This bill would amend Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A. It adds a new Code Section that includes definitions of “blind or visually impaired child,” “Braille,” “Individualized education program,” and “textbooks and other instructional materials.” None of the definitions are out of the range of common education understanding and practice.

The bill would require the availability of Braille instruction by a PSC certified visual impairments teacher, unless other special education services are appropriate to the child’s needs. It would require that the following be included in the child’s IEP:

1. Outcomes of the evaluation;

2. How Braille will be implement as the primary mode for instruction, unless other services are appropriate to the child’s needs;

3. The date that Braille instruction will begin, if appropriate to the child’s needs;

4. The length of the period of instruction and the frequency and duration of each;

5. If Braille is not appropriate, there must be a statement that the absence of Braille would not impair the child’s ability to read and write effectively;

   All publishers of texts and instructional materials sold to schools in the state would be required to furnish an electronic version. As of July 1, 2015 the PSC would not be able to issue nor renew a certificate in visually impairment unless the applicant has:

   1. Completed a PSC approved course in teaching Braille; or

   2.  Holds a nationally recognized certificate in Braille as recognized by the PSC.