This memorandum came out in 2017 and makes it clear that eligibility for visual impairment under the IDEA CANNOT be done on acuity, rather than on educational need.

"In contrast, in the definition of “visual impairment including blindness,” the regulations do not contain a modifier; therefore, any impairment in vision, regardless of significance or severity, must be included in a State’s definition, provided that such impairment, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance." 

This technical assistance bulletin put out by MSDE lays out the O and M Guidelines. They state:

• The term ‘‘Orientation and Mobility Services’’ is defined as services provided to blind or visually impaired students by qualified personnel to enable those students to attain systematic orientation to and safe movement within their environments in school, home, and community. 

• O&M instruction must be considered for each blind or visually impaired child. 

• The extent to which orientation and mobility services are necessary for an individual child and, if necessary, the amount and duration of those services that are required for a child to receive FAPE are decisions for the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• Assessments ordered must be conducted by a qualified individual. 

• A qualified individual is one that holds a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and must have completed one of the following:

  • Hold a certificate as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).

  • Hold National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) from the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB).

  • Complete all requirements of a university-based program in orientation and mobility, including a supervised internship or externship in orientation and mobility.

(Full document uploaded to the left)

This bill (uploaded to the left) reinforces the IDEA regarding instruction in braille. It states:

• Braille must be considered at an IEP meeting unless the IEP team determines otherwise. 

• Some remaining vision must not be the sole reason to deny a child braille. 

• A child may be a dual media reader. 

• Certification standards must be adopted at the state level.

Links to Reading Media Assessments:

• LMA (with forms)

• NRMA