In the near future, I will introduce legislation that would require the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop a model curriculum focused on hearing health education for students across the Commonwealth.

Hearing loss affects approximately 15% of adults and 1 in 5 teenagers in the United States—and often begins with preventable damage sustained during youth. Despite the long-term impact, hearing health remains largely absent from Pennsylvania’s public education system.

This legislation will direct the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health and at least one state or local organization with expertise in hearing impairment, to develop a model curriculum aligned with existing academic standards in health, safety, and physical education. The curriculum will cover the causes and prevention of hearing loss, available assistive technologies, and strategies for reducing stigma associated with hearing impairment among students and their peers.

School entities that choose to integrate hearing loss education will have the flexibility to implement the state-developed model curriculum or to develop their own, provided they meet the standards and guidance outlined in the legislation.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to strengthen hearing health education and support the well-being of Pennsylvania students.

 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 687 (Apr 28, 2025): P.L.30, No.14