FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christopher Gensch, Communications Director
Office: 202-204-4668
Email: cgensch@agbell.org
Contact: Matthew Lynch, Public Relations Coordinator
Office: 202-204-4686
Email: mlynch@agbell.org
AG Bell Statement on LEAD-K Agreement
WASHINGTON, (October 26, 2018) - “AG Bell and LEAD-K leaders have recently agreed on adaptations to the model LEAD-K bill that will strengthen it for all children who are deaf or hard of hearing. With the adapted bill, parents will continue to receive balanced and comprehensive information about language acquisition in and Spoken Language and American Sign Language (ASL) for their child(ren). This includes understanding language acquisition milestones, as well as information on all available communication modes, such as Listening and Spoken Language services, American Sign Language services and visual systems. The adapted bill makes it clear that parents have the right to select which language they will use with their child(ren).
AG Bell's position on Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) remains unchanged as does its mission to work globally to ensure that people who are deaf and hard of hearing can hear and talk, one that remains strong since 1890. AG Bell leadership will release a set of FAQs regarding this agreement in the coming week, and we encourage you to review our position statements related to LSL and ASL here: Position Statements.
AG Bell and LEAD-K leaders have agreed to meet periodically to maintain and further this relationship while discussing opportunities for cooperation, collaboration and areas of difference. We will work together to support state initiatives as well as promote critical elements of the model bill to be included in proposed federal law. As leaders of AG Bell consider how this collaboration will translate to individual state initiatives, we encourage everyone to work together and reach out for technical assistance as needed."
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About the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and live a life without limits. With chapters located in the United States, AG Bell International in Europe and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell supports its mission: Working Globally to Ensure That People Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing can Hear and Talk. Visit www.agbell.org.
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