NEW HAMPSHIRE RSA CITATIONS RELATIVE TO BRAILLE INSTRUCTIONRSA 186-c;7-b Braille Instruction for Functionally Blind Pupils. In developing the individualized education program for a functionally blind pupil, there shall be: I. A presumption that proficiency in Braille reading and writing is essential for the pupil's satisfactory educational progress. Every functionally blind pupil shall be entitled to Braille reading and writing instruction unless all members of the pupil's special education team concur that instruction in Braille or the use of Braille is not appropriate for the pupil. II. Instruction in Braille shall be provided by a teacher certified by the state department of education to teach pupils with visual impairment. III. An initial learning media assessment by a teacher certified in the education of pupils with visual impairment shall be conducted. This assessment shall be conducted every 3 years and reviewed annually. RSA 186-C:2-VI. "Functionally Blind" Defined. "Functionally blind" means a pupil who has: (a) Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of the best correction for any refractive error, or a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees. (b) A medically indicated expectation of visual deterioration. (c) A functional limitation resulting from a medically diagnosed visual impairment which restricts the child's ability to read and write standard print at levels expected of other children of comparable ability and grade level. |