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On February 21, 2003, I testified at the Senate Education Committee hearing in favor of Bill 1196 introduced by Senator Allen. I have been working on aspects of my own version of this proposed Bill for quite some time and I applaud Senator Allen for her support and efforts to pass this Bill. This Bill is imperative for the Legislature to pass as it will bring American Sign Language (ASL) into high schools and it will enable students, with hearing impairments, students with other disabilities such as dyslexia, cognitive impairments, Autism, speech impediments, etc., and students without any disabilities the opportunity to learn this multi-sensory language and to receive credit toward fulfilling their graduation requirements. As stated in my prior blog posts, I hope to ensure that American Sign Language is available to all students free of charge who are interested in learning this unique language. I also hope to bring American Sign Language to students in the younger grades as well. ASL has been shown to increase communication skills in students with disabilities and it has assisted in decreasing the frustration levels and tantrums of those students who otherwise lack the ability or skills needed to communicate their needs. The next step would be to bring this Bill to the floor of the Senate as well as to get support for it in the New Jersey Assembly. I have attached a copy of the Bill for your review. Please continue to post your comments regarding this and other topics in my blog. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at jwarshaw@warshawlawfirm.com.
SENATE, No. 1196
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
215th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED JANUARY 23, 2012
Sponsored by:
Senator DIANE B. ALLEN
District 7 (Burlington)
SYNOPSIS
Recognizes American Sign Language as a world language for meeting high school graduation requirements.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
AN ACT concerning world language graduation requirements and supplementing chapter 35 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
BE IT ENACTED by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, American Sign Language shall be recognized as a world language for the purpose of meeting any State or local world languages requirement for high school graduation.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill provides that American Sign Language would be recognized as a world language for the purpose of meeting any State or local world languages requirement for high school graduation.
