; and to spur the further advancement of instructional services for students with visual disabilities through scientific research and evidence-based best practices. I IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND RELATED SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING A General Provisions 101. Identifying students who are deaf or hard of hearing (a) Serving all children who are deaf or hard of hearing regardless of classification Section 612(a)(3) ( 20 U.S.C. 1412(a)(3) ) is amended at the end by adding the following: (C) Serving children who are deaf or hard of hearing When a State classifies children by disability, the State, in complying with subsection (a), identifies, locates and evaluates children who are deaf or hard of hearing who are, or may be, classified in a disability category other than hearing impairment and provides (without prejudice to such classification) special education and related services to such children, including such services determined appropriate based on proper evaluation as would be provided to children classified in the State as deaf or hard of hearing. . (b) Data collection and reporting Section 618 ( 20 U.S.C. 1418 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) Accounting for deaf and hard of hearing students In addition to the data collection and reporting requirements of subsections (a) through (d) and subject to such provisions, the State and the Secretary of the Interior shall, with respect to children classified in a disability category other than hearing impairment or deafness, include the number and percentage of such children in each disability category who are also deaf or hard of hearing. . (c) Child with a disability Section 602(3)(A)(i) ( 20 U.S.C. 1401(3)(A)(i) ) is amended by striking hearing impairments (including deafness), speech and inserting who is deaf or hard of hearing, with speech . 102. State plans Section 612 ( 20 U.S.C. 1412 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Addendum concerning students who are deaf or hard of