HB 1879-S2.E - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Establishes the Washington state center for childhood deafness and hearing loss to provide statewide leadership for the coordination and delivery of educational services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Abolishes the state school for the deaf and transfers its powers, duties, and functions to the Washington state center for childhood deafness and hearing loss.

Requires the board of trustees and the director of the center for childhood deafness and hearing loss to: (1) Implement a process for gathering information from stakeholders to examine service availability and gaps and to identify service delivery options, resources, and policy changes for the implementation and operation of two demonstration sites for regional programs serving children who are deaf or hard of hearing; and

(2) Develop a structure and plan for implementing regional education programs at the demonstration sites. These requirements expire on January 1, 2011.