Section 3325.071. Programs to enable visually impaired children to construct pattern of communication

The state board of education in carrying out this section and division (B) of section 3325.06 of the Revised Code shall, insofar as practicable, plan, present, and carry into effect an educational program by means of any of the following methods of instruction:

(A) Classes for parents of children of preschool age whose disabilities are visual impairments, independently or in cooperation with community agencies;

(B) Periodic interactive parent-child classes for infants and toddlers whose disabilities are visual impairments;

(C) Correspondence course;

(D) Personal consultations and interviews;

(E) Day-care or child development courses for children and parents;

(F) Summer enrichment courses;

(G) By such other means or methods as the superintendent of the state school for the blind deems advisable that would permit a child of preschool age whose disability is a visual impairment to construct a pattern of communication and develop literacy, mobility, and independence at an early age.

The superintendent may allow children who do not have disabilities that are visual impairments to participate in the methods of instruction described in divisions (A) to (G) of this section so that children of preschool age whose disabilities are visual impairments are able to learn alongside their peers while receiving specialized instruction that is based on early learning and development strategies. The superintendent shall establish policies and procedures regarding the participation of children who do not have disabilities that are visual impairments.

The superintendent may establish reasonable fees for participation in the methods of instruction described in divisions (A) to (G) of this section to defray the costs of carrying them out. The superintendent shall determine the manner by which any such fees shall be collected. All fees shall be deposited in the state school for the blind even start fees and gifts fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. The money in the fund shall be used to implement this section.

Added by 130th General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 487, §1, eff. 9/17/2014.