15-214. Braille literacy; definition
A. The state board of education shall adopt rules to promote braille literacy that:
1. Assure that each blind pupil receives an individualized braille literacy
assessment and appropriate educational services resulting from the assessment, establish
standards of proficiency and instruction, provide materials in a computer accessible
format capable of braille reproduction and require that certified teachers of visually
impaired pupils meet braille competencies as specified in this section.
2. Assure that, in developing the individualized written education program for each
blind pupil, the presumption shall be that proficiency in braille is essential for that
pupil to achieve satisfactory educational progress. Braille instruction and use are not
required by this section if, in the course of developing the pupil's individualized
education program, all members of the team concur that the pupil's visual impairment does
not affect reading and writing performance commensurate with ability. Nothing in this
section requires the exclusive use of braille if other special education services are
appropriate to the pupil's educational needs. The provision of other appropriate
services does not preclude braille use or instruction.
3. Assure that instruction in braille is sufficient to enable each blind pupil to
communicate effectively and efficiently in all subject areas with the same level of
proficiency expected of the pupil's peers of comparable ability and grade level. The
pupil's individualized education program shall specify:
(a) The results of a braille assessment.
(b) The methods by which braille will be implemented.
(c) The date on which braille instruction will begin.
(d) The length of the period of instruction and the frequency and duration of each
instructional session.
(e) The level of competency in braille to be achieved by the end of the period of
instruction and a description of the objective measures to be used to evaluate the
pupil's level of competency.
(f) A list of the appropriate braille materials and equipment needed to allow the
pupil to achieve the level of competency specified in the individualized education
program.
(g) The rationale for not providing braille if braille is not determined to be an
appropriate medium.
4. Assure that the department of education shall require all publishers of
textbooks to furnish the department with computer diskettes for literary and nonliterary
subjects when diskettes become available for nonliterary subjects, in a standard format
approved by the department of education from which braille versions of the textbook can
be produced.
5. Assure that teachers certified in the education of blind and visually impaired
pupils in this state on or after July 1, 1997 shall be required to demonstrate competence
in braille. Competence shall be measured by either:
(a) Successful completion of a nationally validated test, when such a test is
available.
(b) Successful completion of a braille test developed in the program in visual
impairment at the university of Arizona.
B. As used in this section, "blind pupil" means a pupil who meets one or more of
the following conditions:
1. Cannot successfully use vision as a primary and efficient channel for learning.
2. Exhibits such a low degree or amount of visual acuity or visual field that
vision is not considered as a primary mode of learning.
3. Has a medically indicated prognosis of visual deterioration.
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