CHAPTER 9. READING AND WRITING INSTRUCTION FOR BLIND STUDENTS

IC 20-35-9
    Chapter 9. Reading and Writing Instruction for Blind Students

IC 20-35-9-1
"Blind student"
    Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "blind student" has the meaningestablished under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2 by the state boardfor an individual:
        (1) who:
            (A) cannot successfully use vision as a primary and efficientmethod for learning; and
            (B) exhibits such a low degree or amount of visual acuity orvisual field that vision is not considered as a primary modeof learning; or
        (2) who has a medically indicated prognosis of visualdeterioration.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19.

IC 20-35-9-2
"Braille"
    Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "braille" means a tactuallyperceived system of reading and writing known as Standard Englishbraille.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19.

IC 20-35-9-3
"Case conference committee"
    Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "case conference committee"means the group of individuals described in IC 20-18-2-9 whodevelop the individualized education program for each child with adisability (as defined in IC 20-35-1-2).
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19.

IC 20-35-9-4
"Individualized education program"
    Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "individualized educationprogram" has the meaning set forth in IC 20-18-2-9.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19.

IC 20-35-9-5
Braille; presumption regarding student proficiency and use ininstruction
    Sec. 5. (a) In developing the individualized education program fora blind student, the presumption is that, with some exceptions,proficiency in braille reading and writing is essential for blindstudents to achieve satisfactory educational progress.
    (b) This chapter does not require braille use or instruction if, inthe course of developing a blind student's individualized educationprogram, the student's case conference committee determines thatanother medium:        (1) is more appropriate and efficient in meeting the student'sreading and writing needs; and
        (2) allows the student to achieve in instructional activitiescommensurate with the student's potential.
    (c) This chapter does not require the exclusive use of braille andthe availability of other media may not preclude braille instructionif, in the determination of a blind student's case conferencecommittee, braille is necessary for the student to achieve to thestudent's potential.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19.

IC 20-35-9-6
Literacy assessment of students
    Sec. 6. (a) Each blind student shall undergo a literacy assessmentunder rules adopted under IC 4-22-2 by the state board to determinethe student's present level of performance in reading and writing.
    (b) The literacy assessment required by subsection (a) shall beadministered by a certified teacher of individuals with a visualdisability using criteria established by the state board.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19. Amended by P.L.99-2007,SEC.180.

IC 20-35-9-7
Providing braille instruction
    Sec. 7. If it is determined that braille instruction and use isappropriate for a student who is blind, the student shall be providedinstruction by certified teachers of individuals with a visual disabilityin the frequency and intensity specified in the student'sindividualized education program.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19. Amended by P.L.99-2007,SEC.181.

IC 20-35-9-8
Case conference; information regarding media options
    Sec. 8. As a part of the case conference committee deliberationsfor a blind student, the case conference committee shall makeavailable to the student and the student's parents informationregarding all the potential reading and writing media options,including the availability of braille.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19.

IC 20-35-9-9
Rule adoption
    Sec. 9. The state board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 toimplement this chapter.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19.