New Illinois Law Targets Language Development Gaps For Deaf Children

SCHAUMBURG, IL — A new Illinois law will establish early childhood language-assessment programs for children who are deaf, hard of hearing or DeafBlind.

House Bill 1783, sponsored by state Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), was signed into law July 30 and took effect immediately.

The measure creates an advisory committee that will work with language and communication professionals to strengthen assessment programs for children from birth through age 5.

“The first few years of life are a crucial time for brain development and language acquisition, but most deaf children enter kindergarten without proficient language skills, which has a lifelong impact on reading, academics and social interactions,” Mussman said in a statement. “Early intervention is crucial to successful language comprehension.”

Tracking Developmental Milestones

The program will establish developmental milestones that parents, health care providers and educators can use to track a child’s language development.

The assessments are intended to help identify children who may be falling behind so families and professionals can intervene earlier.

The state will also collect data to monitor the progress of individual children and evaluate outcomes among deaf, hard-of-hearing and DeafBlind children statewide.

“This Language Equality Acquisition for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind Children Act ensures all children have access to language,” Mussman said.

“By supporting deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind children while they begin to learn language, we’re preparing these kids to learn and communicate at the same pace as their peers so they can start elementary school not just on time, but ready to learn.”

Deaf-Led Group Supported Legislation

LEAD-K Illinois was among the prominent supporters of the legislation.

The organization is part of a nationwide deaf-led movement advocating for improved language access and accountability for deaf, hard-of-hearing and DeafBlind children.

Members of the Illinois team include Libby Oxenham, Anita Cervantes-Bowen, Kimberly Mokris, Carol Nemecek-Kowalski, Kate Citti and Daniel Roche.