H.R. 9195 would change the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to strengthen special education and early intervention for children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, deafblind, blind, or visually impaired. It would require states to identify and evaluate these children even when they are classified under another disability category, and to plan for appropriate instruction, services, and qualified staff. The bill also sets out specialized assessment and education needs, calls for federal monitoring and updated guidance, and would establish a national center focused on education for students with visual disabilities. The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
If enacted, families could see more detailed assessments and plans for children’s language, communication, literacy, mobility, technology, and other learning needs. States would have to describe how they will provide these services and ensure qualified personnel are available. The bill also calls for family support and instruction as part of early intervention for some children.
The bill does not specify a total cost. It authorizes such sums as may be necessary for the Anne Sullivan Macy Center on Visual Disability and Educational Excellence. No publicly available information about a specific total cost.
The bill’s stated purposes are to improve specialized education and early intervention, support research and staff development, and increase accountability. Its findings say children with sensory disabilities need accessible instruction and qualified professionals to support their learning and development.
No publicly available information.