Good News!

Teri tells the GOOD news about the new law passed in California! 

   

http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a20/press/20080801AD20PR02.htm 

 

 

69 Responses to “Good News!”

  1. Peachlady Says:

    That’s wonderful news for the State of California! The similar law happened in State of Florida few years ago. It worked! I hope other states will copy the the new law.

    George Adams III Reply:

    It is nice to hear that the bill was passed; however, I would like to have a copy of that bill being written, so I can propose that same bill to the state legislators. I would appreciate it.
    Thank you,
    George Adams III

    Teri Reply:

    Hi!

    I finally found the information on Florida K-20 Education Code. Here is a cut & paste text. Be sure to read the section (1c). The full document can be found on this site, http://law.onecle.com/florida/k-20-education-code/1003.57.html

    Title XLVIII K-20 EDUCATION CODE
    Chapter 1003 PUBLIC K-12 EDUCATION

    1003.57 Exceptional students instruction.–

    (1) Each district school board shall provide for an appropriate program of special instruction, facilities, and services for exceptional students as prescribed by the State Board of Education as acceptable, including provisions that:

    (a) The district school board provide the necessary professional services for diagnosis and evaluation of exceptional students.

    (b) The district school board provide the special instruction, classes, and services, either within the district school system, in cooperation with other district school systems, or through contractual arrangements with approved private schools or community facilities that meet standards established by the commissioner.

    (c) The district school board annually provide information describing the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and all other programs and methods of instruction available to the parent of a sensory-impaired student.
    . . . .

    So, PeachLady is RIGHT!!! :) Hope it helps you George to make a proposal in your state. Let us know! Thanks.

    Peachlady Reply:

    Whoa! You beat me! Thanks!

    Barbara Kerek Reply:

    Wow, That’s a great news for you guys in California. We Coloradoan needs that law and it will make our school grow. Wondering if you could get that information from Calif, I got that from Florida. It would be nice to have both so I can show that info at my work. Thanks

    Teri Reply:

    Try the following links:

    http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a20/press/20080801AD20PR02.htm

    http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2551-2600/ab_2555_bill_20080801_chaptered.html

    If links not working…. see the next vlog, “Follow Up: Good News”. It has several working links.

    Hope you guys in Colorado take some actions and have the new law passed soon! Good Luck!

    Dallas Reply:

    Hi,

    I am impressed with your speech and the excellent information you just shared with us. What fascinates me the most is that you have the look and the facial expression of a deaf person, of whom I know very well–my former school classmate. Are you by any chance related to a Baird?
    Dallas

    LOIS W Reply:

    I am not good at computer and website, but I am learning I was surprised about Calif and Fla I am old woman. I remembered we had wonderful deaf school in Ogden, Utah and thought it will be here forever but one of man in State said we dont need it he was only one powerful man and had a deaf daughter that can speak so he prove it to the State but her daughter was unhappy and know how to sign, her father found out and got so mad, well she was sucided now then father was gone too. He made State close our beautiful school. How can we start all over to make it better for all deaf people all over USA. I noticed that many deaf people went to mainstream school became mental emotional problem and had to go to psychology for helps when they are adult. They dont know how to handle the life like we do. It is shame I dont like it. I am sad for them.

  2. Rita Says:

    WOW Awesome News about California passing the law to inform parents of deaf kids about CSDF, CSDR and the school for blind… yes for sure it will help with increase of enrollment of deaf kids in deaf school!!! i hope other states do same thing too… it will help keep deaf culture going strong for wayy longer time!!! right on!!! :-)

  3. PANY Lighthouse Says:

    Whoa!!! That’s fireworks to my eyes!!! I echo the Peachlady’s comment that the other states will follow suit!!

  4. Nick Vera Says:

    As a CSDR alumni member and California native, I praised the state assembly to pass the law and allow Arnold to sign formally. That made me happier! I seconded and agreed with PANY Lighthouse and PeachLady’s previous comments.
    Vitally, the parents must be informed by the IEP officials in regarding three special schools for their deaf and hard of hearing children to access the highest qualitity of education and promote them to pursue their future careers.
    Indeed, the deaf culture and ASL must preserve and nourish deaf and hard of hearing students to increase their educational knowledge and benefit.
    Thank you, Teri, for your gratifying news among us! VIVA CSDR!

    Nick

  5. Hedor Says:

    I AGREED with you 100%. VSDB is getting small numbers of students every year. Same thing some students dumped into VSDB when they did not work out in the mainstream school. They caused a lot of problems on other students.

    I’m thinking about what you told about developing many renovating buildings that spending million bucks. In VA–Dept. of Education spent million bucks on VSDB buildings recently. Some of them are renovating buildings and demo then building brand-new buildings this year. Then we should the same propose the similar assembly bill AB2555 law in California.

    You make me want to gear up and work on the way up there!! THANKS!!!

  6. Don G. Says:

    This is good news indeed, and I’m happy to see Florida also did a similar bill. Those of you in other states, don’t just HOPE a similar law passes in your states, MAKE IT HAPPEN! Write or email to your State Representatives and Senators and suggest such a bill. Tell them about what California and Florida have done as models, so they know where to go to look for information on what it looks like.

    Change will not happen unless WE make it happen!

  7. Lucky Says:

    Yep, GOOD news all around! For the children, the parents, the schools and their staff.
    Makes me wonder, will students with CI’s be referred to State Schools, AND, will the staff be OPEN to children with CI’s who use ASL?
    Attitude…I hope the attitude is open to it ALL!

  8. White Ghost Says:

    I have a question for Peachlady.

    What’s the status of the Florida School for the Deaf and others since Florida’s law passed?

    It worked? Please give us the status regarding the law, IEP and School.

  9. deafk Says:

    Teri,

    Yes, it is good news! :D Thanks for sharing this critical information. I will pass the words around here.

    deafk

  10. Peachlady Says:

    White Ghost,

    All I remember the law was passed in 1990’s that all parents of deaf child must know about Florida School for the Deaf. A hearing lady told me about the school.

    The enrollment went up. I don’t have other information about the bill
    FSDB’s quick fact

    I will look for the old house bill. I need the copy for myself. I want one for Georgia School for the Deaf. I was a former student at the school in 1960’s. We had about 600 students.

    If I find it under Florida, I will post here. Why not look for the Calfornia’s bill?

  11. Jerome Cain Says:
  12. Ben Says:

    Yo Teri! Great Vlog… what, each parent of a deaf child will get a one-sided flyer or maybe a colorful pamphlet explaining the schools for the deaf/blind, if they’re lucky? will that be enough? teachers/administrators within the public schools, who see these students as dollar signs are “supposed” to let them know about schools for the deaf/blind. For real?! all these case managers will do is explain how wonderful THEIR district is, and how THEY can meet the needs of the deaf/blind student, then maybe, if we’re lucky they will say, “Oh, by the way, there is a school, oh I mean an institution, your child can go to… administrators/teachers for the deaf/blind, within the mainstream setting value their jobs as much as the teachers at the deaf/blind schools…

    George Adams III Reply:

    The best exposure to get a bright Deaf to do TV interview about this bill. Do it with different TV stations with the local news. Get someone who can explain about the bill.
    George III

    brian morace Reply:

    Deaf Channel Organization would love to take this role on Nation wide TV that would spread word to hearing audience out of DCO.
    thank george for share about yours.

  13. David T. Says:

    I was in awe hearing this message at our staff meeting! That would help expand more student enrollment at all three schools here in Ca!

    As for our Governor Arnold’s last name… Its spelled out as Schwarzenegger. I know that’s tough to spell it. I memorized as “sch - war - zen - egger”. :)

    aslk Reply:

    Hmmm, it works!! Now I can spell his name… Schwarzenegger. Hooray. It clicked like putting a glove on hand, lol..

  14. brian morace Says:

    Teri,
    Thank you for sharing the important information. I hope Oregon will follow this for the Deaf & Blind School due to low number of student enrollment!!

  15. deb ann Says:

    I’m so thrilled all the way to hear all about the wonderful news! It’s so important to share, and it will bring all the deaf children a great benefit. Great for parents, as well. Thank you, Teri for sharing this informative great news. :)

  16. Tara Says:

    That’s wonderful and best news! Congrats! Now, the other states need to look into it and pass the law just like California just did!

    As for Florida…I do know that they have large numbers of students at FSDB, one of the largest numbers of students in the nation for Deaf/Blind school.

  17. DT Says:

    Hi, Teri, sounds like great news. Hopefully, this is especially aimed at the LEA’s because, historically, there’s been reluctance by them to send bright deaf students out of their area to attend CSDR, for example, because it meant that the LEA would have to foot 10% out of their budget to educate the students outside their area. Money was the major reason why there are now a lot of local mainstream programs.

    So, again, hopefully this new law is aimed specifically at the LEA’s and for them to inform parents of these new and expanded choices.

  18. DT Says:

    Forgot to add one other thing, Teri: Hopefully, now that this law has passed, that CSDR will finally be able to advertise itself whereas, in the past, they were not allowed to do so (I think).

    So between being able to advertise and the mandate on the LEA’s to offer these three schools as a choice other than their own mainstream program, we just might be able to successfully attract quality students to our long-suffering enrollment.

  19. Mishkazena Says:

    Great news! This bill will help boost up the enrollment of both state schools for the Deaf

    After FL had its bill passed, the enrollment at FSDB jumped dramatically and it’s been high since then

  20. Teri Says:

     

  21. LaRonda Says:
  22. Anne Marie Says:

    Thanks for sharing info, I will definitely look into this for Colorado. Shortly our article “Critical Mass, a critical message” in response to “Critical Mass for Deaf Ed, pros and cons” will appear on Hands and Voice newsletter of about 5,000 subscribers.

  23. DR Hocokan Says:
  24. aslk Says:

    what abt FB?? 

  25. Teri Says:

     

  26. aslk Says:

    To Barry & Teri,

    I confirm the information on IEP starting age 0, based on my son’s development needs. Once he had a diagnosis at age 2 months, not Deaf, but other kind of disability. He was accepted into the Early Intervention Program instantly.

    Thanks, deafk

  27. Lisa C. Says:

    That’s a very good news!

  28. Jerome Cain Says:
  29. Anne Marie Says:

    For your info, depending on which state you are in, your child may start off with Infant Support Program where our both sons started with. (IFSP) Then when kids get in preschool program, IEP gets in the picture. (3 yr old)

    Yes we have started working with Hands and Voice organization who do respect Deaf people, more than realized. They were thrilled to have a lunch with us Colorado Association of the Deaf last July, we got into ideas of working together on two goals (Early Detection Hearing Intervention and Deaf advocates for parents during IEP meetings)

    Deaf organizations cannot do all on their own, it is smart to go with other organizations, be surprised how receptive they really are.

    My suggestion - keep goals simple

    1) Early hearing detection and parents getting information during that stage??

    2) IEP or IFSP - how can Deaf folks be advocates of new parents?

    3) Parents by law be fully informed of all programs including state programs

    That is great how we are getting to this level of dialogue in open!

    Anne Marie

    aslk Reply:

    Yeah, right, right, it was IFSP at first for my son. Then once he turned 3 yrs old, it was IEP. I forgot all about it. It was a small thing, and obviously it was not an issue for me at least… Just a name, I guess. Maybe not to you and the educators, grinning.

    aslk Reply:

    After typing this message, I reviewed why IFSP is different than IEP. I came to realize that I was with my son all the way til he turned 3 years old. So, I was participating the progam, also.

    So, I understand the difference. At first, to me, papers were papers… Oh, well.

    Thanks for correcting this.

    aslk Reply:

    Individualized Family Service Plan = IFSP

  30. Penny Says:

    Teri-

    You gave good news…but I have bad news…I do not like bad news but I am not sure if many are aware about this…you probably know about it because you work for CSDR. I learned from one staff from CSDF that the state has cut the budget 3.4 million dollars…I think it won’t be effective until next year. Not sure…I also forgot to ask the person how this would affect CSDF…lay off some teachers etc? If so, then what good will this bill do for parents and Deaf children? I am sure there is budget cut for CSDR and wonder how will this affect the school next year? Do you know anything about it?

  31. Teri Says:

     

  32. Teri Says:

    Anne Marie 

  33. Teri Says:

    Penny Comment # 2 

  34. Penny Says:

    Teri-

    Thank you very much for taking your time to answer my questions. I have never worked in educational setting as it is not my thing but I admire people like you who work at school setting because it is not an easy job. I learned very recent about the budget cut and I was not thinking how it would affect the school until you mentioned about the new bill. I am glad that teachers won’t be laid off or will be asked to leave their job. I know we can’t allow this to happen but if the state of California gets poorer and poorer then this might likely will happen to CSDF and CSDR. I understand that Deaf schools and State prison are under the same budget group (can’t think of a better word to use here) which I think it saved our schools compared with many public schools which are under different budget group that have been forced to shut down…many of them in our state. With the new bill and if more parents get involve and ask for monetary support for Deaf school then it is possible…good point. Your two kids are in college…now 8 living with you…hope you get some free time now LOL. Be sure not to stay alone in the building too long. Lock doors please! Serious! :-)

  35. Penny Says:

    Teri-

    If I understood you correctly that both Deaf school receive State and Federal funding then I wonder how will the budget from Federal would affect Deaf school? State Prison in California is in deplorable shape right now and the Federal will be taking over to clean up the system because the State of California can’t do it themselves. They have agreed to let Federal take over…not sure when but when they do…I wonder if the Federal will do something about Deaf school since State Prison and Deaf school are under same budget group. Just wondering.

  36. Teri Says:

    Penny & Ben 

  37. M Says:

    Good News! Thanks for sharing the very important information with us. I am in total agreement with everything you stated in your vlog and comments.

  38. Rene Visco Says:

    Hi, this is to reply to Barry and Teri’s video comments. I have my 3 deaf kids admitted into CSDR’s Parent Infant Program which is in cooperation with RSUD (Riverside Unified School District). The school district will develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for my children from 18 months until 3 years old. Once my kids hit 3 years old, they are automatically enrolled into CSDR and are provided IEPs.

    I hope it helps answer your questions.

    Cheers!

  39. Teri Says:

    Hi Rene,

    Many thanks for the clarification — straight from the horse’s mouth. That prompts me to think . . . does it mean the AB2555 not applying to IFSPs? I sure hope IFSPs mean the “same thing”! as IEPs.

    All the information given by some certain reliable sources are about the same as yours except for the name of plan. That sure is a loophole (in the eyes of law!

    Interesting, isn’t it!?!

    Apparently, it is necessary to make an amendment to the AB2555 to include parents having IFSPs?!?!

    Thanks for informing us of that family plan provided by school districts. I will continue seek some information pertaining to IFSPs and IEPs.

    Oh . . . a question here . .. does EVERY school district in the state of CA provide the service (PIP/ECE) similar to the one you receive for your three deaf children at CSDR?

    Ron Reply:

    As for Rene’s comment, she is stating correctly about IFSP for 18 months to three years old. IEP will activate when a deaf child’s third birthday or after becomes reality. That is how the system works or handles in California. Other important question, will there be any clause for the hearing parents to put initials somewhere on the IEP that they have been informed about the state special schools?

  40. LUVIN'HOLLAND Says:

    I find this to be ignorent! What about parents who want info on AUDITORY ORAL/VERBAL…GUESS WE HAVE TO SEARCH THAT OUT ON OUR OWN!!
    This guy is a moron!! I also loved how he vetoed a law in October 2004 that would have insurance companys in the state of california to cover the cost of hearing aids….NICE JOB!

  41. White Ghost Says:

    Peachlady –

    That’s interesting. It’s been over 10+ years since Florida passed the bill. Realized that the FDA approved the CIs for over 6 months old babies in 2001. The bill passed in 90’s and then FDA’s CI for babies in 2001. So, I wonder what’s the status for the Florida School for the Deaf’s enrollment?

    I think since the AB2555 passed, the state of California and the nation should pay attention and learn the status from Florida.

    Peachlady Reply:

    White Ghost,

    Please click FSDB

    The enrollment is over 750.

    Copied & pasted from the link

    “Over 75% of FSDB graduates continue their education at colleges, universities, and technical training centers”.

    It could be Blind Students,too?

  42. Teri Says:

    Hi!

    I left a comment replying to PeachLady and George above. I am not sure if people will go back to the first comment. So, I leave the same comment here to let people know where to find the FLA Education Code in regard to giving notifications about the state special school.

    Hi!

    I finally found the information on Florida K-20 Education Code. Here is a cut & paste text. Be sure to read the section (1c). The full document can be found on this site, http://law.onecle.com/florida/k-20-education-code/1003.57.html

    Title XLVIII K-20 EDUCATION CODE
    Chapter 1003 PUBLIC K-12 EDUCATION

    1003.57 Exceptional students instruction.–

    (1) Each district school board shall provide for an appropriate program of special instruction, facilities, and services for exceptional students as prescribed by the State Board of Education as acceptable, including provisions that:

    (a) The district school board provide the necessary professional services for diagnosis and evaluation of exceptional students.

    (b) The district school board provide the special instruction, classes, and services, either within the district school system, in cooperation with other district school systems, or through contractual arrangements with approved private schools or community facilities that meet standards established by the commissioner.

    (c) The district school board annually provide information describing the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and all other programs and methods of instruction available to the parent of a sensory-impaired student.
    . . . .

  43. White Ghost Says:

    Peachlady –

    Thanks. I must have dazzled.

    750 students, including blind students? What about hearing with the autistic? I was told that there are several deaf schools that includes the hearing students (mostly toddlers/elementary age) with the autistic.

    I wish Florida could show the pie/bar graphs among the years since the Florida’s bill passed.

    I think it’s pretty interesting.

    Peachlady Reply:

    FSDB don’t accept autistic kids. I like to know the graphs, too.

    Copied & pasted from the link

    We do not accept….
    Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing students, blind/visually-impaired students, or Deaf-Blind students who are:
    • Severely emotionally disturbed
    • Autistic
    • Homebound
    • Trainable or Profoundly Mentally Retarded
    • Are determined to be a danger to self or others
    • Disruptive to the Educational Process
    • Has a health condition beyond the scope of the Campus Health Care Center.

    The above admissions criteria will make a student non-eligible for FSDB.

  44. Rox Says:

    Luvin Holland,
    It is my understanding that there was a group in CA that pushed for cochlear implant/oral information to be given to all parents of deaf children. Of course, the ASL/other proponents asked for other methods/approaches to be shared as well. They wouldn’t have it, so the ASL proponents started their own bill.

  45. Thomas Says:

    It was good when I discovered about the new law that California assembly passed recently. Only that I didn’t know that my state, Florida had the similar law passed which is cool.

    FSDB currently is the largest deaf school in the USA apart from the blind enrollment. So it certainly helps after all.

    Yes, it’s bit worrisome for the RSD and FSD (CSDs) due to the state budget instability for the time-being. probably they should be ok for now, but what happens if their budget problem continues on.

    Hope other states shall follow up ahead, too.

  46. LUVIN'HOLLAND Says:

    Rox.. This is true I remember hearing about it this past May… But when my child was born 3 years ago I had no clue what to do and NO ONE to turn to! What we parents of Deaf children were asking is for us to be informed of ALL choices for our children and to be able to choose what best fits our childs specific needs…Not what best fits the district or counties budget! This IS the LAW but this hasn’t been the case!!

  47. terri vincent Says:

    i am finding this information very valuable as we are going through different times with competition at schools in maryland. we are aiming to have good number of students at msd campuses to continue the high quality of teachers, resources, etc. it is becoming tough lately with expansion of mainstream schools in md. Although, there is statistic showing that MSD have 55 percent of students who attend deaf schools, while the rest of others attend mainstream schools. This bill can be a good ticket for the preservation of deaf schools.

    i had my previous experience working at eleanor roosevelt high school in greenbelt, md. No parents of those deaf students had ever heard name of MSD.They had no clue that their children could attend deaf schools. It showed that they are not being shared with the information about deaf schools. Imagine that! Maryland is a small state, compared to California!

    That s why i feel that a bill like this can break the barriers for many parents to make a choice for their deaf children.

    Thanks so much for sharing with us! I will share with my msd colleagues at work! :)

  48. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin slashed Deaf School funding - Page 2 - AllDeaf.com Says:

    [...] Originally Posted by blank the same happened with california deaf school. Government Arnold Schwarzenneger did the same thing, no different! Teri tells the GOOD news about the new law passed in California! Teri Sentelle - Deaf Dish - ASL Vlog / Blog [...]

  49. Hola Says:

    How come CAD is not involved in it at all?

    I think its sad.

  50. ColorfulMtnZady Says:

    Terri,

    What a beautiful of you sharing the good news. Tthat gives me some joy goosebumps. I do not often surf websites. I was from California Zady all my life. It’s the best dream I ever see. It ’s the ” action “. I thanked to my stepfather who tried to dump me at CSDR when I was 6 years old. Bless me… Bright side for us and our future grandchildren.

    Way to go, with my full support ~

    Thank you for your dedication and time to us all.

    Cindy Reply:

    wonderful news!! hope the rest of states will follow this law so all of our deaf schools will be safe!! we need to protect our deaf children and our ASL!!!

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