,i  #aac? ,,congress  #b;d ,session  ,h4
 ,r4 #djdj  ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,(          
,,repres5tatives  ,febru>y #aa1 #bjad   
,mr4 ,c>twright 7= himself1 ,mr4        
,takano1 & ,mr4 ,/ockman7 introduc$ !   
foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 ref]r$ to !          
,committee on ,education & ! ,work=ce   
,a ,,bill  ,to promote & ensure deliv]y 
( high quality special education &      
relat$ s]vices to /ud5ts ) visual       
disabilities or :o are deaf or h>d (    
he>+ ?r\gh in/ructional me?odologies    
meet+ _! unique le>n+ ne$s2 to enhance  
acc\ntability = ! provision ( su*       
s]vices1 & = o!r purposes4  #a4 ,%ort   
title2 ref]5ces2 table ( cont5ts  7a7   
,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z !   
,alice ,cogswell & ,anne ,sullivan ,macy
 ,act4  7b7 ,ref]5ces ,except z o!rwise 
expressly provid$1 :5ev] 9 ?is ,act an  
am5dm5t or repeal is express$ 9 t]ms (  
an am5dm5t to1 or repeal (1 a section or
 o!r provision1 ! ref]5ce %all be       
consid]$ to be made to a section or o!r 
provision ( ! ,individuals )            

,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj      
,u4,s4,c4 #adjj et seq474  7c7 ,table ( 
cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is
 z foll[s3  ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2      
ref]5ces2 table ( cont5ts4 ,sec4 #b4    
,purposes4 ,title ,i--,improv+ !        
,effectiv5ess ( ,special ,education &   
,relat$ ,s]vices & = ,/ud5ts :o are     
,deaf or ,h>d ( ,he>+ ,subtitle         
,a--,g5]al provisions ,sec4 #aja4       
,f9d+s4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,id5tify+ /ud5ts :o 
are deaf or h>d ( he>+4 ,sec4 #ajc4     
,/ate plans4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,evaluations4  
,sec4 #aje4 ,individualiz$ education    
program team4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,consid]ation 
( special factors4 ,sec4 #ajg4          
,monitor+4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,cont9uum (      
s]vice deliv]y options4 ,sec4 #aji4     
,te*nical assi/ance = p>5ts & educators 
( /ud5ts :o are deaf or h>d ( he>+4     
,subtitle ,b--,improv+ ! ,effectiv5ess (
 ,e>ly ,int]v5tion = ,deaf or ,h>d (    
,he>+ ,infants & ,toddl]s & ,_!         
,families ,sec4 #aaa4 ,qualifi$         
p]sonnel4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,natural          

environm5t4 ,sec4 #aac4 ,cont5t ( plan4 
,subtitle ,c--,national ,activities ,to 
,improve ,education ( ,*ildr5 )         
,disabilities ,sec4 #aba4 ,p]sonnel     
developm5t to improve s]vices & results 
= *ildr5 ) disabilities4 ,title         
,,ii--,improv+ ! ,effectiv5ess (        
,special ,education & ,relat$ ,s]vices =
 ,/ud5ts ) ,visual ,disabilities        
,subtitle ,a--,g5]al provisions ,sec4   
#bja4 ,f9d+s4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,id5tify+     
/ud5ts ) visual disabilities4 ,sec4     
#bjc4 ,/ate plans4 ,sec4 #bjd4          
,evaluations4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,consid]ation 
( special factors4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,te*nical
 assi/ance = p>5ts & educators ( /ud5ts 
) visual disabilities4 ,subtitle        
,b--,anne ,sullivan ,macy ,c5t] on      
,visual ,disability & ,educational      
,excell5ce ,sec4 #baa4 ,c5t] e/abli%m5t 
& mission4 ,sec4 #bab4 ,adm9i/ration2   
eligibility2 gov]nance2 /ructure4 ,sec4 
#bac4 ,activities4 ,sec4 #bad4          
,au?orization ( appropriations &        
c>ryov]4 ,sec4 #bae4 ,relation%ip to o!r

 programs & activities4  #b4 ,purposes  
,! purposes ( ?is ,act are z foll[s3    
7#a7 ,to bett] ensure deliv]y ( high    
quality special education & relat$      
s]vices to /ud5ts ) visual disabilities 
or :o are deaf or h>d ( he>+ ?r\gh      
specializ$ in/ructional s]vices &       
me?odologies design$ to meet _! unique  
language1 communication1 & le>n+ ne$s4  
7#b7 ,to bett] ensure deliv]y ( high    
quality e>ly int]v5tion s]vices to      
infants & toddl]s :o are deaf or h>d (  
he>+ & _! families ?r\gh specializ$     
s]vices & me?odologies design$ to meet  
_! unique language1 communication1 & o!r
 developm5tal ne$s4  7#c7 ,to fo/] !    
prolif]ation ( rese>* support+ !        
developm5t & evaluation ( effective &   
innovative assessm5ts & in/ructional    
me?odologies consonant ) ! unique le>n+ 
ne$s ( /ud5ts ) visual disabilities4    
7#d7 ,to enhance acc\ntability = !      
provision ( su* s]vices4  7#e7 ,to      
support ! developm5t ( p]sonnel s]v+    
/ud5ts ) visual disabilities or :o are  

deaf or h>d ( he>+4  ,i ,improv+ !      
,effectiv5ess ( ,special ,education &   
,relat$ ,s]vices & = ,/ud5ts :o are     
,deaf or ,h>d ( ,he>+  ,a ,g5]al        
provisions  #aja4 ,f9d+s  7a7 ,f9d+s ,! 
,congress f9ds ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,! hi/ory
 ( ! education ( deaf & h>d ( he>+      
/ud5ts 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates began ) !      
education ( ,alice ,cogswell 9          
,connecticut 9 ! e>ly #ahjjs4 ,born 9   
#ahje1 ,alice became deaf at a "y age4  
,by ! "t %e 0 n9e1 %e 0 befri5d$ by a   
neighbor1 ,?omas ,gallaudet1 :o         
demon/rat$ t %e c\ld make ! association 
betwe5 objects & ! writt5 words = !m4   
,soon %e became ! focus ( an initiative 
to f\nd a s*ool = deaf individuals 9    
,am]ica4 ,9 ,april ( #ahag1 ,gallaudet &
 a deaf tea*]1 ,laur5t ,cl]c1 op5$ !    
fir/ successful ,am]ican s*ool = deaf   
p]sons--! ,am]ican ,s*ool = ! ,deaf--)  
,alice z its fir/ pupil4 ,f an initial  
class ( sev5 /ud5ts1 ! s*ool grew into a
 national in/itution1 ! "m s*ool ( _m   
subsequ5t s*ools = ! deaf & ! tra9+     

gr\nd = _! pr9cipals & tea*]s4 ,alice   
,cogswell's /ory rem9ds u t deaf & h>d (
 he>+ *ildr5 are capable ( le>n+ &      
a*iev+ to high levels :5 !y h access to 
full language & communication1 are      
taught by pr(essionals ) specializ$     
tra9+ 9 ! unique ne$s ( deaf & h>d (    
he>+ /ud5ts1 & h access to educational  
placem5ts t recognize & provide = _!    
language1 communication1 & academic     
ne$s4  7#b7 ,deaf & h>d ( he>+ *ildr5   
ne$ e>ly & ongo+ access to language4    
,rese>* demon/rates t deaf & h>d ( he>+ 
*ildr5 :o are id5tifi$ e>ly & receive   
appropriate e>ly int]v5tion f           
specializ$1 qualifi$ provid]s a*ieve    
high] language & communication outcomes 
?an ^? :o are id5tifi$ late & d n       
receive su* s]vices4 ,h[ev]1 curr5tly1  
e>ly int]v5tion s]vices typically are n 
provid$ 9 a timely mann]1 sev]e %ortages
 ( specializ$ e>ly int]v5tion           
pr(essionals exi/1 & _m deaf & h>d (    
he>+ *ildr5 are n rea*+ _! developm5tal 
pot5tial4  7#c7 ,deaf & h>d ( he>+      

*ildr5 are born ) ! same capacity to    
le>n & a*ieve z any o!r *ild4 ,h[ev]1   
hi/orically z a gr\p1 _! lit]acy &      
academic outcomes h n be5 comm5surate ) 
_! abilities4 ,! education sy/em 9 !    
,unit$ ,/ates mu/ bett] meet ! academic 
& relat$ le>n+ ne$s ( ^! /ud5ts1 :o c   
succe$ :5 ^? ne$s are address$4  7#d7 ,a
 pr9cipal way t he>+ /ud5ts acquire k & 
skills is ?r\gh incid5tal le>n+1 !      
process ( obs]v+ o!rs & ! environm5t t  
occurs naturally at home1 at s*ool & 9 !
 community4 ,deficits 9 incid5tal le>n+ 
leave deaf & h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts beh9d 9 !
 acquisition ( an array ( academic &    
social-emotional skill areas4 ,9        
addition to core academics su* z read+1 
ma!matics & sci5ce1 deaf & h>d ( he>+   
/ud5ts mu/ also receive specializ$      
in/ruction & s]vices design$ to maximize
 _! capacity to le>n effectively & live 
productively & indep5d5tly4 ,^! include 
in/ruction 9 audiology1 age appropriate 
c>e] education1 communication &         
language1 includ+ ,am]ican ,sign        

,language & spok5 language ) or )\t     
visual supports1 functional skills =    
academic success1 self-det]m9ation &    
advocacy 7includ+ prep>ation =          
transition to "w or high] education71   
social emotional skills1 te*nology1 &   
support = ! /ud5t ?r\gh family          
education4  7#e7 ,x is imp]ative t deaf 
& h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts h communication &   
language access & developm5t4 ,!        
developm5t ( age appropriate            
communication & language skills is      
ess5tial to any cognitive1 psy*ological 
& educational gr[?4 ,)\t communication &
 language a /ud5t _c become lit]ate or  
educat$4 ,)\t communication & language a
 /ud5t w n develop read+1 computation1  
writ+1 analytical1 & o!r necess>y       
skills4 ,! importance ( an education 9  
:i* communication & language access &   
developm5t are provid$ is n m]ely a     
matt] ( educational me?odology or       
classroom /rategy b a "r equal to ! "r (
 any /ud5t to access classroom          
in=mation1 communicate ) pe]s & /aff1 & 

develop lit]acies requir$ = educational 
success4 ,:5 /ud5ts are depriv$ (       
communication & language access &       
developm5t !y _c mean+fully engage 9 !  
ri* & v>i$ exp]i5ce t is ,am]ican       
education & become active memb]s 9 our  
,am]ican democracy4 ,communication &    
language are ! fir/ build+ blocks 9 any 
education & are requir$ = human         
developm5t4  7#f7 ,s9ce ! #aiig         
reau?orization ( ! ,individuals )       
,disabilities ,education ,act 7,,idea71 
,,iep ,teams h be5 requir$ to consid] ! 
language & communication ne$s ( /ud5ts  
:o are deaf & h>d ( he>+1 includ+       
opportunities = direct communications ) 
pe]s & pr(essional p]sonnel 9 ! *ild's  
language & communication mode1 academic 
level1 & full range ( ne$s1 includ+     
opportunities = direct in/ruction 9 !   
*ild's language & communication mode4   
,fur!r1 x is be5 ! ,u4,s4 ,dep>tm5t (   
,education's position s9ce #aiib t 8any 
educational sett+ t does n meet !       
communication & relat$ ne$s ( a *ild :o 

is deaf does n all[ = ! provision ( a   
,free ,appropriate ,public ,education & 
_c be consid]$ ! ,lea/ ,re/rictive      
,environm5t = t *ild4 ,j z !            
,individuals ) ,disabilities ,education 
,act requires placem5t 9 ! regul>       
educational sett+ :5 x is appropriate = 
! unique ne$s ( a *ild :o is deaf1 x    
also requires placem5t outside ( !      
regul> educational sett+ :5 ! *ild's    
ne$s _c be met 9 t sett+0 7,deaf ,/ud5ts
 ,education ,s]vices3 ,policy           
,guidance10 #eg ,f$4 ,reg4 #dibgd       
7#aiib774 ,& x is well argu$ t deaf &   
h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts b5efit f a sett+ 9 :i*
 a critical mass ( deaf & h>d ( he>+    
pe]s is f\nd4 ,nev]!less1 x has be5     
cont5d$ t few deaf & h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts  
are receiv+ full access to language &   
communication 9 ! regul> education      
sett+1 & few h access to a critical mass
 ( pe]s4 ,?is lack ( language &         
communication access contributes to     
/ud5ts' social isolation & to !         
inability ( graduates to a*ieve academic

 outcomes on p> ) ^? ( _! he>+ pe]s4    
,s9ce ! ,u4,s4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,education   
does n require suffici5t monitor+ (     
,/ate & local educational ag5cies to    
fully & accurately acc\nt = _! legal    
obligations to address ! language &     
communication ne$s ( deaf & h>d ( he>+  
/ud5ts1 x is n possible to confirm      
sy/emically :e!r su* ag5cies are 9      
compliance ) curr5t law4 ,giv5 t        
nationally /ud5ts :o are deaf or h>d (  
he>+ require m language & communication 
access & m support to acquire s]vices & 
skills ?an !y are curr5tly receiv+1 &   
giv5 t provision ( curr5tly requir$     
in/ruction & placem5t = su* /ud5ts _c be
 adequately assur$1 ,,idea mu/ be       
/r5g!n$ & supplem5t$ to ensure t deaf & 
h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts truly receive a free &
 appropriate public education4  7#g7 ,a 
pr]equisite to bett] meet+ ^! ne$s is e 
,/ate & local educational ag5cy's       
id5tification & prop] evaluation ( ea*  
/ud5t :o is deaf or h>d ( he>+1         
reg>dless ( :e!r su* /ud5t may h o!r1   

ev5 pot5tially m significant1           
disabilities4 ,:ile ,,idea does n m&ate 
t ,/ate & local educational ag5cies     
classify /ud5ts into specific disability
 categories1 ! widespread use ( ,,idea's
 disability categories has l$ to a      
sizable und]c\nt ( deaf & h>d ( he>+    
/ud5ts &1 consequ5tly1 a lack (         
recognition ( ! ext5t ( ! sy/emic ne$ = 
! deliv]y ( appropriate in/ructional    
s]vices provid$ by p]sonnel initially   
tra9$ & cont9ually support$ to meet su* 
/ud5ts' unique educational ne$s4 ,inde$1
 :ile ! ,u4,s4 ,c5sus ,bureau supports !
 cont5tion t m ?an #cej1jjj /ud5ts      
nationally h 8he>+ difficulties10 !     
,dep>tm5t ( ,education r\t9ely reports  
s]v+ "u ,,idea a population (           
approximately #gc1jjj4 ,?is occurs 9    
l>ge measure because /ud5ts :o are deaf 
or h>d ( he>+ :o also h additional      
disabilities are frequ5tly =mally       
classifi$ by ,/ate & local educational  
ag5cies z hav+ multiple disabilities4   
,consequ5tly1 su* /ud5ts' he>+          

disabilities are n fully ackn[l$g$ ei!r 
9 t]ms ( educational ag5cy recogniz$ ne$
 = p]sonnel tra9$ to s]ve su* /ud5ts1 or
 9 t]ms ( an individual /ud5t's ne$ = ! 
s]vices ( su* p]sonnel4  7#h7 ,x is     
critical t ,/ate & local educational    
ag5cies be bett] prep>$ to meet ^!      
l>gely unmet ne$s4 ,to rea* ?is goal1   
tea*]s ( ! deaf & _! colleagues 9 relat$
 s]vices mu/ be bett] support$ to       
provide ! full array ( specializ$       
in/ruction & s]vices requir$ by deaf &  
h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts4 ,prop] assessm5t ( ! 
unique ne$s ( /ud5ts :o are deaf or h>d 
( he>+1 along ) prop] deploym5t (       
specializ$ in/ruction & int]v5tions1 mu/
 keep pace ) ! mo/ curr5t educational   
!ories & practices & be bas$ on ! be/   
available evid5ce4 ,significantly great]
 acc\ntability = results = /ud5ts :o are
 deaf or h>d ( he>+1 includ+ ^? )       
additional disabilities1 mu/ be built   
into ,am]ica's special education sy/em  
if deaf & h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts are to      
succe$4 ,& x is imp]ative t all deaf &  

h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts1 reg>dless (          
disability category1 are id5tifi$ & _!  
le>n+ ne$s fully acc\nt$ =4  7#i7 ,deaf 
& h>d ( he>+ *ildr5 across ! ,unit$     
,/ates %\ld exp]i5ce ! same k9d ( access
 to language developm5t1 social         
int]action1 & academic opportunities    
exp]i5c$ by _! pe]s4 ,deaf & h>d ( he>+ 
*ildr5 are z div]se z any o!r gr\p (    
*ildr51 & ! *oices 9 communication1     
educational placem5t options1 & o!r     
decisions are complex & ne$ to be       
individualiz$4  7#aj7 ,exi/+ high       
quality res\rces mu/ be pres]v$ &       
lev]ag$ s t /ud5ts :o are deaf or h>d ( 
he>+ d n fall f>!r beh9d4 ,specializ$   
s*ools = *ildr5 :o are deaf & h>d ( he>+
 p]=m a unique s]vice & mu/ be valu$ &  
ma9ta9$ z "p ( ! cont9uum ( alt]native  
placem5ts4 ,bo? special s*ools &        
c5t]-bas$ programs s]v+ *ildr5 :o are   
deaf or h>d ( he>+ %\ld be tapp$ = !    
exp]t p]sonnel & s]vices su* res\rces c 
(f]1 & ,,idea's wor?y policy objective  
to ensure ! full integration ( *ildr5 ) 

disabilities ought n be all[$ to        
fru/rate ! deliv]y ( all appropriate    
s]vices to *ildr5 ) unique ne$s1 :e!r ^?
 s]vices be provid$ at a specializ$     
s*ool1 a local s*ool1 or "s comb9ation (
 ! two4  #ajb4 ,id5tify+ /ud5ts :o are  
deaf or h>d ( he>+  7a7 ,s]v+ all *ildr5
 :o are deaf or h>d ( he>+ reg>dless (  
classification ,section #fab7;a77#c7    
7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adab7;a77#c77 is am5d$  
at ! end by add+ ! foll[+3  7,c7 ,s]v+  
*ildr5 :o are deaf or h>d ( he>+ ,:5 a  
,/ate classifies *ildr5 by disability1 !
 ,/ate1 9 comply+ ) subsection 7a71     
id5tifies1 locates & evaluates *ildr5 :o
 are deaf or h>d ( he>+ :o are1 or may  
be1 classifi$ 9 a disability category   
o!r ?an he>+ impairm5t & provides 7)\t  
prejudice to su* classification7 special
 education & relat$ s]vices to su*      
*ildr51 includ+ su* s]vices det]m9$     
appropriate bas$ on prop] evaluation z  
w\ld be provid$ to *ildr5 classifi$ 9 ! 
,/ate z deaf or h>d ( he>+4  4  7b7     
,data collection & report+ ,section #fah

 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adah7 is am5d$ by add+ 
at ! end ! foll[+3  7e7 ,acc\nt+ = deaf 
& h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts ,9 addition to !    
data collection & report+ requirem5ts ( 
subsections 7a7 ?r\gh 7d7 & subject to  
su* provisions1 ! ,/ate & ! ,secret>y ( 
! ,int]ior %all1 ) respect to *ildr5    
classifi$ 9 a disability category o!r   
?an he>+ impairm5t or deafness1 include 
! numb] & p]c5tage ( su* *ildr5 9 ea*   
disability category :o are also deaf or 
h>d ( he>+4  4  7c7 ,*ild ) a disability
 ,section #fjb7c77;,a77i7 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4
 #adja7c77;,a77i77 is am5d$ to read z   
foll[s3  7i7 ) intellectual             
disabilities1 :o is deaf or h>d ( he>+1 
) spee* or language impairm5ts1 visual  
impairm5ts 7includ+ bl9dness71 s]i\s    
emotional di/urbance 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is "p
 z emotional di/urbance71 or?op$ic      
impairm5ts1 autism1 traumatic bra9      
injury1 o!r heal? impairm5ts1 or        
specific le>n+ disabilities2 &  4  #ajc4
 ,/ate plans ,section #fab 7#bj         
,u4,s4,c4 #adab7 is am5d$ by add+ at !  

end ! foll[+3  7g7 ,add5dum conc]n+     
/ud5ts :o are deaf or h>d ( he>+  7#a7  
,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ ! provisions (        
subsection 7c71 a ,/ate %all n be deem$ 
9 compliance ) ?is section unless1 n    
lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( !       
enactm5t ( ! ,alice ,cogswell & ,anne   
,sullivan ,mact ,act1 ! ,/ate files ) ! 
,secret>y a writt5 add5dum to ! plan    
requir$ by ?is section describ+ h[ !    
,/ate ensures t--  7,a7 *ildr5 :o are   
deaf or h>d ( he>+ 7reg>dless ( !       
,/ate's use ( disability categories or !
 ext5t to :i* deaf or h>d ( he>+ *ildr5 
may be classifi$ 9 disability categories
 o!r ?an he>+ impairm5t or deafness7 are
 evaluat$ by qualifi$ pr(essionals1 us+ 
valid & reliable assessm5ts1 = su*      
*ildr5's ne$ = in/ruction & s]vices     
meet+ _! unique language &              
communication1 lit]acy1 academic1 social
 & relat$ le>n+ ne$s1 includ+ in/ruction
 :i* may be ne$$ by *ildr5 )\t          
disabilities or ) o!r disabilities b :i*
 mu/ be specifically design$1 modifi$1  

or deliv]$ to meet ! unique language &  
communication & academic & relat$ le>n+ 
ne$s ( *ildr5 :o are deaf or h>d ( he>+2
  7,b7 !re is suffici5t availability (  
p]sonnel )9 ! ,/ate qualifi$ to provide 
! evaluation & in/ruction describ$ 9    
subp>agraph 7,a7 to all *ildr5 )9 !     
,/ate requir+ su* in/ruction2 &  7,c7   
all *ildr5 :o are deaf or h>d ( he>+ )9 
! ,/ate :o ne$ special education &      
relat$ s]vices1 :e!r or n su* *ildr5 h  
o!r disabilities1 receive su* in/ruction
 & are n be+ s]v$ solely 9 accordance ) 
section #ejd ( ! ,rehabilitation ,act ( 
#aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gid74  7#b7       
,cont5ts ,9 prep>+ ! add5dum describ$ 9 
p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,/ate %all--  7,a7     
specifically address h[ ! ,/ate meets ! 
ne$s ( deaf & h>d ( he>+ /ud5ts to      
support ongo+ progress 9 language       
developm5t1 includ+ ,am]ican ,sign      
,language & spok5 language ) or )\t     
visual supports1 & includ+ ! provision (
 s*ool-relat$ opportunities = direct    
communications ) pe]s & pr(essional     

p]sonnel 9 ! *ild's language &          
opportunities = direct in/ruction 9 !   
*ild's language1 z well z in/ruction 9  
audiology1 age appropriate c>e]         
education1 communication & language1    
social skills1 functional skills =      
academic success1 self-det]m9ation &    
advocacy 7includ+ prep>ation =          
transition to "w or high] education71   
social emotional skills1 te*nology1 &   
support = ! /ud5t ?r\gh family          
education2 &  7,b7 consult ) individuals
 & organizations ) exp]tise 9 !         
education ( *ildr5 :o are deaf or h>d ( 
he>+1 includ+ p>5ts1 s*ools = ! deaf1   
consum] & advocacy organizations1 ,/ate 
commissions ( ! deaf1 rese>*]s1 tea*]s (
 /ud5ts :o are deaf or h>d ( he>+1 &    
o!rs ! ,/ate may id5tify4  4  #ajd4     
,evaluations ,section #fad7;b7 7#bj     
,u4,s4,c4 #adad7;b77 is am5d$ by add+ at
 ! end ! foll[+3  7#g7 ,*ildr5 :o are   
deaf or h>d ( he>+  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,9    
conduct+ ! assessm5ts prescrib$ 9       
p>agraph 7#c77;,b71 *ildr5 :o are deaf  

or h>d ( he>+ 7includ+ *ildr5 :o may h  
additional disabilities7 %all be        
evaluat$ on language & communication    
pr(ici5cy levels1 includ+ expressive1   
receptive1 & pragmatic skills1 & ability
 to access grade level cont5t 9 !       
/ud5t's prim>y language1 includ+        
,am]ican ,sign ,language & spok5        
language ) or )\t visual supports1 &    
writt5 ,engli%4 ,det]m9ation ( ! ne$ =  
special education & relat$ s]vices %all 
include evaluation ( su* *ildr5's unique
 le>n+ ne$s1 includ+ ne$s = direct      
communication1 )\t an int]m$i>y su* z an
 int]pret]1 ) pe]s & pr(essionals 9 !   
*ild's prim>y language1 includ+ ,am]ican
 ,sign ,language & spok5 language ) or  
)\t visual supports1 & in/ruction :i*   
may be ne$$ by /ud5ts )\t disabilities  
or ) o!r disabilities b :i* mu/ be      
specifically design$1 modifi$1 or       
deliv]$ to meet ! unique le>n+ ne$s (   
/ud5ts :o are deaf or h>d ( he>+4  7,b7 
,cont5t ( evaluations ,! evaluations    
describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a7 %all1 at a  

m9imum1 include evaluations assess+ !   
ne$ = s]vices & sett+s to assi/ ! *ild 9
 develop+ or ma9ta9+ age appropriate    
language & communication levels 9 !     
/ud5t's prim>y language1 includ+        
,am]ican ,sign ,language & spok5        
language ) or )\t visual supports1      
social developm5t1 lit]acy in/ruction1  
in/ruction 9 assi/ive te*nology         
pr(ici5cy1 self suffici5cy & int]action 
self det]m9ation1 socialization1        
recreation & fitness1 & indep5d5t liv+  
skills71 & age appropriate c>e]         
education4  4  #aje4 ,individualiz$     
education program team ,section         
#fad7;d77#a77;,b7 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4        
#adad7;d77#a77;,b77 is am5d$--  7#a7 9  
clause 7v71 by /rik+ 7vi72 & ins]t+     
7vii722  7#b7 9 clause 7vi71 by /rik+ & 
at ! end2  7#c7 by r$esignat+ clause    
7vii7 z clause 7viii72 &  7#d7 by ins]t+
 aft] clause 7vi7 ! foll[+3  7vii7 at ! 
discretion ( ! p>5t or ! ag5cy1 a       
repres5tative ( a ,/ate-op]at$1         
,/ate-support$1 or ,/ate-aid$ s*ool = ! 

deaf2 &  4  #ajf4 ,consid]ation (       
special factors ,section                
#fad7;d77#c77;,b77iv7 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4    
#adad7;d77#c77;,b77iv77 is am5d$ to read
 z foll[s3  7iv7 9 ! case ( a *ild :o is
 deaf or h>d ( he>+1 provide =--  7,i7 !
 *ild's language & communication ne$s1  
opportunities = direct communications1  
)\t an int]m$i>y su* z an int]pret]1 )  
pe]s & pr(essional p]sonnel 9 ! *ild's  
prim>y language1 includ+ ,am]ican ,sign 
,language & spok5 language ) or )\t     
visual supports1 academic level1 & full 
range ( ne$s1 includ+ opportunities =   
direct in/ruction 9 ! *ild's language2 &
  7,,ii7 in/ruction meet+ ! *ild's      
unique le>n+ ne$s1 includ+ s]vices &    
sett+s to assi/ ! *ild 9 develop+ or    
ma9ta9+ age appropriate language &      
communication levels 9 ! /ud5t's prim>y 
language1 includ+ ,am]ican ,sign        
,language & spok5 language ) or )\t     
visual supports1 lit]acy in/ruction1    
in/ruction :i* may be ne$$ by /ud5ts )\t
 disabilities or ) o!r disabilities b   

:i* mu/ be specifically design$1        
modifi$1 or deliv]$ to meet ! unique    
le>n+ ne$s ( /ud5ts :o are deaf or h>d (
 he>+4 ,su* in/ruction includes assi/ive
 te*nology pr(ici5cy2 self suffici5cy & 
int]action1 self det]m9ation1           
socialization1 indep5d5t liv+ skills1 & 
age appropriate c>e] education2  4      
#ajg4 ,monitor+ ,section #faf7;a7 7#bj  
,u4,s4,c4 #adaf7;a77 is am5d$ by add+ at
 ! end ! foll[+3  7#e7 ,enhanc$ monitor+
 ( s]vices = c]ta9 /ud5ts ,9 c>ry+ out !
 responsibilities ( ?is subsection1 !   
,secret>y %all specifically monitor     
compliance ) sections #fab7;a77#c71     
#fab7;a77#e71 #fad7;b71 & clauses 7iii7 
& 7iv7 ( section #fad7;d77#c77;,b71 z   
su* sections are am5d$ by ! ,alice      
,cogswell & ,anne ,sullivan ,macy ,act1 
& %all regul>ly report f9d+s to !       
,congress4  4  #ajh4 ,cont9uum ( s]vice 
deliv]y options  7a7 ,ensur+ cont9uum   
availability ,section #fab7;a77#e7 7#bj 
,u4,s4,c4 #adab7;a77#e77 is am5d$ by    
add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7,c7 ,cont9uum 

( alt]native placem5ts ,! ,/ate %all    
ensure t a full cont9uum ( alt]native   
placem5ts is available to meet ! ne$s ( 
*ildr5 ) disabilities = special         
education & relat$ s]vices4 ,su*        
cont9uum mu/ include in/ruction 9 regul>
 classes1 special classes1 special      
s*ools1 home in/ruction1 & in/ruction 9 
hospitals & in/itutions1 & mu/ make     
provision = supplem5t>y s]vices 7su* z  
res\rce room or it9]ant in/ruction7 to  
be provid$ 9 conjunction ) regul> class 
placem5t4  4  7b7 ,ma9t5ance (          
specializ$ s]vices & sett+s = /ud5ts )  
s5sory disabilities ,section            
#fab7;a77#ah7 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4            
#adab7;a77#ah77 is am5d$ by add+ at !   
end ! foll[+3  7,e7 ,ma9ta9+ a ,cont9uum
 ( ,placem5t ,options ,a ,/ate's closure
 ( a special s*ool s]v+ *ildr5 :o are   
bl9d or a special s*ool s]v+ *ildr5 :o  
are deaf 7or ! consolidation or m]g] (  
su* s*ool ) ano!r s*ool71 %all be       
consid]$ a r$uction ( ! ,/ate's f9ancial
 support = special education & relat$   

s]vices )9 ! mean+ ( subp>agraph 7,a74  
4  #aji4 ,te*nical assi/ance = p>5ts &  
educators ( /ud5ts :o are deaf or h>d ( 
he>+ ,section #faf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adaf7
 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3    
7j7 ,ma9ta9+ curr5t deaf /ud5ts         
education s]vice policy guidance ,!     
,secret>y %all ensure t n lat] ?an "o   
ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,alice 
,cogswell & ,anne ,sullivan ,macy ,act  
7& p]iodically !reaft] b at lea/ )9     
five-ye> int]vals71 policy guidance     
conc]n+ ! provision ( special education 
& relat$ s]vices to deaf & h>d ( he>+   
/ud5ts 7publi%$ 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/] on   
,octob] #bf1 #aiib7 is review$ & updat$ 
7) p>ticul> att5tion to explanation (   
relevant am5dm5ts to ?is ,act or to its 
implem5t+ regulations7 & is publi%$ 9 ! 
,f$]al ,regi/]4  4  ,b ,improv+ !       
,effectiv5ess ( ,e>ly ,int]v5tion =     
,deaf or ,h>d ( ,he>+ ,infants &        
,toddl]s & ,_! ,families  #aaa4         
,qualifi$ p]sonnel ,section #fcb7d77;,f7
 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adcb7d77;,f77 is       

am5d$--  7#a7 9 clause 7xi71 by /rik+ & 
at ! end2  7#b7 9 clause 7xii71 by add+ 
& at ! end2 &  7#c7 by add+ at ! end !  
foll[+3  7xiii7 tea*]s ( infants &      
toddl]s ) s5sory disabilities2  4  #aab4
 ,natural environm5t ,section           
#fcb7d77;,g7 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4             
#adcb7d77;,g77 is am5d$ to read z       
foll[s3  7,g7 to ! maximum ext5t        
appropriate1 are provid$ 9 natural      
environm5ts1 includ+ ! home1 & community
 sett+s 9 :i* *ildr5 )\t disabilities   
p>ticipate4 ,= infants & toddl]s )      
s5sory disabilities1 su* z deafness1    
bl9dness1 or deaf-bl9dness1 ! natural   
environm5t %all include--  7i7          
specializ$ s*ools1 c5t]s1 & o!r programs
 :]e ! *ild's language1 includ+ ,am]ican
 ,sign ,language & spok5 language ) or  
)\t visual supports1 is ! prim>y        
language & mode ( communication2 or     
7ii7 any o!r environm5t :]e s]vices     
meet+ unique ne$s are available2 &  4   
#aac4 ,cont5t ( plan ,section           
#fcf7;d77#c7 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4             

#adcf7;d77#c77 is am5d$ by add+ be=e !  
semicolon at ! end ! foll[+3 & 9 ! case 
( an infant or toddl] :o is deaf or h>d 
( he>+1 a /atem5t ( ! ongo+ language &  
communication assessm5t t w be provid$  
to ! *ild1 language & communication     
developm5t goals comm5surate ) ! *ild's 
cognitive abilities1 & a /atem5t ( !    
language & communication access t w be  
provid$1 includ+ ongo+ opportunities =  
direct language le>n+ & communication   
access to pe]s1 e>ly int]v5tion s]vice  
provid]s1 & o!r pr(essional p]sonnel 9 !
 *ild's language1 includ+ ,am]ican ,sign
 ,language & spok5 language ) or )\t    
visual supports2 support & in/ruction = 
families to le>n & support ! *ild's     
language & communication mode2 & !      
*ild's full range ( ne$s4  ,c ,national 
,activities ,to ,improve ,education (   
,*ildr5 ) ,disabilities  #aba4 ,p]sonnel
 developm5t to improve s]vices & results
 = *ildr5 ) disabilities  7a7 ,lic5s+ ( 
educational int]pret]s ,section         
#ffb7;c77#b77;,e7 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4        

#adfb7;c77#b77;,e77 is am5d$ to read z  
foll[s3  7,e7 ,prep>+ p]sonnel to be    
qualifi$ educational int]pret]s1 z      
lic5s$ by ! appropriate lic5s+ body1 to 
assi/ *ildr5 ) l[ incid5ce disabilities1
 p>ticul>ly deaf & h>d ( he>+ *ildr51 9 
s*ool & s*ool relat$ activities1 & deaf 
& h>d ( he>+ infants & toddl]s &        
pres*ool *ildr5 9 e>ly int]v5tion &     
pres*ool programs4  4  7b7 ,ensur+      
suffici5t tea*]s ( ! deaf & e>ly        
int]v5tion speciali/s ,section          
#ffb7;c77#b7 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4             
#adfb7;c77#b77 is am5d$--  7#a7 by      
r$esignat+ subp>agraphs 7,f7 & 7,g7 z   
subp>agraphs 7,g7 & 7,h71 respectively2 
&  7#b7 by ins]t+ aft] subp>agraph 7,e7 
! foll[+3  7,f7 ,prep>+ p]sonnel to be  
qualifi$ tea*]s ( ! deaf & e>ly         
int]v5tion speciali/s1 to assi/ *ildr5 )
 l[ incid5ce disabilities1 p>ticul>ly   
deaf & h>d ( he>+ *ildr51 to develop age
 appropriate language1 includ+ ,am]ican 
,sign ,language & spok5 language ) or   
)\t visual supports1 & age appropriate  

lit]acy skills 9 s*ool & s*ool relat$   
activities1 & deaf & h>d ( he>+ infants 
& toddl]s & pres*ool *ildr5 9 e>ly      
int]v5tion & pres*ool programs4  4  ,,ii
 ,improv+ ! ,effectiv5ess ( ,special    
,education & ,relat$ ,s]vices = ,/ud5ts 
) ,visual ,disabilities  ,a ,g5]al      
provisions  #bja4 ,f9d+s  ,! ,congress  
f9ds ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,:5 r5[n$ ,am]ican 
au?or1 ,m>k ,twa91 immortaliz$ ,hel5    
,kell]'s belov$ tea*]1 ,anne ,sullivan  
,macy1 ) ! monik] ! miracle work]1 8    
words1 ?\gh meant z well-des]v$ praise1 
reflect ! misconception p]si/+ ev5 today
 t educat+ individuals ) disabilities is
 a ne>ly insurm\ntable task requir+     
extraord9>y feats p]=m$ by exceptionally
 gift$ & sa9tly p]sons4 ,to be sure1 !  
"w ( tea*+ *ildr5 ) disabilities c &    
does occur :5 committ$ & qualifi$ b     
ev]yday special educators are prop]ly   
prep>$ & support$ to practice _!        
pr(essions4 ,h[ev]1 ! educational sy/ems
 )9 :i* !y act mu/ also be held         
acc\ntable = results4  7#b7 ,rese>*     

demon/rates t /ud5ts ) visual           
disabilities are among ! highe/ p]=m+   
/ud5ts ) disabilities 9 t]ms ( academic 
a*ievem5t1 & yet !y are among ! lea/    
employ$1 ev5 aft] successful            
accompli%m5t ( po/-second>y academic    
objectives4 ,_m factors contribute to   
?is unacceptable inequity1 includ+      
employ] discrim9ation1 l[ expectations (
 p ) disabilities g5]ally1 & a lack (   
/ud5t prep>ation = ! "w _w & full       
p>ticipation 9 society4  7#c7 ,x is cle>
 t ,am]ica's special education sy/em    
ne$s to be improv$ if ! mo/ successful  
academic a*iev]s are to leave s*ool     
prep>$ to be indep5d5t & productive     
citiz5s :o c p>ticipate fully 9 !       
,am]ican dream4 ,su* improvem5ts mu/    
bett] acc\nt = ! di/9ct academic &      
relat$ le>n+ ne$s ( /ud5ts ) visual     
disabilities :o c only succe$ bo? :5    
visual-disabilities-specific skills are 
taught & :5 g5]ally-ne$$ skills are     
taught 9 a mann] t addresses1 r ?an     
ignores1 ! unique ways 9 :i* /ud5ts )   

visual disabilities le>n4  7#d7 ,a      
pr9cipal way t /ud5ts )\t visual        
disabilities acquire k & skills is ?r\gh
 incid5tal le>n+1 ! process ( obs]v+    
o!rs & ! environm5t t occurs naturally  
at home1 at s*ool & 9 community1 &      
deficits 9 incid5tal le>n+ leave /ud5ts 
) visual disabilities beh9d 9 !         
acquisition ( an array ( skill areas4 ,9
 addition to core academics su* z read+1
 ma!matics & sci5ce1 /ud5ts ) visual    
disabilities mu/ also receive in/ruction
 9 ! s-call$ exp&$ core curriculum1 a   
compreh5sive array ( specializ$         
in/ruction & s]vices maximiz+ ! capacity
 ( /ud5ts ) visual disabilities to le>n 
effectively & live bo? productively &   
indep5d5tly4 ,! exp&$ core curriculum   
includes in/ruction 9 communication &   
productivity 7includ+ ,braille          
in/ruction1 & assi/ive te*nology        
pr(ici5cy inclusive ( l[ vision         
devices72 self-suffici5cy & int]action  
7includ+ ori5tation & mobility1 self    
det]m9ation1 s5sory effici5cy1          

socialization1 recreation & fitness1 &  
indep5d5t liv+ skills72 & age           
appropriate c>e] education4  7#e7       
,special education tea*]s1 su* z tea*]s 
( /ud5ts ) visual impairm5ts 7,t,v,is71 
p>tn] ) relat$ s]vices p]sonnel1 su* z  
ori5tation & mobility in/ructors1 &     
g5]al educators to provide /ud5ts )     
disabilities individualiz$ quality      
academic & relat$ in/ruction to position
 /ud5ts1 to ! maximum ext5t possible1 = 
successful transition to po/-s*ool      
indep5d5t liv+1 societal integration1 & 
employm5t4 ,to d _! jobs well1 ,t,v,is &
 _! colleagues 9 relat$ s]vices mu/ be  
bo? initially prop]ly tra9$ & cont9ually
 support$ ?r\gh readily available       
res\rces & cont9u+ education to assi/ !m
 9 deal+ ) ! con/ant evolution 9        
in/ructional me?ods1 ! va/ div]sity ( ! 
population ) :i* !y "w1 enorm\s case    
loads1 & ! sc>city ( "t to devote       
necess>y individualiz$ att5tion to ea*  
/ud5t ) visual disabilities4 ,bo? ! ne$ 
= an exp&$ v>iety ( cont9u+ education   

opportunities = ,t,v,is & ! ne$ =       
prep>ation programs produc+ p]sonnel :o 
c s]ve ! full div]sity ( ne$s )9 !      
population ( /ud5ts ) visual            
disabilities h be5 well docum5t$4  7#f7 
,s9ce ! #aiig reau?orization ( !        
,individuals ) ,disabilities ,education 
,act 7,,idea71 /ud5ts :o are bl9d h be5 
entitl$ to in/ruction 9 ,braille & use (
 ,braille unless ! individualiz$        
education program 7,,iep7 team makes an 
affirmative det]m9ation t su* in/ruction
 is n appropriate = a giv5 /ud5t4       
,nev]!less1 x has be5 =cefully argu$ t  
few /ud5ts today :o %\ld be receiv+     
in/ruction 9 ,braille are inde$ receiv+ 
x & t ?is lack ( ,braille in/ruction    
contributes mightily to ! inability (   
graduates ) visual disabilities to      
p>ticipate fully 9 ! work=ce4 ,s9ce !   
,u4,s4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,education does n    
require ,/ate & local educational       
ag5cies to fully & accurately acc\nt =  
_! legal obligations to provide ,braille
 in/ruction to ea* /ud5t = :om su*      

in/ruction is appropriate1 x is n       
possible to confirm sy/emically :e!r su*
 ag5cies are 9 compliance ) curr5t law4 
,giv5 t /ud5ts ) visual disabilities    
require m support ?an !y are curr5tly   
receiv+ nationally to acquire s]vices & 
skills compris+ ! exp&$ core curriculum1
 & giv5 t provision ( curr5tly requir$  
in/ruction = su* /ud5ts1 su* z ,braille1
 _c be adequately assur$1 ,,idea mu/ be 
/r5g!n$ & supplem5t$ to ensure t /ud5ts 
) visual disabilities truly receive a   
free & appropriate public education4    
7#g7 ,a pr]equisite to bett] meet+ ^!   
demon/rable ne$s is e ,/ate & local     
educational ag5cy's id5tification &     
prop] evaluation ( ea* /ud5t :o         
exp]i5ces visual disability1 reg>dless (
 :e!r su* /ud5t may h o!r1 ev5          
pot5tially m significant1 disabilities4 
,:ile ,,idea does n m&ate t ,/ate &     
local educational ag5cies classify      
/ud5ts into specific disability         
categories1 ! widespread use ( ,,idea's 
disability categories has l$ to a       

sizable und]c\nt ( /ud5ts ) visual      
disabilities &1 consequ5tly1 a lack (   
recognition ( ! ext5t ( ! sy/emic ne$ = 
! deliv]y ( appropriate in/ructional    
s]vices provid$ by p]sonnel initially   
tra9$ & cont9ually support$ to meet su* 
/ud5ts' unique educational ne$s4 ,inde$1
 :ile rese>* supports ! cont5tion t m   
?an #ajj1jjj /ud5ts nationally :o h     
visual disabilities require special     
education & relat$ s]vices1 ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,education r\t9ely reports ! size (   
?is population at "o ?ird su* c5sus4    
,?is occurs 9 l>ge measure because      
/ud5ts :o are bl9d or visually impair$  
:o also h additional disabilities are   
frequ5tly =mally classifi$ by ,/ate &   
local educational ag5cies z hav+        
multiple disabilities4 ,consequ5tly1 su*
 /ud5ts' visual disabilities are n fully
 ackn[l$g$ ei!r 9 t]ms ( educational    
ag5cy recogniz$ ne$ = p]sonnel tra9$ to 
s]ve su* /ud5ts1 or 9 t]ms ( an         
individual /ud5t's ne$ = ! s]vices ( su*
 p]sonnel4  7#h7 ,x is critical t ,/ate 

& local educational ag5cies be bett]    
prep>$ to meet ^! l>gely unmet ne$s4 ,to
 rea* ?is goal1 ,t,v,is & _! colleagues 
9 relat$ s]vices mu/ be bett] support$  
to provide ! full array ( specializ$    
in/ruction & s]vices requir$ by /ud5ts )
 visual disabilities4 ,prop] assessm5t (
 ! unique ne$s ( /ud5ts ) visual        
disabilities1 along ) prop] deploym5t ( 
specializ$ in/ruction & int]v5tions1 mu/
 keep pace ) ! mo/ curr5t educational   
!ories & practices & be bas$ on ! be/   
available evid5ce4 ,significantly great]
 acc\ntability = results = /ud5ts )     
visual disabilities1 includ+ ^? )       
additional disabilities1 mu/ be built   
into ,am]ica's special education sy/em  
if /ud5ts ) visual disabilities are to  
succe$ z !y c & mu/4 ,& x is imp]ative t
 all /ud5ts ) visual disabilities1      
reg>dless ( disability category1 are    
id5tifi$ & _! le>n+ ne$s fully acc\nt$  
=4  7#i7 ,:ile examples ( contexts d    
exi/ ar\nd ! c\ntry1 f specializ$ s*ools
 to neighborhood s*ools1 demon/rat+     

successful provision ( a full range (   
s]vices & in/ruction meet+ ! unique ne$s
 ( /ud5ts ) visual disabilities1 !      
s]vices & in/ruction af=d$ by su*       
exempl>y programs are f> f nationally   
consi/5t & mu/ be recogniz$ & model$4   
,to replicate & build on ^! successes1 a
 national res\rce is ne$$ to supplem5t !
 "w ( ,/ate & local educational ag5cies 
?r\gh /ud5t enri*m5t activities1 to     
support ,t,v,is & relat$ s]vices        
p]sonnel ?r\gh /ate-(-!-art cont9u+     
education opportunities1 & to spur !    
fur!r advancem5t ( in/ructional s]vices 
= /ud5ts ) visual disabilities ?r\gh    
sci5tific rese>* & evid5ce-bas$ be/     
practices4  7#aj7 ,:ile ^! cl>ifications
 & enhancem5ts mu/ be made1 x is vital t
 exi/+ high quality res\rces be pres]v$ 
& lev]ag$ s t /ud5ts ) visual           
disabilities d n fall f>!r beh9d4       
,specializ$ s*ools = *ildr5 :o are bl9d 
mu/ be expect$ to p]=m b mu/ n fall     
victim to m]e ,/ate budget exp$i5cy4    
,bo? special s*ools & c5t]-bas$ programs

 s]v+ *ildr5 ) visual disabilities %\ld 
be tapp$ = ! exp]t p]sonnel & s]vices   
su* res\rces c (f]1 & ,,idea's wor?y    
policy objective to ensure ! full       
integration ( *ildr5 ) disabilities     
ought n be all[$ to fru/rate ! deliv]y (
 all appropriate s]vices to *ildr5 )    
unique ne$s4  #bjb4 ,id5tify+ /ud5ts )  
visual disabilities  7a7 ,s]v+ all      
*ildr5 ) visual disabilities reg>dless (
 classification ,section #fab7;a77#c7   
7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adab7;a77#c771 z am5d$  
by section #ajb ( ?is ,act1 is fur!r    
am5d$ at ! end by add+ ! foll[+ new     
subp>agraph3  7,d7 ,s]v+ *ildr5 ) visual
 disabilities ,:5 a ,/ate classifies    
*ildr5 by disability1 ! ,/ate1 9 comply+
 ) subsection 7a71 id5tifies1 locates & 
evaluates *ildr5 ) visual disabilities  
:o are1 or may be1 classifi$ 9 a        
disability category o!r ?an bl9dness &  
provides 7)\t prejudice to su*          
classification7 special education &     
relat$ s]vices to su* *ildr51 includ+   
su* s]vices det]m9$ appropriate bas$ on 

prop] evaluation z w\ld be provid$ to   
*ildr5 classifi$ 9 ! ,/ate z hav+       
bl9dness4  4  7b7 ,data collection &    
report+ ,section #fah 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4    
#adah71 z am5d$ by section #ajb ( ?is   
,act1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! 
foll[+3  7f7 ,acc\nt+ = visual          
disabilities ,9 addition to ! data      
collection & report+ requirem5ts (      
subsections 7a7 ?r\gh 7d7 & subject to  
su* provisions1 ! ,/ate & ! ,secret>y ( 
! ,int]ior %all1 ) respect to *ildr5    
classifi$ 9 a disability category o!r   
?an bl9dness1 include ! numb] & p]c5tage
 ( su* *ildr5 9 ea* disability category 
:o are also bl9d or o!rwise h visual    
disabilities4  4  #bjc4 ,/ate plans     
,section #fab 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adab71 z  
am5d$ by section #ajc ( ?is ,act1 is    
fur!r am5d$ at ! end by add+ ! foll[+3  
7h7 ,add5dum conc]n+ /ud5ts ) visual    
disabilities  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ !  
provisions ( subsection 7c71 a ,/ate    
%all n be deem$ 9 compliance ) ?is      
section unless1 n lat] ?an #b ye>s aft] 

! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,alice ,cogswell
 & ,anne ,sullivan ,macy ,act1 ! ,/ate  
files ) ! ,secret>y a writt5 add5dum to 
! plan requir$ by ?is section describ+  
h[ ! ,/ate ensures t--  7,a7 *ildr5 )   
visual disabilities 7reg>dless ( !      
,/ate's use ( disability categories or !
 ext5t to :i* *ildr5 ) visual           
disabilities may be classifi$ 9         
disability categories o!r ?an bl9dness7 
are evaluat$ = su* *ildr5's ne$ =       
in/ruction & s]vices meet+ _! unique    
academic & relat$ le>n+ ne$s1 includ+   
in/ruction :i* may be ne$$ by *ildr5 )\t
 disabilities or ) o!r disabilities b   
:i* mu/ be specifically design$1        
modifi$1 or deliv]$ to meet ! unique    
academic & relat$ le>n+ ne$s ( *ildr5 ) 
visual disabilities2  7,b7 !re is       
suffici5t availability ( p]sonnel )9 !  
,/ate qualifi$ to provide ! in/ruction  
describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a7 to all      
*ildr5 )9 ! ,/ate requir+ su*           
in/ruction2 &  7,c7 all *ildr5 ) visual 
disabilities )9 ! ,/ate :o ne$ special  

education & relat$ s]vices1 :e!r or n   
su* *ildr5 h o!r disabilities1 receive  
su* in/ruction & are n be+ s]v$ solely 9
 accordance ) section #ejd ( !          
,rehabilitation ,act ( #aigc 7#bi       
,u4,s4,c4 #gid74  7#b7 ,cont5ts ,9      
prep>+ ! add5dum describ$ 9 p>agraph    
7#a71 ! ,/ate %all--  7,a7 specifically 
address h[ ! ,/ate meets ! ne$s ( /ud5ts
 ) visual disabilities = in/ruction 9   
communication & productivity 7includ+   
,braille in/ruction & assi/ive te*nology
 pr(ici5cy72 self-suffici5cy &          
int]action 7includ+ ori5tation &        
mobility1 self- det]m9ation1 s5sory     
effici5cy1 socialization1 recreation &  
fitness1 & indep5d5t liv+ skills72 & age
 appropriate c>e] education2  7,b7      
describe bo? ! me?ods to be us$ )9 !    
,/ate to prop]ly evaluate /ud5ts' ne$ = 
l[ vision devices & ! process by :i* su*
 devices w be provid$ to ea* /ud5t = :om
 su* devices are det]m9$ appropriate by 
! ,,iep team2 &  7,c7 consult )         
individuals & organizations ) exp]tise 9

 ! education ( *ildr5 ) visual          
disabilities1 includ+ p>5ts1 consum] &  
advocacy organizations1 & tea*]s (      
/ud5ts ) visual impairm5ts & o!rs !     
,/ate may id5tify4  4  #bjd4            
,evaluations ,section #fad7;b7 7#bj     
,u4,s4,c4 #adad7;b771 z am5d$ by section
 #ajd ( ?is ,act1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+
 at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3  7#h7  
,visual ,disabilities  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 
conduct+ ! assessm5ts prescrib$ 9       
p>agraph 7#c77;,b71 det]m9ation ( ! ne$ 
( *ildr5 ) visual disabilities 7includ+ 
*ildr5 :o may h additional disabilities7
 = special education & relat$ s]vices   
%all include evaluation ( su* *ildr5's  
unique le>n+ ne$s1 includ+ ne$s =       
in/ruction :i* may be ne$$ by /ud5ts )\t
 disabilities or ) o!r disabilities b   
:i* mu/ be specifically design$1        
modifi$1 or deliv]$ to meet ! unique    
le>n+ ne$s ( /ud5ts ) visual            
disabilities4  7,b7 ,cont5t (           
evaluations ,! evaluations describ$ 9   
subp>agraph 7,a7 %all1 at a m9imum1     

include evaluations assess+ ! ne$ =     
in/ruction 9 assi/ive te*nology         
pr(ici5cy 7inclusive ( l[ vision        
devices71 self suffici5cy & int]action  
7includ+ ori5tation & mobility1 self    
det]m9ation1 s5sory effici5cy1          
socialization1 recreation & fitness1 &  
indep5d5t liv+ skills71 &               
age-appropriate c>e] education4  4      
#bje4 ,consid]ation ( special factors   
,section #fad7;d77#c77;,b77iii7 7#bj    
,u4,s4,c4 #adad7;d77#c77;,b77iii77 is   
am5d$ to read z foll[s3  7iii7 9 ! case 
( a *ild :o is bl9d or visually impair$1
 provide =--  7,i7 in/ruction 9 ,braille
 & ! use ( ,braille unless ! ,,iep ,team
 det]m9es1 aft] an evaluation ( ! *ild's
 read+ & writ+ skills1 ne$s1 &          
appropriate read+ & writ+ m$ia 7includ+ 
an evaluation ( ! *ild's future ne$s =  
in/ruction 9 ,braille or ! use (        
,braille71 t in/ruction 9 ,braille or ! 
use ( ,braille is n appropriate = !     
*ild2 &  7,,ii7 in/ruction meet+ !      
*ild's unique le>n+ ne$s1 includ+       

in/ruction :i* may be ne$$ by /ud5ts )\t
 disabilities or ) o!r disabilities b   
:i* mu/ be specifically design$1        
modifi$1 or deliv]$ to meet ! unique    
le>n+ ne$s ( /ud5ts ) visual            
disabilities4 ,su* in/ruction includes  
assi/ive te*nology pr(ici5cy 7inclusive 
( l[ vision devices72 self suffici5cy & 
int]action 7includ+ ori5tation &        
mobility1 self det]m9ation1 s5sory      
effici5cy1 socialization1 recreation &  
fitness1 & indep5d5t liv+ skills72 & age
 appropriate c>e] education2  4  #bjf4  
,te*nical assi/ance = p>5ts & educators 
( /ud5ts ) visual disabilities ,section 
#faf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adaf71 z am5d$ by  
section #aji1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at 
! end ! foll[+3  7k7 ,ma9ta9+ curr5t    
policy guidance = p>5ts & educators (   
/ud5ts ) visual disabilities ,!         
,secret>y %all ensure t n lat] ?an #a   
ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,alice 
,cogswell & ,anne ,sullivan ,macy ,act  
7& p]iodically !reaft] b at lea/ )9     
#e-ye> int]vals71 policy guidance       

conc]n+ ! provision ( special education 
& relat$ s]vices to /ud5ts ) visual     
disabilities 7la/ publi%$ 9 ! ,f$]al    
,regi/] on ,june #h1 #bjjj7 is review$ &
 updat$ 7) p>ticul> att5tion to         
explanation ( relevant am5dm5ts to !    
,alice ,cogswell & ,anne ,sullivan ,macy
 ,act or to its implem5t+ regulations7 &
 is publi%$ 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/]4  4  ,b  
,anne ,sullivan ,macy ,c5t] on ,visual  
,disability & ,educational ,excell5ce   
#baa4 ,c5t] e/abli%m5t & mission  7a7   
,e/abli%m5t ,!re is e/abli%$ )9 !       
,dep>tm5t ( ,education a national       
program nam$ ! ,anne ,sullivan ,macy    
,c5t] on ,visual ,disability &          
,educational ,excell5ce :i* %all c>ry   
out ! activities describ$ 9 section #bac
 9 fur!rance ( ! mission describ$ 9     
subsection 7b74  7b7 ,mission ,! mission
 ( ! program e/abli%$ 9 subsection 7a7  
is to improve ! capacity ( /ud5ts )     
visual disabilities receiv+ special     
education & relat$ s]vices to le>n      
effectively & live bo? productively &   

indep5d5tly ?r\gh--  7#a7 developm5t &  
dissem9ation ( curricula1 c\rses1       
mat]ials1 & me?ods support+ ! cont9u+   
education ( p]sonnel qualifi$ "u ,/ate  
law to s]ve z tea*]s ( /ud5ts ) visual  
impairm5ts & relat$ s]vices p]sonnel    
s]v+ su* *ildr52  7#b7 support = !      
e/abli%m5t ( new programs )9 in/itutions
 ( high] education to prep>e tea*]s (   
/ud5ts ) visual impairm5ts to s]ve      
/ud5ts ) visual disabilities :o also h  
additional disabilities2  7#c7 model    
local1 regional1 & national enri*m5t    
projects op5 to /ud5ts ) visual         
disabilities int5d$ to supplem5t ,/ate &
 local educational ag5cy provision (    
specializ$ in/ruction & s]vices meet+   
su* /ud5ts' unique le>n+ ne$s2 &  7#d7  
rese>* id5tify+1 develop+1 & evaluat+   
valid assessm5ts & effective int]v5tions
 measur+ & address+ ! unique ne$s (     
/ud5ts ) visual disabilities1 includ+   
ne$ = in/ruction & s]vices :i* may be   
ne$$ by /ud5ts )\t disabilities or ) o!r
 disabilities b :i* mu/ be specifically 

design$1 modifi$1 or deliv]$ to meet !  
unique le>n+ ne$s ( /ud5ts ) visual     
disabilities4 ,at a m9imum1 su*         
in/ruction & s]vices include            
communication & productivity 7includ+   
braille in/ruction1 & assi/ive te*nology
 pr(ici5cy inclusive ( l[ vision        
devices72 self-suffici5cy & int]action  
7includ+ ori5tation & mobility1         
self-det]m9ation1 s5sory effici5cy1     
socialization1 recreation & fitness1 &  
indep5d5t liv+ skills72 & age           
appropriate c>e] education4  #bab4      
,adm9i/ration2 eligibility2 gov]nance2  
/ructure  7a7 ,adm9i/ration ,to c>ry out
 ! provisions ( section #baa1 !         
,secret>y ( ,education %all ent] into a 
contract or coop]ative agreem5t 7( no   
less ?an #e ye>s 9 duration7 ) a        
consortium ( entities describ$ 9        
subsection 7b7 :i* %all1 ) ov]sight by !
 ,secret>y1 h prim>y responsibility =   
adm9i/]+ ! program describ$ 9 ?is       
subtitle4 ,! ,secret>y %all h ongo+     
au?ority to ent] into su* contracts or  

coop]ative agreem5ts4  7b7 ,eligibility 
,! consortium ( entities describ$ 9     
subsection 7a7 %all include--  7#a7 at  
lea/ two national nonpr(it organizations
 ) demon/rat$ exp]i5ce publi%+ mat]ials1
 (f]+ direct pr(essional developm5t     
opportunities1 & dissem9at+ c\rse       
curricula support+ ! prep>ation or      
cont9u+ education ( tea*]s ( /ud5ts )   
visual impairm5ts & relat$ s]vices      
p]sonnel2  7#b7 at lea/ "o national     
nonpr(it organization 7:i* may include a
 special s*ool s]v+ /ud5ts :o are bl9d7 
) demon/rat$ exp]i5ce directly s]v+     
/ud5ts ) visual disabilities 7includ+   
/ud5ts :o may or may n h additional     
disabilities7 ?r\gh 9-p]son in/ruction &
 s]vices meet+ _! unique le>n+ ne$s2    
7#c7 at lea/ "o in/itution ( high]      
education t--  7,a7 has consi/5tly      
ma9ta9$ = at lea/ t5 ye>s a program (   
in/ruction prep>+ tea*]s ( /ud5ts )     
visual impairm5ts or ori5tation &       
mobility in/ructors2  7,b7 (f]s a       
program ( doctoral /udy 9 special       

education2 &  7,c7 ma9ta9s a ,c>negie   
,classification z a ,doctoral ,rese>*   
,univ]sity2 &  7#d7 any o!r entity or   
entities ) :i* ! entities describ$ 9    
p>agraphs 7#a71 7#b71 & 7#c7 *oose to   
p>tn] 7) approval ( ! ,secret>y74  7c7  
,gov]nance ,z "p ( ! ,secret>y's        
ov]sight responsibilities1 ! ,secret>y  
%all appo9t an advisory bo>d 7( no m ?an
 #ab individual memb]s :o d n h a       
concurr5t fiscal1 fiduci>y1 or employm5t
 relation%ip ) any ( ! entities compris+
 ! consortium describ$ 9 subsection 7b77
 :i* %all advise ! ,secret>y & su*      
consortium ( entities ) respect to      
/rategic plann+ & annual program        
p]=mance4 ,! advisory bo>d %all be      
compris$ ( individuals ) p]sonal or     
pr(essional exp]i5ce ) ! ne$s ( /ud5ts )
 visual disabilities & %all include     
p>5ts ( /ud5ts ) visual disabilities1   
adm9i/rators ( special education        
programs1 & repres5tatives ( national   
organizations ( individuals :o are bl9d 
or visually impair$4 ,! ,secret>y is    

au?oriz$ to comp5sate ! memb]s ( !      
advisory bo>d = reasonable exp5ses      
incurr$ = travel relat$ to 9-p]son      
meet+s ( ! advisory bo>d :i* %all occur 
no m frequ5tly ?an ?ree times )9 a      
cal5d> ye>4 ,! provisions ( ! ,f$]al    
,advisory ,committee ,act %all n apply  
to meet+s or o!r activities ( ! advisory
 bo>d4 ,prior to ! appo9tm5t ( any      
individual to ! advisory bo>d1 !        
,secret>y %all consult ) su* consortium 
( entities :i* may also nom9ate         
individuals to ! ,secret>y = advisory   
bo>d memb]%ip4  7d7 ,/ructure ,!        
,secret>y1 z "p ( ! contract or         
coop]ative agreem5t describ$ 9          
subsection 7a71 %all ensure t su*       
contract or coop]ative agreem5t         
specifies any & all necess>y fiscal &   
o!r responsibilities betwe5 & among !   
entities describ$ 9 subsection 7b7 :om  
%all propose su* responsibilities to !  
,secret>y 9 an application = aw>d ( su* 
contract or coop]ative agreem5t conta9+ 
su* in=mation z ! ,secret>y may require4

  #bac4 ,activities  ,subject to !      
provisions ( ?is subtitle1 ! ,anne      
,sullivan ,macy ,c5t] on ,visual        
,disability & ,educational ,excell5ce is
 au?oriz$--  7#a7 to conduct or fund    
orig9al quantitative & qualitative      
rese>* & publi% or o!rwise dissem9ate   
su* rese>*2  7#b7 to conduct or fund    
9-p]son & on-l9e cont9u+ education      
opportunities = tea*]s ( /ud5ts ) visual
 impairm5ts & relat$ s]vices p]sonnel   
specifically tra9$ to meet ! unique     
le>n+ ne$s ( su* /ud5ts1 & prep>e1      
publi% or o!rwise dissem9ate support+   
mat]ials2  7#c7 to conduct or fund      
9-p]son or onl9e enri*m5t projects =    
/ud5ts ) visual disabilities 7includ+ ^?
 :o may also h additional disabilities7 
to (f] direct in/ruction & s]vices      
int5d$ to improve ! capacity ( su*      
/ud5ts to le>n effectively & live bo?   
productively & indep5d5tly = ! purpose  
(--  7,a7 supplem5t+ ! availability (   
su* in/ruction & s]vices (f]$ by ,/ate &
 local educational ag5cies2 &  7,b7     

evaluat+1 ?r\gh appropriate quantitative
 & qualitative me?ods1 ! effectiv5ess ( 
in/ruction & s]vices (f]$ by su*        
projects2  7#d7 to fund1 9 accordance ) 
regulations o!rwise applicable to       
p]sonnel prep>ation programs support$ "u
 "p ,d ( ! ,individuals ) ,disabilities 
,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adej et 
seq471 ! e/abli%m5t ( programs )9       
in/itutions ( high] education prep>+    
tea*]s ( /ud5ts ) visual impairm5ts 7:i*
 h n be5 previ\sly fund$ "u su* ,"p7 to 
specifically prep>e su* tea*]s to       
provide exp]t in/ruction to /ud5ts )    
visual disabilities :o also h additional
 disabilities2 &  7#e7 ent] into        
coop]ative agreem5ts1 contracts1 grants 
7or o!r arrangem5ts :i* may be p]mitt$  
by ! ,secret>y7 ) nonpr(it organizations
 possess+ demon/rable exp]tise &        
exp]i5ce s]v+ /ud5ts ) visual           
disabilities or ! pr(essionals tra9$ to 
"w ) su* /ud5ts1 in/itutions ( high]    
education1 ,/ate & local educational    
ag5cies1 public & private specializ$    

s*ools s]v+ /ud5ts ) visual             
disabilities1 & consortia ( su*         
entities1 = ! purpose ( c>ry+ out       
activities au?oriz$ 9 ?is subsection t  
are n o!rwise directly conduct$1 9 :ole 
or 9 "p1 by ! ,anne ,sullivan ,macy     
,c5t]4  #bad4 ,au?orization (           
appropriations & c>ryov]  7a7           
,au?orization ( appropriations ,to c>ry 
out ! provisions ( ?is subtitle1 !re are
 au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ su* sums z  
may be necess>y1 provid$ t = fiscal ye> 
#bjae & = ea* succe$+ fiscal ye>1 !     
am\nt appropriat$ %all be an am\nt equal
 to no less ?an #j4b p]c5t ( funds      
appropriat$ 9 ! previ\s fiscal ye> =    
grants to ,/ates "u "p ,b ( !           
,individuals ) ,disabilities ,education 
,act4  7b7 ,c>ryov] ,funds appropriat$  
pursuant to subsection 7a7 t h n be5    
exp5d$ dur+ ! fiscal ye> = :i* !y 7     
appropriat$ %all rema9 available 9 !    
subsequ5t fiscal ye>1 provid$ t no m ?an
 #ae p]c5t ( a giv5 fiscal ye>'s        
appropriation may be s c>ri$ ov]4  #bae4

 ,relation%ip to o!r programs &         
activities  7a7 ,maximiz+ ,res\rces ,no 
funds made available pursuant to        
subtitle may be us$ to fund programs or 
activities o!rwise concurr5tly fund$ "u 
p>ts ,d & ,e ( ! ,individuals )         
,disabilities ,education ,act4  7b7     
,coord9ation ( ,rese>* ,! ,secret>y %all
 ensure t rese>* activities au?oriz$ &  
c>ri$ out pursuant to ?is title are     
conduct$ or fund$ 9 coord9ation z       
appropriate ) ! ,national ,c5t] =       
,special ,education ,rese>* & o!r       
divisions )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,education   
responsible = rese>* activities4  7c7   
,relation%ip to ,s]vices ,(f]$ by !     
,am]ican ,pr9t+ ,h\se = ! ,bl9d ,no?+ 9 
?is subtitle %all be con/ru$ to limit or
 o!rwise condition ! use ( any funds    
appropriat$ pursuant to *apt] #f ( title
 #bj1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & no funds   
made available pursuant to ?is subtitle 
%all be us$ by any ,/ate or local       
educational ag5cy to supplant ! use (   
funds appropriat$ "u su* *apt]4  7d7    

,relation%ip to ,fund+ = ,deaf-,bl9d    
,education & = ! ,hel5 ,kell] ,national 
,c5t] ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t any    
activities conduct$ or fund$ by ! ,anne 
,sullivan ,macy ,c5t] directly s]v+     
individuals :o are deaf-bl9d are        
coord9at$ z appropriate ) ! ,hel5 ,kell]
 ,national ,c5t]4 ,no funds made        
available pursuant to ?is title may be  
us$ to support activities t are o!rwise 
! sole responsibility ( ! ,hel5 ,kell]  
,national ,c5t] or may be us$ to        
supplant funds = su* ,c5t]4 ,! ,secret>y
 %all ensure t no funds made available  
pursuant to ?is title are us$ to support
 activities t are to be fund$ pursuant  
to section #fhb7;d77#a77;,a7 ( !        
,individuals ) ,disabilities ,education 
,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adhb7;d77#b77;,a774
  7e7 ,"w ,product ,all matt] produc$ by
 ! ,anne ,sullivan ,macy ,c5t] %all be !
 prop]ty ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 except t    
entities compris+ ! consortium (        
entities describ$ 9 section #bab7;b7    
%all be individually free1 )9 ! t]ms ( !

 contract or coop]ative agreem5t        
describ$ 9 section #bab7;a71 to         
reproduce1 or au?or copyright$ d]ivative
 works us+1 su* matt]4