SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 36

(By Senators Plymale, Unger, Browning, Jenkins, Stollings, Minard, Williams, Kessler (Acting President) and D. Facemire)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the educational and communication barriers facing children in West Virginia who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families, and the adequacy and enforcement of current laws that address these barriers.

    Whereas, Hearing loss impacts the most basic of humans needs, which is the ability to communicate with other human beings; and

    Whereas, Children who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate using various communication modes including sign language, speech and other means; and

    Whereas, There are currently more than three hundred seventy-five children who are deaf or hard of hearing in this state between the ages of birth and twenty-one years; and

    Whereas, Young children who are deaf or hard of hearing typically lack significant English language skills; and

    Whereas, Many individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing require specialized instruction, services, equipment and materials; and

    Whereas, Receiving such provisions is critical to the education, development and success of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, yet the provisions may not be administered adequately to sufficiently meet the needs of children in this state who are deaf or hard of hearing; and

    Whereas, Significant barriers exist for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in our current education system and must be addressed; and

    Whereas, The West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing aids individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in their efforts to live independent and productive lives; and

    Whereas, The West Virginia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing would be a valuable resource in exploring the needs of and obstacles faced by children who are deaf or hard of hearing; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the educational and communication barriers facing children in West Virginia who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families, and the adequacy and enforcement of current laws that address these barriers; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation are requested to be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.