Governor Signs Hearing Aid Law

Published: 2010-06-09

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Perdue signed into law the requirement that hearing aids for children under the age of 22 will be covered by health benefit plans. What a wonderful day for North Carolina families of children with hearing loss!!

The signing was held in the Old House Chambers of the State Capital. Prior to the public event, Governor Perdue met privately with the Tastet, Skergan, Kamo, Katsiagianis, DeMaeyer, and Soltani families who attended the event. Seven children—Collin Tastet, Rachel Skergan, Sara Soltani, Ntinos Katsiagianis, Neel Kamo, Kevin DeMaeyer and Alex DeMaeyer—along with Senator Bill Purcell, Representative Bob England, Representative Laura Wiley and me walked into the Old House Chamber with Governor Perdue. The children surrounded her as she spoke to those who came to witness the signing. The audience included the families of the children, Holly Shoun who, along with Wendy Katsiagianis represented NC AGBell, Chip Baggett who represented the NC Medical Society, Jan Withers who is the Director of the NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and represented the NC Department of Health and Human Services, members of the press and many others.

The Governor made brief comments about the bill, its importance and recognized the children for their work—specifically recognizing Collin Tastet for all his persistent lobbying efforts throughout the process to get this law passed. She then asked Collin to make comments and he gave an amazing speech, telling everyone why children need hearing aids to be able to hear and learn in school. He thanked all who helped to pass the law. It was very moving and amazing to see and hear Collin as he stood posed and confident before the crowd. Each of the legislators made comments and then the signing began. The children were gathered around Governor Perdue and Alex DeMaeyer climbed up on the Governor’s lap. She proceeded to use 10 different pens to sign the law, giving a pen to each child in turn. I was fortunate to also be given a pen which I plan to mount in a shadow box along with a copy of the bill and photos from the signing to hang in the reception area of the BEGINNINGS’ office in Raleigh for all to see!

Finally, the proceedings came to an end and the photo session began. There was a group photo of the Governor and the families and then she took time to pose with each individual family. Collin was interviewed by reports from the Associated Press, the Greensboro News & Record and Raleigh News 14 TV. Hugs were exchanged, more pictures snapped and, finally, it was time to leave.

Achieving this goal, to have insurance coverage for children’s hearing aids in North Carolina, has been a great accomplishment and one of which I know all of you are proud. Thank you all for your support, attention and efforts to make this dream come true!!!