From: Curtis Chong 
Subject: IDEA and Braille (fwd) (Forward From dandrews@visi.com)
The following came from Barbara Cheadle.  I have sent it on to
BLIND.
Curtis Chong
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 1997 20:33:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: BARCheadle@aol.com
To: gwunder@trib.net, bpierce@netcom.com, hunter@henge.com,
    whitejm@erols.com, mcgeorge@henge.com, chong99@concentric.net
Subject: IDEA and Braille
Hi everyone:
IDEA was signed today and , yes, it contains language about Braille--pretty
good language.  It also addresses orientation and mobility and lists it as a
related service.  I don't have the copy of that language yet, but I'll send
it when I get it. We will address these changes and what we believe they mean
at the IEP workshop at convention on Wed. night, 7:00 to 10:00 pm.
 Meanwhile, here's the Braille language and also the language about assistive
technology--which concenrs us, tool.
S. 717, Section 1., (B) Consideration of special factors. The IEP team
shall--
(iii) in the case of a child who is blind or visually impaired, provide for
instruction in Braille and the use of Braille unless the IEP team determines,
after an evaluation of the 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 Braille is not appropriate for the child.
My Comments:  There are 5 special considerations in this section B.  They
deal with children who are deaf, those with limited English proficiency,
children with behaviorial problems, and a technology section.  In the other
four sections the key word is "consider"  In other words, the IEP team shall
consider.  The Braille section is the only one which states "provide for..."
 In other words, the IEP team shall provide for...  This is a crucial
difference.  It means that Braille  really is the default--IEP teams must
begin with Braille, and iff there is a dispute, Braille will be taught while
the case goes through due process.
The technology section reads like this:
1. (B) (v) consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices
and services.
Mr. Gashel tells me that we also have a section which lists or refers to
orientation and mobilty as a related service.  I have always been in favor of
this  I'll send that to you when I get the language along with my comments.
See you in New ORleans!  Barbara
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