' language skills and create individualized support plans to improve educational readiness.

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Bill Summary · HD 776

Legislative bill overview

HD 776 requires schools to assess the language readiness of deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing (DBHH) children before they enter kindergarten and establish individualized language development plans based on assessment results. The bill mandates that schools provide appropriate language services and supports to ensure these children can access educational content effectively.

Why is this important

Early language development is critical for literacy, academic achievement, and social-emotional growth. DBHH children often face language delays if they don't receive adequate early intervention or appropriate communication modalities (sign language, spoken language, or both). This bill addresses potential educational gaps by requiring proactive assessment and intervention before formal schooling begins, which can significantly improve long-term educational outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Schools may face substantial expenses for specialized assessments, sign language interpreters, and qualified personnel to develop individualized plans across potentially limited DBHH populations
  • Communication modality decisions: Disagreement may arise over which communication approach best serves individual children (American Sign Language, oral speech, cochlear implants, etc.), potentially creating conflicts between families, educators, and medical professionals
  • Assessment standardization: Determining appropriate, culturally sensitive, and valid assessment tools for DBHH children's language readiness may be technically challenging and debated among experts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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