Veto Sustained for Programs for the Deaf (audio)

Air Date:03/29/2010

By Eryn Clement

A bill requiring the Department of Education to provide programs for children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing failed to receive a two-thirds majority vote in the State House and Senate. Governor Mike Rounds vetoed Senate bill 121. Lawmakers discussed the bill for a final time to decide whether to override the Governor’s veto. Opponents argue school districts are already meeting the needs of the deaf community. Senator Daniel Ahlers is a proponent of the bill. He says more needs to be done to provide children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing an adequate education.

“Would it be acceptable for your child to get their physics instructions from a P.E. teacher? Because that’s what we’re asking if we’re not willing to provide the proper assistance in Special Educators for these kids,” says Ahlers.

Ahler's says this bill also incorporates children who are deaf into mainstream education and allows them to learn to their full capacity.

Member stations can download the audio file here.

 

Get the Flash Player to see this video.