Date: 01/26/2006
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB06-1004
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
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04:19 PM -- House Bill 06-1004
Representative Merrifield announced that the committee would hear public testimony on House Bill 06-1004, but would not take action on the bill until its next meeting. Representative Green reviewed the provisions of House Bill 06-1004, concerning the creation of a grant program to provide funding for organizations that supply accessible educational materials for students with print disabilities. She indicated that amendments may be offered.
04:20 PM
The following persons testified:
04:20 PM -- Lisa McGill, representing herself and student with disabilities, testified in support of the bill. She responded to questions from Representative King about current requirements in school districts and resource access for students who do not have Individual Education Programs (IEPs). Representative Penry asked additional questions about the implementation of the bill's provisions and the impact on school districts. There was additional questioning about the distribution of the grants.
04:29 PM
Priscilla Jones, representing herself as a college student, described her early childhood and school experiences as a person with a sight disability. She testified in support of the bill. She said that she was first introduced to audio textbooks as a student at Metropolitan State College, and subsequently has graduated and enrolled in the University of Colorado at Denver Graduate School of Public Affairs.
04:32 PM -- Christine Goff, representing herself as a parent of two dyslexic children, testified in support of the bill. She provided statistics on the extent of dyslexia across the population. Ms. Goff relayed her experiences with her daughter and her daughter's early elementary school years. Ms. Goff conducted research on the issue of dyslexia and began accessing the Colorado Talking Book Library. She further described the assistance that audio textbooks have provided to both of her daughters. Representative King asked questions about how Ms. Goff had accessed and paid for the resources at the Colorado Talking Book Library. He also discussed whether an IEP could help provide access to needed resources. Ms. Goff indicated that she had paid for the testing and resources provided to her daughters.
04:42 PM
Representative Larson commented on the need to recognize dyslexia as a learning disability and to elevate public understanding of the issue. Ms. Goff responded with further comments on the assistance that the right resources can provide. Representative Larson asked further questions about the availability of testing. Ms. Goff reviewed her experiences with testing through Children's Hospital. Representative Solano followed up with questions regarding whether Ms. Goff's daughters had participated in the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP). Ms. Goff indicated that they had not.
04:48 PM -- Elenn Steinberg, representing the International Dyslexia Association (Rocky Mountain branch), testified in support of the bill. She also described her experiences as a parent of a dyslexic child. She depicted the challenges that dyslexic children face in completing reading assignments. In response to questions from committee members, Ms. Steinberg provided a technical definition of dyslexia.
04:58 PM -- Cathy Bodine, representing Assistive Technology Partners at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, testified in support of the bill. She reviewed the goals of her partnership, which is comprised of 27 faculty and staff. Dr. Bodine further described her participation in the Assistive Technology coalition that includes the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). She said that her understanding of the bill is that the Assistive Technology Partners would assist in administering the grant program. Representative King asked questions about current funding mechanisms. Dr. Bodine said that this legislation addresses the needs of students whose needs are not currently being met through special education programs.
05:08 PM
Representative King asked about the availability of federal funding. Ms. Bodine said that she would do further research on the issue. Representative King also asked about the fiscal impact of the bill. Representative Green said that she is looking at amendments to appropriate the funding in one sum, but distribute the moneys over five years.
05:12 PM
Jane Ritter, Office of Legislative Legal Services, came to the table to respond to questions about potential amendments.
05:13 PM
Dr. Bodine provided further explanation about current programs and the manner in which the legislation would provide additional tools, training, and access to assistive technology. She described the legislation as establishing a new program for students who do not currently have access to resources. Representative King expressed his concern about utilizing General Fund moneys to establish a new program.
05:19 PM -- Tanni Anthony and Byron Pendley, CDE, came to the table to respond to questions. Mr. Pendley responded to questions about the potential for federal funding in regard to this program. He said that it may be appropriate to access federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) moneys available for early identification of student needs. Representative Paccione said that she feels the bill specifically targets students who are not being provided special education services. Representative King made further comments about federal special education funding.
05:27 PM
Ms. Anthony discussed the importance of distinguishing between those visually impaired students who have an IEP and those general population students, termed "504s" who may be provided certain accommodations. Mr. Pendley reviewed different categories of students who may or may not have access to services. Representative Penry raised questions regarding the simplifying the grant process in the bill.
05:33 PM -- Pat Steadman, representing the Colorado Association of Family and Children's Associations, testified about the association's support of the bill and the potential for other amendments to bring "eligible facilities," or residential treatment facilities into the legislation.
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05:35 PM -- Vicki Newell, representing the Colorado Parent-Teacher Association, testified in support of the bill. She described her son's experience as a student who does not currently have access to resources.
05:39 PM
Representative King and Representative Merrifield made requests regarding the committee's consideration of the legislation and potential amendments next week.
05:41 PM
The committee adjourned.