D115C258CCE5B0C28725894F0070D177 Hearing Summary

Representative Young and Representative Bradfield, co-prime bill sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1067, concerning creation of a family and community intervener program to support children experiencing deafblindness.  The bill creates the Family and Community Intervener Program to support deafblind children and their families by providing the services of an intervener trained in deafblindness, building language and communication skills, and intervention strategies.

By October 1, 2023, the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind within the Colorado Department of Human Services must contract with a program manager to oversee the program and interveners.  Starting in 2025, upon approval of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the program must provide intervener services to eligible children through the Community First Option under Medicaid.

Megan Bowser, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She read a statement from Michele Williers in support of the bill.

Kiera Zink, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She was joined by her daughter, Jordy.

Ophelia Caballero, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Garin Vorthmann, representing the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, testified in support of the bill.

Christy Blakely, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.