WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor                        S.B. 475

there have been studies in the past and that there is no need for additional research.
Further, they argue that cooperation between the various factions is highly unrealistic and
that the Task Force would be unwieldy and contentious because of its mixed composition.
I have been advised that it is improbable that a Task Force comprised of individuals
representing such disparate idealogies would be able to engage in productive discussion,
let alone reach consensus on recommendations concerning public policy.

Furthermore, the usual and customary mechanism for policy decisions regarding
instructional methods and curriculum is through local school boards. I recognize that the
State may set certain parameters for local education agencies; however, the Task Force
envisioned in Senate Bill 475 does not include a representative from the Maryland State
Department of Education, the State agency primarily responsible for Maryland's early
childhood, primary, and secondary education programs.

Finally, insofar as the use of interpreters in public colleges and universities is concerned,
I have been advised that federal laws (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the
Americans with Disabilities Act) require the provision of interpreters to students who
require them because of a disability. Thus, further study of this particular issue seems
unnecessary.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 475.

Sincerely,

William Donald Schaefer

Governor

Senate Bill No. 475

AN ACT concerning

Task Force on Cued Speech and American Sign Language, American Sign Language, and

the Oral Method of Communication

FOR the purpose of creating a Task Force on Cued Speech and American Sign
Language, American Sign Language, and the Oral Method of Communication;
providing for the membership appointment, membership, and staff of the Task
Force; authorizing a member of the Task Force to receive reimbursement for
certain expenses under certain circumstances; requiring the Task Force to study
certain issues and make certain recommendations; requiring the Task Force to
make a certain report to the Governor and the General Assembly by a certain date;
and generally relating to the establishment of the Task Force on Cued Speech and
American Sign Language, American Sign Language, and the Oral Method of
Communication.

BY adding to

Article - Education

Section 8-313

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1992 Replacement Volume and 1993 Supplement)

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