Resources

Helpful Deaf and Hard of Hearing Information

Advocating for Children's Rights

Parents who want their children to receive American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting or captioning services can take the following steps to advocate for their child:

Know your child’s rights and familiarize yourself with several disability laws:

  1. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  2. Texas Deaf Children’s Bill of Rights
  3. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  4. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Become familiar with local and national Deaf and Hard of Hearing services and the programs they provide:

https://www.nad.org/

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing

Assistive Technology

Identify different types of assistive technology available to access communication. Meet with a Technology Specialist in your region.

Learn More

Stay up to date on the latest disability laws

Federal and State Disability Laws

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. IDEA requires public schools to provide students with disabilities special education and related services that are tailored to their individual needs. The law also provides parents with certain rights and protections, such as the right to participate in their child’s education and the right to dispute decisions made by the school district. IDEA applies to children from birth to age 21 who have one or more of the 13 specific disabilities defined by the law.

Texas Deaf Children's Bill of Rights

The Texas Deaf Children’s Bill of Rights is a state law that was enacted to ensure that children who are deaf or hard of hearing have access to appropriate education and communication resources. The law establishes a set of rights for deaf and hard of hearing children, including the right to early identification, appropriate educational placements, and access to communication and language services. The Texas Deaf Children’s Bill of Rights also requires schools to provide resources and training for educators, interpreters, and other personnel who work with deaf and hard of hearing students. This law is intended to support the academic and social success of deaf and hard of hearing children in Texas.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law covers a wide range of areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications, and government services. The ADA requires businesses and organizations to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities and to ensure equal access to their goods and services. The law also protects individuals with disabilities from retaliation for asserting their rights under the ADA.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in any program or activity that receives federal funding. This includes public schools, universities, and other educational institutions, as well as hospitals, government agencies, and other organizations that receive federal financial assistance. Section 504 requires these entities to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities. The law also prohibits retaliation against individuals who assert their rights under Section 504.

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