FINAL BILL REPORT
E2SHB 1078
C 135 L 96
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to instruction in Braille.
Sponsors: By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Ogden, Carlson, Casada, Cole, Quall, Benton, Pennington, Thibaudeau, Cooke, Boldt and Huff).
House Committee on Education
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Education
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
Background: The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires states accepting federal funds to provide a free and appropriate public education for all handicapped children in the least restrictive environment. The federal law requires related services to be provided if the services are needed to help a handicapped child benefit from special education. Handicapped children in Washington must have the opportunity for an appropriate education under state law, federal law, and the Washington State Constitution.
An individual education program must be developed for each special education student. Instruction in Braille is provided for a visually impaired or blind student only if the instruction is required in the student's individual education program.
Summary: The Legislature finds that literacy in Braille is essential for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Blind and visually impaired students in the public schools are to be assessed to determine the appropriate learning media for each student. If a student's assessment indicates that Braille is the appropriate learning medium, instruction in Braille must be provided as a part of the student's educational curriculum. If Braille will not be provided, the reason for not providing it is to be documented.
A student may not be denied the opportunity for instruction in Braille solely because the student has some remaining vision.
Teachers of visually impaired students are to be qualified as determined by the State Board of Education.
Votes on Final Passage:
House 93 0
Senate 49 0
Effective: June 6, 1996