00                            SENATE BILL NO. 127                                                                         
01 "An Act relating to the education of visually impaired students in public schools."                                     
02 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                                
03    * Section 1. AS 14.30.278 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:                                           
04 (d)  When developing an individualized education program for a student with                                             
05 visual impairment, the school district shall presume that proficiency in literacy is                                    
06 essential for the student to meet the student's annual education goals. An                                              
07 individualized education program for a student with visual impairment must include                                      
08 braille instruction unless it is determined while developing the individualized                                         
09 education plan that other special education services are more appropriate to the                                        
10       student's educational needs; however, the provision of other appropriate services does                            
11       not preclude the provision of braille instruction.                                                              
12    * Sec. 2. AS 14.30.630 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:                                              
13 (c)  The agency, in cooperation with the department and school districts, shall                                         
14 administer a program of special education services, in addition to the special education                                
15 services provided by the public school system, that is designed to meet the educational                                 

01 needs of visually impaired children who are at least three years of age but less than 22                                
02 years of age. The program may provide special materials or services and employ                                          
03 teachers who are not assigned to a specific classroom or special education teachers for                                 
04 visually impaired students. The agency shall assist the department and school districts                                 
05 with in-person training in braille for currently employed teachers of students who are                                  
06       visually impaired.                                                                                                
07    * Sec. 3. AS 14.60.010 is amended by adding a new paragraph to read:                                               
08                 (11)  "braille" means the system of reading and writing through touch,                                  
09       which is commonly known as Standard English Braille, Grade 2.