8VAC20-542-4680. Special education hearing impairments deaf and hard of hearing

preK-12.

We applaud the change in the term “Hearing Impaired” to the “Deaf and Hard of Hearing”.

Specifically related to language found on p. 138 we would like clarifying language added to “Demonstrate proficiency in expressive and receptive sign language to include American Sign Language and contact varieties.”

• How do students demonstrate proficiency in ASL?  Does completion or a specific grade (C or better) in ASL level 1 to level 4 demonstrate proficiency?  Or do the students need to pass a receptive and expressive language assessment to show their competencies?  If the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) is used to judge their proficiency what score is required (some universities use Intermediate level others use Intermediate Plus level).
• Do students need to show proficiency in Signed English or Total Communication?
• We need clarification of the wording ”contact varieties”.  Does this term refer to sign variations (regional signs) or does it mean sign communication systems (ASL vs. Signed English)?