A visual or hearing impaired or multi-handicapped student who qualifies for state scholarship funds pursuant to Chapter 149 of Title 59, § 59-104-20, § 59-150-360, or § 59-150-370 may receive state scholarship funds to attend an out-of-state institution that specializes in educating visual or hearing impaired or multi-handicapped students if the Commission on Higher Education certifies the student’s impairment or multi-handicap and that no in-state institution exists to specifically meet the student’s need.