Sec. 6. As used in this chapter, “deaf or hard of hearing”, which may be referred to as a hearing impairment, means the following:

(1) A disability that, with or without the use of an amplification device, adversely affects the student’s:

(A) ability to use hearing for developing language and learning;

(B) educational performance; and

(C) developmental progress.

(2) The hearing loss may be:

(A) permanent or fluctuating;

(B) mild to profound; or

(C) unilateral or bilateral.

(3) Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may use:

(A) spoken language;

(B) sign language; or

(C) a combination of spoken language and signed systems.

(4) Students who are deaf or hard of hearing who may have:

(A) an individualized family service plan;

(B) an individualized education program;

(C) a plan developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794;

(D) a service plan;

(E) a choice special education plan; or

(F) no educational plan or program.

As added by P.L.260-2019, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.143-2022, SEC.51.