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:

Terms Used In Indiana Code 20-35-9-5

  • blind student: has the meaning established under rules adopted under IC 4-22-2 by the state board for an individual:

    Indiana Code 20-35-9-1

  • braille: means a tactually perceived system of reading and writing known as Standard English braille. See Indiana Code 20-35-9-2
  • case conference committee: means the group of individuals described in IC 20-18-2-9 who develop the individualized education program for each student with a disability (as defined in IC 20-35-1-8). See Indiana Code 20-35-9-3
  • Conference committee: A temporary, ad hoc panel composed of conferees from both chamber of a legislature which is formed for the purpose of reconciling differences in legislation that has passed both chambers. Conference committees are usually convened to resolve bicameral differences on major and controversial legislation.
  • individualized education program: has the meaning set forth in IC 20-18-2-9. See Indiana Code 20-35-9-4
(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.

[Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-1-6.3-5.]

As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.19.