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HD 627

An Act to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Christine Barber and 19 co-sponsors

Requires teacher programs and ongoing PD to include AAC and assistive-technology training; BESE must update 603 CMR 7.03(3) to boost AAC access for nonverbal students.

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Bill Summary · HD 627

Summary of House Bill HD 627: An Act to improve augmentative and alternative communication opportunities for children with disabilities

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to expand and strengthen access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for school-age children with disabilities by ensuring teachers receive targeted instruction on AAC and other assistive technologies.
  • It seeks to embed AAC considerations into teacher preparation and ongoing professional development, with a focus on students who are nonverbal or have limited speech.

Key provisions

  • Regulatory repromulgation: The bill requires the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to repromulgate 603 CMR 7.03(3) as necessary to establish a mandatory standard that all approved teacher education programs include instruction on the appropriate use of AAC and other assistive technologies.
  • Professional development alignment: BESE may require that the professional development plans mandated by section 38G of chapter 71 address the learning needs of students who are nonverbal or have limited speech requiring AAC.
  • Preemption language: The provisions use a “Notwithstanding any general or special law, rule, or regulation to the contrary” clause, signaling that this regulatory update would take precedence over conflicting rules to ensure AAC training requirements are in place.

Who is affected

  • Teacher preparation programs: Must incorporate AAC instruction as part of approved programs.
  • Current and prospective teachers: Subject to updated training expectations related to AAC and assistive technologies.
  • Students with disabilities, particularly those who are nonverbal or have limited speech: Expected to benefit from educators trained to use AAC effectively.
  • Professional development providers and school districts: May need to align PD offerings with AAC-focused requirements.

Regulatory and timeline aspects

  • Nature of change: Regulatory update to existing MA regulations (603 CMR 7.03(3)) rather than a standalone new statute.
  • Implementation timeline: The bill directs BESE to repromulgate as necessary, implying ongoing updates rather than a fixed compliance date embedded in the text. No explicit effective date is provided in the excerpt.
  • Enforcement and funding: The provided text does not specify funding, penalties, or a detailed enforcement mechanism.

Relationship to existing law

  • Builds on 603 CMR 7.03(3) (teacher program content) and section 38G (professional development) of Chapter 71, situating AAC within both initial teacher preparation and ongoing PD obligations.
  • Aligns with prior related proposals (similar measure filed in a previous session).

Potential impact

  • Improved consistency and quality of AAC training for teachers.
  • Greater instructional competence in AAC use could expand access to communication supports for students with complex communication needs.
  • Administrative/regulatory shifts for BESE and teacher education providers, with potential needs for curriculum revision and PD planning.

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

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