FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1604

C 266 L 19

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Changing the Washington state center for childhood deafness and hearing loss to the Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing youth.

Sponsors: Representatives Stonier, Harris, Appleton and Jinkins; by request of Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss.

House Committee on Education

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education

Background:

Origins and Reforms.

In 1886 Washington's Territorial Legislature established "the State School for the Deaf and Blind" in Vancouver, Washington. In 1913 the Legislature separated the school into two institutions: the State School for the Blind; and the State School for the Deaf. The 1913 legislation directed that both institutions be located in Vancouver, and their locations remain unchanged.

Regarding more recent reforms, in 2002 the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) examined various models of deaf education and service delivery, and in 2006 the WSIPP studied issues relating to the governance and operation of the Washington State School for the Deaf (WSD). In June 2007, following a series of stakeholder meetings, the WSIPP published a report recommending that a single state agency be charged with overseeing the quality and outcomes of local, regional, and statewide schools and programs serving students who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind. The recommendations represented a consensus of stakeholders.

Governance and Duties.

Regarding more recent reforms, in 2009 the Legislature established the Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss (CDHL). The legislation reconstituted the WSD as part of the CDHL, and the superintendent of the WSD became the director of the CDHL. The legislation further specified that the CDHL's activities must be under the authority of a director appointed by the Governor and a board of trustees for the agency. The 10 members of the board are also appointed by the Governor.

The CDHL's primary functions are to:

• provide statewide leadership and support for the coordination of regionally delivered deaf education services in the full range of communication modalities;

• manage and supervise the WSD; and

• collaborate with public and private partners in developing an applied research center for training and professional development for educators serving children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The WSD is free on a space-available basis to in-state residents who are disabled and qualify for services. As of September 2018, 101 students (pre-kindergarten through grade 12) were enrolled at the WSD, with an additional nine students enrolled in a post-high school program.

Summary:

The name of the Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss (CDLH) is changed to the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth. Statutory references to the CDHL, including references in provisions establishing, governing, and financing the CDHL, are replaced with references to the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth.

Votes on Final Passage: