The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that provides students with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) possible.

For students with visual impairments, IDEA ensures that they have access to a range of accommodations and support tailored to their unique needs. The key word here is unique. Each student should be evaluated so that their unique needs can be identified and met. This includes specialized instruction, materials, and equipment such as Braille or large print textbooks, audio books, and assistive technology. Additionally, IDEA requires that students with visual impairments receive orientation and mobility training to help them navigate their environment safely and independently.

IDEA also guarantees that students with visual impairments have access to the same curriculum as their peers, and can participate in extracurricular activities. This helps to promote inclusion and equality in the classroom, and ensures that students with visual impairments have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

It is crucial for educational teams to understand and implement the protections and provisions outlined in IDEA for students with visual impairments. By doing so, we can help to ensure that every student has access to the education they deserve, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Visual Impairment and IDEA is a critical piece of legislation that ensures students with visual impairments have the support and accommodations they need to succeed in their education.

When it comes to Visual Impairment and IDEA, SBES is sitting on a wealth of experience and ready to support you in anyway we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We believe in accessibility for all students regardless of any disability they have. We focus on blind and visually impaired students and have for many years.