This bill proposes to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section, 41-2023, which establishes a language acquisition grant program specifically for infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program aims to provide grants and educate applicants about available language acquisition services and resources in the state. The Department will administer this program and has the authority to create necessary rules and procedures. Applicants will need to submit a prescribed application form to receive grants.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department contract with providers of listening and spoken language services to support families with infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Families referred to early intervention programs will also be directed to qualified providers within the language acquisition grant program and to the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind for learning American Sign Language and other language acquisition methods. This new language enhances current statutes by focusing on specific services and resources for language acquisition for young children with hearing impairments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-2023