OSSPEAC is working on a free professional development opportunity to address government affairs as it relates to our field. Be on the lookout for more details in the future!

HB 33, the state’s omnibus budget bill, removes most of the authority of the State Board of Education, giving it to a new state education department under the governor, the renamed and reformed Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). The State Board of Education will largely function as a licensing board and the Governor will…

House Bill 198, known as Madeline’s Law, would require health insurers to cover the cost of hearing aids for Ohioans ages 21 and under. By an overwhelming majority, the bill passed the House and moved to the Senate for reconciliation. When lawmakers return in August, OSHGAC will be monitoring and potentially recommending organizations to act.

The Ohio General Assembly recently passed HB 554 which resulted in the expanded definition of “child with a disability” as it pertains to the developmental delay disability category found in Ohio Revised Code Section 3323.01 Education of children with disabilities definitions. Children in preschool identified as having a developmental delay disability in special education no…