BP BHEAD INT H

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.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) 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.

(2) Each student who is blind shall be assessed to determine the most appropriate learning media, including but not limited to Braille.

(3) No student may be denied the opportunity for instruction in Braille reading and writing solely because the student has some remaining vision.

(4) Nothing in this section requires the exclusive use of Braille if other special education services are appropriate to meet the student's educational needs. The provision of other appropriate services does not preclude Braille use or instruction.

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 ability. 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 state board of education 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 state board of education shall set the teacher preparation standards for those teachers responsible for instructing students who are blind including those students using Braille.

A committee shall be formed to assist the state board of education in determining teacher competencies in the instruction of Braille. This committee shall be composed of, but not limited to, a representative of each of the following: National federation of the blind of Washington, Washington council of the blind, and the association for education and rehabilitation of the blind and visually impaired of Washington.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Sections 1 through 4 of this act are each added to chapter 28A.155 RCW.