House Bill 60: Changing the
Term from 'Hearing Impaired'
to the 'Deaf and Hard of Hearing'
Term from 'Hearing Impaired'
to the 'Deaf and Hard of Hearing'
- Compiled & Written by Jodi Christel Becker
Published in 2017
Updated in 2025
Author's Note
I was thrilled to hear the news about the passing of House Bill 60, which replaced the term "Hearing Impaired" with "Deaf and Hard of Hearing" in state law. This change was not just a legislative achievement but a personal victory for me. In the slideshow below, I've shared some candid moments from the event, as well as a tribute to the incredible advocates who made this change possible. Their unwavering dedication was truly inspiring!
At the signing ceremony, I had the privilege of meeting Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert. His warm smile and genuine interest in the bill made the day even more special. I'm excited to share more about this memorable moment below.
From 2007 to 2009, I, along with Dennis R. Platt and Jill Radford, represented the Utah Deaf community on the Legislative Task Force for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. We proposed changing the term "Hearing Impaired" to "Deaf and Hard of Hearing" in Utah House Bill 296, which governs the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Despite our efforts, the legislative workgroup, primarily composed of non-deaf individuals, decided to retain the federal term "hearing impaired" in HB 296 to comply with federal regulations.
On March 25, 2009, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. signed an important bill into law that would put an end to the state's promotion of mainstreaming and allow for on-campus education for students. The signing ceremony took place on April 30, 2009.
Under the leadership of President Stephen Persinger of the Utah Association of the Deaf, Utah made history by becoming the first state in the nation to officially replace the term "Hearing Impaired" with "Deaf and Hard of Hearing" in its state law. This change was enacted through Utah House Bill (HB) 60, which amended the Utah State Code on March 17, 2017. This significant milestone reflects the advocacy efforts of the Utah Association of the Deaf.
The Deaf community views the term "hearing impaired" as negative and often offensive, as it implies a sense of brokenness. This label typically highlights the limitations of Deaf individuals rather than celebrating their abilities. The change to "Deaf and Hard of Hearing" is not just a shift in terminology, but a step towards a more inclusive and empowering society. The Deaf community prides itself on its unique culture, which encompasses its own language, traditions, values, and norms. Embracing this perspective empowers and inspires the Deaf community in Utah and supports the larger movement for disability rights.
Additionally, it is encouraged to use a capital "D" when referring to Deaf individuals and the Deaf community. This small change promotes inclusion for everyone, regardless of their family background, communication methods, or educational experiences. After all, it is all part of the journey of Deafhood!
We are deeply grateful to Stephen Persinger, Pamela Mower, and W. David Samuelson for their instrumental roles in the passing of HB 60. We also want to recognize Marilyn Tiller Call, former director of the Utah Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, for her unwavering support as a long-time advocate throughout the legislative process.
Thank you for your interest in this important topic. It is an honor for Utah to make history by replacing the term "Hearing Impaired" with "Deaf and Hard of Hearing" in state statutes, and we are proud to witness the ceremonial signing of this change!
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
At the signing ceremony, I had the privilege of meeting Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert. His warm smile and genuine interest in the bill made the day even more special. I'm excited to share more about this memorable moment below.
From 2007 to 2009, I, along with Dennis R. Platt and Jill Radford, represented the Utah Deaf community on the Legislative Task Force for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. We proposed changing the term "Hearing Impaired" to "Deaf and Hard of Hearing" in Utah House Bill 296, which governs the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Despite our efforts, the legislative workgroup, primarily composed of non-deaf individuals, decided to retain the federal term "hearing impaired" in HB 296 to comply with federal regulations.
On March 25, 2009, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. signed an important bill into law that would put an end to the state's promotion of mainstreaming and allow for on-campus education for students. The signing ceremony took place on April 30, 2009.
Under the leadership of President Stephen Persinger of the Utah Association of the Deaf, Utah made history by becoming the first state in the nation to officially replace the term "Hearing Impaired" with "Deaf and Hard of Hearing" in its state law. This change was enacted through Utah House Bill (HB) 60, which amended the Utah State Code on March 17, 2017. This significant milestone reflects the advocacy efforts of the Utah Association of the Deaf.
The Deaf community views the term "hearing impaired" as negative and often offensive, as it implies a sense of brokenness. This label typically highlights the limitations of Deaf individuals rather than celebrating their abilities. The change to "Deaf and Hard of Hearing" is not just a shift in terminology, but a step towards a more inclusive and empowering society. The Deaf community prides itself on its unique culture, which encompasses its own language, traditions, values, and norms. Embracing this perspective empowers and inspires the Deaf community in Utah and supports the larger movement for disability rights.
Additionally, it is encouraged to use a capital "D" when referring to Deaf individuals and the Deaf community. This small change promotes inclusion for everyone, regardless of their family background, communication methods, or educational experiences. After all, it is all part of the journey of Deafhood!
We are deeply grateful to Stephen Persinger, Pamela Mower, and W. David Samuelson for their instrumental roles in the passing of HB 60. We also want to recognize Marilyn Tiller Call, former director of the Utah Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, for her unwavering support as a long-time advocate throughout the legislative process.
Thank you for your interest in this important topic. It is an honor for Utah to make history by replacing the term "Hearing Impaired" with "Deaf and Hard of Hearing" in state statutes, and we are proud to witness the ceremonial signing of this change!
Enjoy!
Jodi Christel Becker
Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., ceremoniously signed HB 296 into law at the Utah Capitol on April 30, 2009, regulating Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. I'm on the left side, wearing a vest and a white blouse, witnessing the signature
In a historic milestone, Utah became the first state in the nation to officially replace the term 'Hearing Impaired' with 'Deaf and Hard of Hearing' in state law. This change was enacted through Utah House Bill (HB) 60, which was passed on March 17, 2017, amending the Utah State Code. The Utah Association of the Deaf played a crucial role in advocating for this important change.
During the 2017 legislative session, Stephen Persinger, president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, along with Pamela Mower, the association's vice president, and W. David Samuelson, an advocate for the Utah Deaf community, worked diligently to support House Bill 60 (HB 60). Representative Norman Thurston of Utah supported their advocacy, resulting in the approval of the bill by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. On March 17, 2017, Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed HB 60 into law, marking a successful conclusion to their efforts.
Representative Thurston was a strong supporter of the Utah Deaf community. During the 2016 legislative session, he sponsored Utah House Bill (HB) 325, which reorganized the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, including the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Department of Workforce Services processed these transfers. Representative Thurston also worked closely with Deaf leaders such as Stephen Persinger, Philippe Montalette, Pamela Mower, and W. David Samuelson to ensure that the language used in HB 325 was appropriate and current. As a result of this positive collaboration, Representative Thurston was motivated to introduce HB 60, which aimed to replace the term 'Hearing Impaired' in state statutes with 'Deaf and Hard of Hearing.'
On April 11, 2017, Governor Herbert signed House Bill 60 into law. I attended the signing ceremony with Representative Thurston, Marilyn Tiller Call, Stephen Persinger, Pamela Mower, W. David Samuelson, Brandon Bowden, Brooke Budzinski Grossinger, and her 5-year-old daughter, Milika Grossinger.
Since the signing of HB 60, four states—and possibly more—have contacted UAD President Persinger to discuss similar actions. In response, President Persinger has reached out to these states to gather more information about the implementation process (Persinger, UAD Bulletin, April 2017).
In the April 2017 UAD Bulletin, UAD President Persinger stated, "This may seem minor, but this is something that can have a ripple effect from the top down instead of trying to teach people from the bottom up, which takes a lot more energy and work. This change demonstrates that we are not merely objects in need of repair but rather individuals with feelings, emotions, and thoughts, and that our group possesses a unique language and culture that we take pride in" (Persinger, UAD Bulletin, Spring 2017, p. 1). This is a significant achievement for the Utah Deaf community and could serve as a model for other states that seek to replicate its success.
During the 2017 legislative session, Stephen Persinger, president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, along with Pamela Mower, the association's vice president, and W. David Samuelson, an advocate for the Utah Deaf community, worked diligently to support House Bill 60 (HB 60). Representative Norman Thurston of Utah supported their advocacy, resulting in the approval of the bill by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. On March 17, 2017, Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed HB 60 into law, marking a successful conclusion to their efforts.
Representative Thurston was a strong supporter of the Utah Deaf community. During the 2016 legislative session, he sponsored Utah House Bill (HB) 325, which reorganized the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, including the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Department of Workforce Services processed these transfers. Representative Thurston also worked closely with Deaf leaders such as Stephen Persinger, Philippe Montalette, Pamela Mower, and W. David Samuelson to ensure that the language used in HB 325 was appropriate and current. As a result of this positive collaboration, Representative Thurston was motivated to introduce HB 60, which aimed to replace the term 'Hearing Impaired' in state statutes with 'Deaf and Hard of Hearing.'
On April 11, 2017, Governor Herbert signed House Bill 60 into law. I attended the signing ceremony with Representative Thurston, Marilyn Tiller Call, Stephen Persinger, Pamela Mower, W. David Samuelson, Brandon Bowden, Brooke Budzinski Grossinger, and her 5-year-old daughter, Milika Grossinger.
Since the signing of HB 60, four states—and possibly more—have contacted UAD President Persinger to discuss similar actions. In response, President Persinger has reached out to these states to gather more information about the implementation process (Persinger, UAD Bulletin, April 2017).
In the April 2017 UAD Bulletin, UAD President Persinger stated, "This may seem minor, but this is something that can have a ripple effect from the top down instead of trying to teach people from the bottom up, which takes a lot more energy and work. This change demonstrates that we are not merely objects in need of repair but rather individuals with feelings, emotions, and thoughts, and that our group possesses a unique language and culture that we take pride in" (Persinger, UAD Bulletin, Spring 2017, p. 1). This is a significant achievement for the Utah Deaf community and could serve as a model for other states that seek to replicate its success.
L-R: Marilyn Tiller Call, Brooke Budzinski Grossinger, Brandon Bowden, W. David Samuelsen, Stephen Persinger, Pamela Mower, Jodi Christel Becker, Utah Representative Norman Thurston. Center: Brooke's daughter and Utah Governor Gary Hebert at the HB 60 Signing Ceremony, March 11, 2017
A Slideshow of the
Ceremonial Signing of HB 60
April 11, 2017
For your enjoyment, I have included the following photos of the ceremonial signing event. Enjoy!
Reference
Persinger, Stephen. “President’s Corner.” UAD Bulletin, April 2017.
