Concerning the Teaching of Braille to Blind Students

Whereas literacy is the foundation upon which students become employable, productive and responsible citizens; and

Whereas literacy is vital for all students, regardless of visual ability; and

Whereas Florida Statute Ch. 1003.55 (3)(A)(1) defines a blind student as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less with corrective lenses in the better eye or has a limited field of vision such that the widest diameter subtends an angular distance of no greater than 20 degrees; and

Whereas Florida Statute Ch. 1003.55(3)(A)(2) further defines a blind student as one with a medically indicated expectation of visual deterioration; and

Whereas literacy is key to productivity and employability; and

Whereas failure to teach Braille is leaving blind students without the necessary skills to adequately obtain higher education and employment; and

Whereas the lack of Braille education leads to students who are unable to read or write; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, assembled in convention on the ___ day of May, 2019, in the City of Boca Raton, Florida, strongly urge the Commissioner of Education and Division of Public Schools to implement and add Braille education to the Individualized Education Plans (IEP) of blind students; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization urge the Florida Legislature to include the following presumption of Braille language to CH 1003.55:
Braille is the presumed reading medium for blind students.