SB 5176-S - DIGEST
(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 2ND SUB)

Finds that: (1) Washington needs to provide additional resources for the preparation of teachers for children with blindness and visual impairments;

(2) Portland State University has a nationally recognized program for teachers of children with visual impairments; and

(3) A collaborative partnership between Portland State University and Washington State University-Vancouver would help address the critical need for teachers of the blind and visually impaired in Washington.

Directs Washington State University to establish the position of vision impairments/orientation and mobility coordinator to be housed at Washington State University-Vancouver.

Authorizes Washington State University to solicit, accept, receive, and administer federal funds or private funds, in trust or otherwise, and contract with foundations or with for-profit or nonprofit organizations to support the purposes of the act.