AB 784 – Clarifies that Individualized Education Programs May Include Specialized Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services

Existing law requires that local educational agencies must identify, assess, and provide free appropriate public education to individuals with exceptional needs in the least restrictive environment. This includes creating an individualized education program (IEP) tailored to their requirements. “Special education” is defined as custom instruction provided at no cost to parents, addressing the unique needs of these individuals. It can include services like speech-language pathology if deemed special education rather than a related service.

AB 784 clarifies that IEPs can include specialized services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students as the sole services, without being restricted by previous provisions.

(AB 784 amends Section 56031 of the Education Code.)