S-1232.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 5664
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State of Washington 53rd Legislature 1993 Regular Session
By Senators McAuliffe, Erwin, Franklin, Moyer, Hargrove, Prentice, Amondson, Fraser, McDonald and Wojahn
Read first time 02/08/93. Referred to Committee on Education.
AN ACT Relating to the instruction in Braille reading and writing to blind students; and adding new sections to chapter 28A.155 RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout sections 2 through 4 of this act.
(1) "Legally blind" means:
(a) Having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with conventional correction or having a limited field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angular distance not greater than twenty degrees;
(b) Having a physical condition with a medical expectation of visual deterioration; or
(c) Being unable to read printed material at a competitive rate with facility due to lack of visual acuity or other visual impairment.
(2) "Braille" means the system of reading and writing through touch commonly known as standard English Braille.
(3) "Student" means any student who is legally blind or any student eligible for special education services for the visually impaired as defined in the individuals with disabilities education act, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.
(4) "Superintendent" means the superintendent of public instruction.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. Students may receive instruction in Braille reading and writing as part of their individualized education program. In the development of this program, there shall be a presumption that proficiency in Braille reading and writing is essential for satisfactory educational progress. No student may be denied the opportunity for instruction in Braille reading and writing solely because the student has some remaining vision.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. Instruction in Braille reading and writing shall be sufficient to enable each student to communicate effectively and efficiently at a level commensurate with such student's sighted peers of comparable grade level and intellect. The individualized education program shall specify:
(1) How Braille will be implemented as the primary mode for learning through integration with normal classroom activities. If Braille will not be provided to a child who is legally blind, the reason for not incorporating it in the individualized education program shall be documented;
(2) The date on which Braille instruction will commence;
(3) The level of competency in Braille reading and writing to be achieved by the end of the period covered by the individualized education program; and
(4) The duration of each session of Braille instruction.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The superintendent shall require that special education teachers responsible for the education of legally blind and visually impaired children demonstrate competency in reading and writing Braille. The superintendent shall adopt procedures to assess such competency that are consistent with the standards adopted by the national library service for the blind and physically handicapped.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Sections 1 through 4 of this act are each added to chapter 28A.155 RCW.
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