State
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This data was last updated in 2021.
Eligibility: Visual Impairments
How do state criteria compare to federal criteria for “visual impairments including blindness”?
different language than the federal criteria & includes additional criteria
Where are the special education eligibility criteria guidelines located?
State Regulations
What terminology is used to describe a student with visual impairment?
visual impairment
Is eligibility based on the use of the better eye?
No
What is the best visual acuity that qualifies a student?
no acuity stated
Do the eligibility criteria discuss legal blindness and/or provide separate criteria for students who are legally blind in a quantitative way?
No
Do the eligibility criteria include visual field loss or visual field restrictions?
No
What degree of visual field loss qualifies a student?
N/A
Are there any specific conditions listed that could qualify a student?
No
What conditions are specified?
n/a
Does the state require an eye report or ‘diagnosis from a medical professional’?
Yes
Does the state provide a threshold acuity but does not require an eye report?
No
Does the state require a functional vision assessment?
Yes
Does the state require a learning media assessment?
No
Does the state require an expanded core curriculum assessment?
No mention
Does the state require an orientation and mobility screening or assessment?
No
Does the state require a low vision evaluation?
No
Does the state require an adverse educational impact of the visual impairment?
Yes
Is a teacher of students with visual impairments/teacher of the visually impaired required to conduct assessment(s) or to be on the eligibility team?
Yes
Is an orientation & mobility specialist required to conduct assessment(s) or to be on the eligibility team?
No
Eligibility: Deafblindness
How do state criteria compare to federal criteria for “deafblindness”?
different language than the federal criteria & includes additional criteria
Where are the special education eligibility criteria guidelines for students with deafblindness located?
State regulations
Are students required to first be found eligible in the category of hearing impairment/deafness or have documentation of a progressive condition?
Yes
Are students required to first be found eligible in the category of visual impairment, including blindness or have documentation of a progressive condition?
Yes
Does eligibility require that the adverse effects of the hearing and visual impairment on the child’s educational performance necessitate specialized instruction and/or related services?
Yes
Is audiological data or diagnosis indicating hearing impairment required?
Requested when available or “if appropriate”
Is optometric/ophthalmic data or diagnosis indicating visual impairment required?
Not required
Is a functional vision evaluation/assessment required?
Requested when available or “if appropriate”
Is a learning media assessment required?
Not required
Is an orientation and mobility assessment required?
Not required
Is a sign language assessment required?
Not required
Is an assessment of social development required?
Not required
Is an evaluation of receptive and expressive communication required?
Not required
Is a medical report from a licensed physician describing etiology or diagnosis of student’s medical condition that does, or has the potential to, result in dual sensory loss required?
Not required
Is a teacher of students with visual impairments required to conduct assessment(s) or to be on the eligibility team?
Conditionally
Is an orientation & mobility specialist required to conduct assessment(s) or to be on the eligibility team?
No
Is an audiologist required to be on the eligibility team beyond conducting audiological assessments?
No
Is a speech language pathologist required to conduct assessment(s) or to be on the eligibility team?
No
Is a deafblind teacher/specialist required to conduct assessment(s) or to be on the eligibility team?
No
Is an intervener required to conduct assessment(s) or to be on the eligibility team?
No
Is a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing required to conduct assessment(s) or to be on the eligibility team?
Conditionally
Please note that while we strive to keep our data up to date, there may be instances where changes in legislation or policy are not immediately reflected in our database. This page will guide you in understanding how these definitions are applied across states, helping you find suitable educational support for children with these disabilities.