Does any one know about visually impaired kids' rights in PA public schools?

Question

I know that if a student has low-vision the school is supposed to accomidate them but im not sure how.

My friend has a child she is thinking about taking out of a school for the blind and putting her in a public school.

Has anyone else gone through this?

do they provide large print books, audio tapes and such?

Any links or info in greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

my boyfriend is legally blind and he went to public schools. and he had a very hard time in public schools. i went to school with him in elementry school. and i personally saw him strugal. then he went to the school for the blind and he ecelled. but they didnt teach him how to read. and he cant read very well. his mom and i have been helping him learn to read. he learned to read braille in public schools. but they forced it on him for 7 years. and because of that he learned to hate braille. he has x-linked ritinoschesis. and he has a catract in his right eye. i have learned so much about the visually impaired throughout our ralationship. and how to cope with a loved one thats blind or visually impaired.

so i dont think its a good idea transfring him to a public school. knowing how my boyfriend was treated. but every child is differnant so i cant say that it would not be good for him but thats just my experince.

Answer 2

According to IDEA, all children with disabilities have a right to a "Free and Appropriate Public Education" in the "Least Restrictive Environment." Usually the child is tested by experts in the disability field. A team of people called an Individualized Education Plan team meet and decide what the school district has that will fit the child's unique needs. The parent is a part of this team and must be at any meeting regarding placement.

As to the type of accommodations, it really depends on the level of disability for this student. My suggestion is that you have the parent go to the "Wright's Law" website to read up on her rights as a parent with a student with special needs. She should not go into any meeting without knowing these rights. School districts try to do the right thing, but it isn't always what the law requires, so it is best that the parent be fully knowledgeable before going into the meetings.

Answer 3

depending on the needs-can be large print, braille, audio books

can have a tutor to read the books

specialized software to us teh internet/complete assignmnets

braille writer

math tools

locker with a key lock instead of combination

accommodation fro phys ed

a child with vision needs can be fully accommodated in a mainstream school

could be educated through a 504 plan instead of an IEP

Answer 4

My son is a Deaf child and he goes to mainstream school with a Deaf/Blind girl. The school supplies her with every thing she needs. By law and the Disability Act  schools have to accommodate all children. Disabled or not.