The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act requires that assessment and, if approriate, instruction in braille be
provided for all students who are visually impaired. The IDEA regulations
state:
"in the case of a child who is blind or visually impaired, provide for
instruction of braille and the use of braille unless the IEP team determines,
after an evaluation of the child's reading and writing skills, needs , and
appropriate reading and writing media (including an evaluation of the child's
future needs for instruction in braille or the use of braille), that instruction
in braille or the use of is not appropriate for the child." [34 CFR 300.346(a)(2)(iii)]
While the above federal regulation applies to all states, many states have
braille provisions in their state regulations. These provisions often address
assessment, instruction, personnel to provide instruction, and textbooks.
The following states have these braille provisions.
