Law Ensures Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Will Continue to Receive Essential Language Acquisition Supports

(TRENTON) – Human Services announced that bill S3764/A4986 was signed this week to codify the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing’s (DDHH) Language Instruction Program (LIP) into law as P.L.2025, c.257. This critical program supports deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind children from birth to age five by providing essential language acquisition and development services, helping them to develop American Sign Language (ASL) skills. This marks the action effort in Human Services’ efforts under the Murphy Administration to enhance inclusivity of the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind community.

“Expanding accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing, has been a cornerstone of Governor Murphy’s administration. Ensuring that deaf or hard of hearing children have access to early language exposure during the critical period from birth to age five is essential to prevent irreversible delays in learning,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “I am grateful to the Legislature for codifying this program into law and empowering deaf and hard of hearing children to reach their full potential. Interested parents and families can learn more about this program and apply here.”

The LIP matches families with American Sign Language (ASL) Deaf Language Associates, who offer up to 25 hours a week of language instruction. These services are delivered in various settings, including childcare centers, pre-school programs, summer camps, homes, and other environments where the child engages in daily activities. Governor Murphy supported the program with $550,000 in the State’s Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act.

Although the program has been successful for years and currently serves 57 families statewide, it was not established in statute, making it vulnerable to changes or elimination. P.L.2025, c.257 ensures the program's continuation by codifying it into law and securing the necessary funds for its continued operation.

Key aspects of the program codified by the law include:

• 25 hours a week of instruction and support services;
• Specified training and curriculum requirements for ASL Deaf Language Associates;
• Availability of services in all applicable settings; and
• Additional services such as information and referral to other State and non-State resources, case management, assistance in locating qualified interpreters or real-time caption providers, resources for obtaining hearing aids and other hearing supports, and sensitivity training for the child’s healthcare providers, education or daycare providers, or other care team members.

“This program ensures that all children, especially those who are deaf and hard of hearing, have access to essential educational and developmental supports in early childhood and daycare settings, as well as in the home. These children can now be fully included in these environments, benefiting from exposure to and instruction in American Sign Language (ASL) where they were previously isolated,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire. “By codifying the Language Instruction Program, we are providing stability and assurance to families and ensuring that these critical services continue beyond this Administration.”

“Starting as a small pilot with two deaf toddlers, our Language Instruction Program has evolved into a robust statewide initiative, setting a national standard,” said Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Executive Director Elizabeth Hill. “Thanks to this law, families across New Jersey now have access to this free service, enabling their deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind children to achieve bilingualism, be prepared for kindergarten, and avoid the adverse effects of language deprivation.”

The primary sponsors of S3764/A4986 are Senator Linda Greenstein, Senator Angela McKnight, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak and Assemblywoman Lisa Swain.

To check your eligibility and apply for the Language Instruction Program, visit here.

Other notable achievements by the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing under the Murphy Administration include:

• Increased hearing aid reimbursements through the Hearing Aid Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) program from a flat $100 to $500 per hearing aid—the first increase since 1987. From Fiscal Year 2021 to Fiscal Year 2024, HAAAD enrollment rose from 53 individuals to 412.
• Provided $1.5 million over three cycles of the communication access programs to 17 counties, which have expanded sign language interpretation, captioning services, and hearing induction loops in the places where deaf and hard of hearing residents live and work.
• Grew reach of the Equipment Distribution Program, from 60 to 207 individuals.
• Consistently provided sign language interpreters at COVID-19 vaccination mega-sites and during the Governor’s press briefings.
• Created a dedicated deaf and hard of hearing title series to formally recognize specialized skills within State government, resulting in the creation of five new positions.