Kean Bill Updating Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council Advanced by Senate

Legislation sponsored by Senator Tom Kean that updates the membership and purpose of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council has been approved by the New Jersey Senate.

“This legislation will modernize the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council to reflect a more diverse audience—and more closely align the mission of the Council with the needs facing the deaf and hard of hearing community,” said Senator Kean (R-21). “By improving the membership and purpose of the Council, we will be able to more effectively assist individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing while enhancing public awareness of their needs.”

Under S-2441, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council’s membership will include new public members, including a parent of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing and has special needs, and a person who is deaf-blind.

The legislation will also increase communication and transparency among state agencies by requiring the advisory council to coordinate with other State and local authorities that serve persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing—and to consult with organizations and individuals who are knowledgeable about the needs of such persons, and the needs of their families. The advisory council can then make recommendations on how local communities can better serve those individuals.

S-2441 was passed by the Senate 34-0.