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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) A team of parents, legislators, community members and alumni of the state School for the Deaf are working on a long-term plan to serve North Dakotans who suffer from hearing loss.

The 13-member transition team is holding a series of meetings, starting with a session Thursday at the state Heritage Center.

Carmen Grove Suminski is the superintendent of the School for the Deaf. She says the Devils Lake school has 23 students, but it also offers outreach services. She says the needs are increasing and technology is changing.

State school Superintendent Wayne Sanstead said the transition team wants to take a comprehensive look at the services around the state.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-29-09 0530CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list