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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 23, 2023 02:41 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christina D. Sappey |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Hearing Impairment and Loss Prevention in Schools |
| According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hearing loss occurs when any part of the ear is not working normally, which impacts a child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. It is more common than we may believe, with 14.9% of children between ages six and 19 experiencing hearing impairment. While school districts are required to provide health instruction, the causes and prevention of hearing impairment and loss are not currently included. My legislation would help to educate on hearing loss prevention and associated stigma by requiring the PA Department of Education to create hearing curriculum that school districts may choose to offer. The curriculum would include instruction on types of hearing loss, sound levels that lead to hearing loss, loss preventative measures and ways to end the stigma of hearing loss. Hearing is key to learning and social development. By educating our youth on hearing safety and what it means to be hearing impaired, we can help our youth protect their hearing and create more tolerant and inclusive communities. |
Introduced as HB1680