2015 Mississippi Code
Title 37 - EDUCATION
Chapter 23 - EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN
BLIND PERSONS' LITERACY RIGHTS AND EDUCATION
§ 37-23-193 - Definitions

For purposes of Sections 37-23-191 through 37-23-203, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Blind student" means an individual who is eligible for special education services or 504 services and who has an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects the student's educational performance. This includes a student who:

(i) Has a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses or has a limited field of vision such that the widest diameter subtends an angular distance of less than twenty-one (21) degrees;

(ii) Has a medically indicated expectation of visual deterioration; or

(iii) Is functionally blind due to visual problems affecting reading and writing skills.

(b) "Braille" means the system of reading and writing through touch and includes literary code, designated commonly as the Unified English Braille Code or the Standard English Braille Code, Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, Music Braille Code and Computer Braille Code.

(c) "Individualized educational program" (IEP) means a statement developed for a student eligible for special education services under Section 602(a)(20) of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(d) "Assistive technology service" means any service or provision of devices which directly assists the functional capabilities of a blind or visually impaired student.

(e) "Compensatory skills" or "alternative techniques" means those skills or techniques needed by blind or visually impaired students to access all areas of the Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks. These skills include, but are not limited to: the use of Braille, large print, optical devices, tactile symbols, calendar systems and abacus; study and organizational skills; listening skills; concept development; the use of assistive technology and recorded materials; social interaction; independent living; recreation and leisure skills; and career education.

(f) "504 Plan" means a legal document under the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which is designed to plan a program of instructional services to assist a student with specialized needs who is in a general education setting.