Concerning the Presumption of Braille Literacy in Florida Statute

WHEREAS,

the National Federation of the blind believes that, given the proper training and opportunity, the blind are able to compete on terms of full equality with their sighted peers in all aspects of society, including school, work, and play; and

WHEREAS,

literacy is the most essential element in accessing information and achieving an effective, competitive education; and

WHEREAS,

there is a positive correlation between braille literacy and competitive gainful employment; and

WHEREAS,

in 1993 the National Federation of the Blind of Florida gained sponsorship of a braille bill based upon the Model Braille Bill suggested by the National Federation of the Blind; and

WHEREAS,

the presumption of Braille was stricken from the Act as the result of poor advice from the Division of Blind Services under pressure from the Department of Education: and

WHEREAS

the current Commissioner of the Department of Education and the Director of the Division of Blind Services understand the importance of the presumption of Braille during the Individualized Education Plan

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

that the National Federation of the Blind of Florida in Convention assembled this 29th day of May, 2006 in Orlando, Florida, encourages and urges the Florida Legislature to adopt the Model Braille bill attached to this resolution, including the presumption of the teaching of Braille:

Florida Blind Persons Literacy and Education Act (233.0561 fs)

“In developing the individualized education program in the case of a child who is blind or visually impaired, provision shall be made for instruction

in Braille and the use of Braille unless the IEP Team determines, after an evaluation of the child's 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 such instruction

or use is not appropriate for the child.”