Ind. Admin. Code tit. 511, r. 7-41-2 – Blind or low vision

Sec. 2. (a) "Blind or low vision", which may be referred to as a visual impairment, means a disability that even with best correction affects the student's ability to use vision for learning, which adversely affects the student's educational performance. The term:

(1) includes a reduced ability or a complete inability to utilize the visual system to acquire information; and
(2) may include or be limited to a reduction in field of vision.

(b) Eligibility for special education as a student who is blind or has low vision shall be determined by the student's CCC. This determination shall be based on the multidisciplinary team's educational evaluation report described in 511 IAC 7-40-5(e), which includes the following:

(1) An assessment of the following:
1. (A) Current academic achievement as defined at 511 IAC 7-32-2.
2. (B) Functional skills or adaptive behavior across various environments from multiple sources.
(2) A social and developmental history that may include, but is not limited to, the following:
1. (A) Communication skills.
2. (B) Social interaction skills.
3. (C) Motor skills.
4. (D) Responses to sensory experiences.
5. (E) Relevant family and environmental information.
(3) An assessment of the following:
1. (A) Functional vision.
2. (B) Functional literacy as described in 511 IAC 7-42-6(c)(5).
(4) A systematic observation of the student across various environments.
(5) An assessment of motor skills, which may include travel skills.
(6) A written report from an optometrist or an ophthalmologist that includes the following:
1. (A) Etiology and prognosis of the visual dysfunction.
2. (B) Secondary or accompanying visual conditions, such as nystagmus or photophobia, if appropriate.
3. (C) Near/distance and corrected/uncorrected acuity measures for left, right, and both eyes, as appropriate.
4. (D) Measures of visual fields for both eyes, if appropriate.
5. (E) Recommendations for use of aids, glasses, or lighting requirements, if appropriate.
(7) Any other assessments and information, collected prior to referral or during the educational evaluation, necessary to:
1. (A) determine eligibility for special education and related services; and
2. (B) inform the student's CCC of the student's special education and related services needs.

(Indiana State Board of Education; 511 IAC 7-41-2; filed Jul 14, 2008, 1:24 p.m.: 20080813-IR-511080112FRA; readopted filed Nov 6, 2014, 3:23 p.m.: 20141203-IR-511140382RFA; readopted filed Dec 1, 2020, 1:48 p.m.: 20201230-IR-511200548RFA)