1. As used in this section, the following terms mean:

(1) “Blind persons or visually impaired persons”, individuals who:

(a) Have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with conventional correction, or have a limited field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angular distance not greater than twenty degrees; or

(b) Have a reasonable expectation of visual deterioration; or

(c) Cannot read printed material at a competitive rate of speed and with facility due to lack of visual acuity;

(2) “Literacy”, reading and written communication and comprehension of reading and written communication. This may include, but is not limited to Braille, large print and computer-aided communications;

(3) “Student”, any student who is blind or any student eligible for special education services for the visually impaired as defined in P.L. 94-142.

2. The division of special education of the department of elementary and secondary education shall conduct a statewide study to assess the literacy of blind students on a grade-level basis and report its findings and recommendations to improve the literacy of blind students to the governor and general assembly no later than December first of each year.

3. The division of special education of the department of elementary and secondary education shall annually provide a report to the governor and general assembly, no later than December first of each year, which describes the division’s progress in implementing the recommendations, any significant obstacles to continued progress in implementation, the division’s plans and time frame for removing these obstacles.