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HR 17

House resolution affirming that all Vermonters are presumed to be competent to communicate and must be provided effective communication resources of their choice

2025-2026 Regular Session

Vermont will presume all residents are competent to communicate and require offering them effective, chosen communication resources to participate fully in daily life.

Adopted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 17

Summary of HR 17 (2025-2026) — Vermont House Resolution

Purpose and intent

  • The resolution proclaims that all Vermonters are presumed competent to communicate.
  • It asserts that individuals must be provided with effective communication resources of their choice.
  • The measure emphasizes that communication challenges should not be interpreted as indications of limited intellectual ability.
  • It references and builds on ongoing Vermont efforts to support alternative communication methods, notably through the Vermont Communication Task Force and related services.

Key provisions and changes

  • Declares a constitutional or formal legislative stance that Vermonters are inherently competent to communicate.
  • Requires that individuals be offered access to effective communication resources of their choosing (e.g., methods, tools, technologies) to participate fully in daily life.
  • Directs formal acknowledgement and support of the Vermont Communication Task Force as a coordinating body for communication supports in the state.
  • The Task Force is described as operating with two regional communication specialists and in collaboration with the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living’s Developmental Disabilities Services Division.
  • The resolution underscores a framework in which:
    • All persons should receive support, training, and technology to communicate.
    • Guidance, policy recommendations, research monitoring, and training are provided at individual, provider, and State levels.
  • Mentions the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) as a potentially beneficial communication option, indicating openness to multiple methods of communication support.

Who and what would be affected

  • Affected Entities:
    • Vermont residents who use or may benefit from alternative or augmentative communication methods.
    • The Vermont Communication Task Force and regional communication specialists.
    • State departments involved in disabilities services and developmental disabilities (notably the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living and its Developmental Disabilities Services Division).
  • Effects on practice:
    • Reinforces a presumption of competence for all Vermonters.
    • Encourages or requires provision of chosen communication resources and supports.
    • May influence policy, training, and resource allocation decisions related to communication assistance in developmental disabilities services and related programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Read and placed on Calendar for Action pursuant to Rule 52 (as of May 7, 2026).
  • Next steps: Typically, upon placement on the calendar for action, the bill awaits a vote by the House or further committee consideration as per Vermont legislative procedures.
  • Supporting documents: The text references the Vermont Communication Task Force and past milestones (e.g., FC history and RPM mention), though the resolution itself functions as a formal expression of intent rather than a budgetary or regulatory mandate.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Policy impact: Sets a clear legislative principle that may guide future funding, program design, and service delivery related to communication supports for individuals with disabilities or communication challenges.
  • Resource implications: Could influence state funding allocations or program development to ensure access to preferred communication methods (including assistive technologies and training).
  • Safeguards and monitoring: The Task Force role suggests ongoing guidance and evaluation, but the resolution itself does not specify enforcement mechanisms or measurable outcomes.
  • Public awareness: Elevates the concept of competence and choice in communication, potentially affecting provider practices, family and caregiver expectations, and client autonomy.

If you’d like, I can draft a short one-page briefing for stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, service providers, advocates) highlighting talking points and potential questions for discussion.

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

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