2014 Indiana Code TITLE 20. EDUCATION ARTICLE 35. SPECIAL EDUCATION CHAPTER 9. READING AND WRITING INSTRUCTION FOR BLIND STUDENTS
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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 meaning
established under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2 by the state board
for an individual:
(1) who:
(A) cannot successfully use vision as a primary and efficient
method for learning; and
(B) exhibits such a low degree or amount of visual acuity or
visual field that vision is not considered as a primary mode
of learning; or
(2) who has a medically indicated prognosis of visual
deterioration.
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 tactually
perceived system of reading and writing known as Standard English
braille.
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 who
develop the individualized education program for each child with a
disability (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 education
program" 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 in
instruction
Sec. 5. (a) In developing the individualized education program for
a blind student, the presumption is that, with some exceptions,
proficiency in braille reading and writing is essential for blind
students to achieve satisfactory educational progress.
(b) This chapter does not require braille use or instruction if, in the
course of developing a blind student's individualized education
program, the student's case conference committee determines that
another medium:
(1) is more appropriate and efficient in meeting the student's
reading and writing needs; and
(2) allows the student to achieve in instructional activities
commensurate with the student's potential.
(c) This chapter does not require the exclusive use of braille and
the availability of other media may not preclude braille instruction if,
in the determination of a blind student's case conference committee,
braille is necessary for the student to achieve to the student'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 assessment
under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2 by the state board to determine
the student's present level of performance in reading and writing.
(b) The literacy assessment required by subsection (a) shall be
administered by a certified teacher of individuals with a visual
disability 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 is
appropriate for a student who is blind, the student shall be provided
instruction by certified teachers of individuals with a visual disability
in the frequency and intensity specified in the student's individualized
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 deliberations
for a blind student, the case conference committee shall make
available to the student and the student's parents information
regarding 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 to
implement this chapter.
As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19.
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