Each legally blind student must be identified and offered an individualized education program (IEP) in consultation with a parent or legal guardian. While braille is not required, it is presumed that the need for braille reading and writing are valuable skills to be considered in the student’s transition plan toward continuing in higher education and in broadening job and career opportunities.

No child who is legally blind may be denied the opportunity to receive instructions in braille reading and writing on the basis that the child has the ability to read and write print.

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 59-34-30

  • Blind student: means an individual who is eligible for special education services and who:

    (a) 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 no greater than twenty degrees; or

    (b) has a medically indicated expectation of visual deterioration. See South Carolina Code 59-34-20
  • Braille: means the system of reading and writing through touch commonly known as standard English Braille. See South Carolina Code 59-34-20
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Individualized education program: means a written statement developed for a student eligible for special education services pursuant to Section 602(a)(20) of Part A of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U. See South Carolina Code 59-34-20

Each student must be given an assessment which must include an evaluation of the need for braille skills to be designed by the State Department of Education, and shall include strengths and deficits. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the most appropriate reading and writing media for the individual child and does not require the use of braille if other special education services are appropriate.

Nothing in this section requires the inclusion of braille in a legally blind student’s IEP.

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