Deaf Advocates Criticize Hearing Screening Bill

Deaf-advocacy groups are criticizing a bill (AB 2072), by Assembly member Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), that would have hospitals with licensed perinatal services provide every infant with a hearing test and then offer information on community resources to parents of diagnosed children. The bill also would allow parents with a diagnosed deaf child to meet with audiologist and receive treatment information. Deaf-advocacy groups say the bill is a move against American Sign Language, in favor of surgical, hearing aid, or "oralist" treatments. The Senate Human Services Committee approved the bill on Wednesday.

• "Deaf Advocates Rally Against Mendoza Screening Bill" (Panush, Capitol Weekly, 6/24).