A Summary of State and Territory Laws Pertaining to the Provision of Accessible Materials for K–12 Students with Print Disabilities
Originally prepared by Erica S. Perl, Esq. and Deborah Gordon
NCAC Policy Development Group/Harvard Children's Initiative, June 9, 2003
Updated: February 25, 2005, by Valerie Hendricks, Jennifer Jude, and Kathleen Legere
Updated: March 1, 2006, by Jennifer Jude
Note: This survey was originally conducted in 2003. Although it has been updated since then, it may be missing information. If you are aware of an error or of legislation that should be in the survey, please email nimas [at] cast [dot] org with that information. Additionally, the last update (March, 2006) edited only the contact information of state and territory officials to make it current. Some of the officials referenced in the Interview Notes sections are no longer available as contacts. Additional information about states’ methods of textbook adoption is available from the 
State textbook adoption page of the Education Commission of the States.
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
American Samoa | Bureau of Indian Affairs | Department of Defense | District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) | Guam | Mariana Islands | Marshall Islands | Micronesia | Palau | Puerto Rico | U.S. Virgin Islands
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Admin. Rules Sec. 290-080-090-.13(25)—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.alsde.edu/html/
Special Educationhttp://www.alsde.edu/html/sections/section_detail.asp?section=65&menu=sections&footer=sections
Karen Benefield
Alabama DOE, Textbook Department
(334) 242-9718
karenb [at] alsde [dot] edu
April 2003:
We first spoke with someone at the Alabama Department of Education in the State Textbook Office. Despite our representations concerning our affiliation and the nature of our research, she refused to provide assistance. She refused to provide her name and was unaware of any Alabama law requiring publishers to do anything. She was very concerned that we were checking in on Alabama compliance with federal law and did not want to provide other information. She referred us to her supervisor, Dr. Commander: (334) 242-9743.
We then spoke with Teresa Lacy, Director, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind at (800) 848-4722. The following are notes from our interview with her.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.eed.state.ak.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/sped/
Arthur Arnold, Director
Special Education
(907) 465-2972
art_arnold [at] eed [dot] state [dot] ak [dot] us
March 2003:
We spoke with Art Arnold, State SPED Director.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§15-731, §15-732—Law for publishers regarding K–12 students with print disabilities (including and in addition to visual impairments).
In 2004 HB 2092 became §15-732, an amendment to Arizona's 1997 K–12 Braille Law.
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Arizona State Legislaturehttp://www.azleg.state.az.us/
Arizona State Department of Educationhttp://www.ade.state.az.us/
Mary Platner
Arizona Council for Exceptional Children
MaryPlatner [at] cox [dot] net
October 2003:
We spoke with Mary Platner, who represents the Arizona Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children. She provided the following summary of information concerning the movement for accessible materials legislation in Arizona.
HB2275 died in the House but was resurrected on a striker bill in the Senate. It became HB2092, which is suffering a slow death by not getting on the agenda for the Senate Rules Committee. But we will most definitely be back for the next session. We are in somewhat good shape in that we have a well-rounded coalition of organizations and the legislation's wording. I will be lobbying this summer for the bill when summer vacation begins.
HB2092 is an amendment to Arizona's 1997 K–12 Braille Law and would require public schools to order new textbook adoptions from vendors whose textbooks are available in both print and alternative formats, such as CD-ROM. Alternative formats would be available for all K–12 students with disabilities who are subject to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997 or who are under federal Section 504 plans.
HB2092 does NOT violate copyright law but focuses on contract language. Of Arizona's 100,000 K–12 students with Individualized Education plans, it is conservatively estimated that 40,000 of these students would qualify under HB2092, including 32,000 of the 53,000 students with learning disabilities.
Fiscal Impact of HB2092
To Arizona:
Fiscal note (as HB2275) of $0.
To Public Schools:
Computers: Computers are already provided through the Arizona Students FIRST's technology plan and Part D funds from No Child Left Behind.
Text-to-speech software: PCs with either Windows 2000 or XP and Mac O/S 12 have accessibility features already built in, including a text-to-speech function.
Other text-to-speech software can be downloaded for free.
Alternative formats: Arizona's 1997 K–12 Braille Law requires an electronic file. The Rules and Regulations Committee for this law has tentatively agreed to follow the technical specifications of the U.S. Department of Education's National File Format (NFF), whose technical specifications have been tentatively agreed upon. Once a publisher has an HTML file for anyone anywhere, this file can be converted to a CD-ROM, to Braille, or to an MP3 file. At this point, the cost of duplication is pennies per disk.
HB2092 includes the original Braille Law with a couple of very minor changes. I am also on the Rules and Regulations Committee for the current K–12 Braille Law.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§6-41-405—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
"The Department of Education shall have the authority to require publishers of textbooks to furnish electronic media for the text portion of those textbooks required by visually impaired students. The electronic media shall be immediately capable of being electronically translated into braille or large print by computer or other electronic media. When Braille code translation allows, publishers shall furnish electronic media for the nontextual portion of textbooks."
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://arkansased.org/
Special Educationhttp://arksped.k12.ar.us/
Sue McKenzie, Textbook Administrator
(501) 682-4593
Requirements for publishers are in their contract terms, not [in] state law.
"...right of state to reproduce the state adopted materials in Braille, large print ... for use by print-disabled minors. The publishers shall agree to furnish to Arkansas or its designated depository, by 90 days after the request, computer diskettes for all adopted texts."
School districts can borrow materials from the School for the Blind and Visually Handicapped which is not a formal repository but has a lot of materials.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Education Code 60061(a)(7), 60061.8—Law for publishers regarding K–12 students with print disabilities (including and in addition to visual impairments).
Education Code 60240—Law for publishers regarding K–12 students with print disabilities (including and in addition to visual impairments).
Education Code 60312, 60313—Law for school districts, specifically, to provide alternative-format materials to K–12 students with print disabilities.
SB 842 became Education Code 60061.8 in the 2003–2004 legislature session.
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.cde.ca.gov/
Special Educationhttp://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/
Rod Brawley, Director
Clearinghouse for Special Media and Technology
rbrawley [at] cde [dot] ca [dot] gov
(916) 445-5103, TDD: (916) 323-2202
March 2003:
We spoke with Rod Brawley, Director, Clearinghouse for Special Media and Technology (www.cde.ca.gov/csmt)
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CO-Portal/CXP/1165693060185
Assistive Technology Office
(303) 315-1276
Ann Hicks, Coordinator
Instructional Materials Center
Colorado Instructional Materials Center
ahicks @csdb.org
(719) 578-2195
April 2003:
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
[§10-295 establishes a fund to provide specialized instructional materials, including Braille and large print, but does not require anything of publishers.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.state.ct.us/sde/
Special Educationhttp://www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/special/index.htm
Resource Directory for Assistive Technology
http://www.ctserc.org/rfi/ATdirectory.pdf
Marianne Kirner, Director
Special Education Resource Center (SERC)
(860) 632-1485 ext. 265
Carol Schwartz Sullivan, Assistant Director
SERC
(860) 632-1485 ext. 341
Sarah Barzee, Assistant Director
SERC
(860) 632-1485 ext. 370http://nimas.cast.org/about/resources/statessurvey.htm
April 2003:
We first spoke with Karen Flanaghan of the State Legislative Office, who directed us to Terry DeFrancis of the Office of Special Education at (860) 807-2018.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§14-206(c)—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.doe.state.de.us/
Special Education Officehttp://www.doe.state.de.us/exceptional_child/ececehome.htm
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiativehttp://www.asel.udel.edu/
(302) 651-6790
Disability links for the state of Delawarehttp://www.doe.state.de.us/exceptional_child/links1.htm
Debra Stover
Education Associate, Reporting
302-739-4583
dstover [at] doe [dot] k12 [dot] de [dot] us
Martha Brooks
Curriculum and Instructional Improvement
mbrooks [at] doe [dot] k12 [dot] de [dot] us
(302) 739-3772
April 2003:
On April 3, 2002 we spoke with Susan Keene at (302) 739-4652 ext. 3317. She suggested that we talk to Louise Warfield, but the message we left for Louise was then forwarded back to Susan.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§233.0561(5)—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.firn.edu/doe/
Special Educationhttp://www.firn.edu/doe/cgi-bin/doehome/menu.pl
Florida Instructional Materials Websitehttp://www.firn.edu/doe/instmat/
Charlie Carraway, Director
Florida DOE, Instructional Materials Program Specialist
(850) 245-0881
charlie [dot] carraway [at] fldoe [dot] org
February 2003:
We spoke with Charlie Carraway, Program Specialist with Instructional Materials at (850) 487-8798.
http://www.firn.edu/doe/instmat/; click on "Math K–8" and look at last 2 pages).Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§20-2-1015—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
"The publisher of a textbook recommended by the State Board of Education shall provide an electronic format version of such textbook."
HB 228 (previously HB 363) became Act 321: Textbook Adoption Agreement, which amended state law by adding the above statute.
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.doe.k12.ga.us/index.asp
Georgia Instructional Material Centerhttp://www.gimc.org/
Georgia Learning Resources Systemhttp://www.glrs.org/
Kim Hartsell, Project Director
Georgia DOE, Georgia Project for Assistive Technology
khartsel [at] doe [dot] k12 [dot] ga [dot] us
(404) 362-2024
March–April 2003:
On March 20, 2003 we spoke with Kim Hartsell of the Georgia Department of Special Education at (404) 362-2024. On April 18, 2003, we spoke to Janine Miller from the Governor's Office at (404) 656-7942.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§302A-442.5(b) (aka Act 193)—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
[§103-72 gives state agencies the right to reproduce instructional materials in alternate formats. This is pre-Chafee Amendment state legislation.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://doe.k12.hi.us/
Special Educationhttp://doe.k12.hi.us/specialeducation/http://www.sped.k12.hi.us/
Assistive Technologyhttp://www.teleschool.k12.hi.us/hoat/resource.html
Hawaii Center for the Deaf and Blindhttp://www.hcdb.k12.hi.us/
Disability and Communication Access Boardhttp://www.state.hi.us/health/dcab/
Univsersity of Hawaii Center on Disability Studieshttp://www.cds.hawaii.edu/
Francine Wai, Executive Director
Disability and Communication Access Board
accesshi [at] aloha [dot] net
(808) 586-8121
Kathy Ratliffe
University of Hawaii Center on Disability Studies
ratliffe [at] hawaii [dot] edu
(808) 956-9502
April 2003:
We spoke to Francine Wai, Director of the Disability and Communication AccessBoard at (808) 586-8121.
Note: We also received information on Hawaii's Braille Bill from: Debbie Jackson, Legislative Liaison; Disability & Communication Access Board; 919 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 101; Honolulu, HI 96814; (808) 586-8121 v/tty; (808) 586-8129 fax; dljackso [at] mail [dot] health [dot] state [dot] hi [dot] us email.
Jackson wrote: "Here is the citation in the Hawaii Revised Statutes that related to Braille Instructional Materials. The bill was passed in the 2002 Hawaii State Legislature and is called Act 193 (the original bill number was SB 2165)." See link above for text of this law.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§33-118—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.sde.state.id.us/Dept/
Dan Prinzing
Idaho DOE
(208) 332-6974
dprinzing [at] sde [dot] idaho [dot] gov
April 2003:
We spoke with Dan Prinzing, Coordinator, Curricular Materials and Social Studies.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Act 87-1071 Sec. 28-21—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Illinois Assistive Technology Projecthttp://www.iltech.org/
Special Education Assistive Technology Center at Illinois Statehttp://www.coe.ilstu.edu/seat/
Department of Educationhttp://www.isbe.state.il.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.isbe.state.il.us/spec-ed/default.htm
Frank Hanselman, Principal Consultant
Textbook Division, Illinois Department of Education
f [dot] hanselman [at] isbe [dot] net
(217) 782-0734
Wilhelmina Gunther, Executive Director
Illinois Assistive Technology Project
wgunther [at] iltech [dot] org
(217) 522-7985
April 2003:
We spoke to Chuck Hays, Principal Consultant, Textbook Division, Illinois Department of Education at (217) 782-0734.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Indiana Code 20-10.1-9-15—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://doe.state.in.us/
Special Educationhttp://doe.state.in.us/exceptional/speced/welcome.html
Indiana Assistive Technology Initiativehttp://www.patinsproject.com/
Paul Ash, Assistant Director
Indiana DOE, Division of Exceptional Students
(317) 232-0585
pash [at] doe [dot] state [dot] in [dot] us
Linda Dierstein, Textbook Adoption Coordinator
Indiana DOE
(317) 232-9127
March 2003:
We spoke with Paul Ash, Textbook Adoption Coordinator at the Indiana DOE. We also received a follow-up e-mail message on March 24, 2003.
Indiana has current legislation, referred to as the Braille Bill, in Indiana Code at IC 20-10.1-9-15, which has been in effect for many years. The contemplated federal Instructional Materials Accessibility Act (IMAA) is expected to contain additional features which will positively affect the educational opportunities for students with disabilities as well as streamlining the process by which instructional materials are made available. It is expected to enjoy wide support within the special education community and among individuals and organizations interested in fostering universal access.
We are unaware of any current legislative proposals being considered by the Indiana General Assembly regarding this issue.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§301.10—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.state.ia.us/educate/
Richard Hanzelka, Executive Director
Iowa Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
(563) 333-6000
rhanzelka [at] mchsi [dot] com
April 2003:
We spoke to Carol Greta, Legal Consultant to the Iowa Department of Education.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.ksbe.state.ks.us/Welcome.html
Special Educationhttp://www.kansped.org/
Kansas State School for the Blindhttp://www.kssb.net
Neurological Disability Support Projecthttp://www.ksndsp.org/
Kansas Instructional Resource Centerhttp://www.kirc.org
Jackie Dink, Director
Kansas Instructional Resource Center
(913) 281-3308 ext. 417
kirc [at] kssb [dot] net
March 2003:
We spoke with Carol Clark (Braillist) and Jackie Dink (Director) of the Kansas Instructional Resource Center (www.kssb.net).
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§156.027—Law for publishers regarding K–12 students with print disabilities (including and in addition to visual impairments).
§156.476—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only). This law was previously SB 243.
704 KAR 3:455—Regulations associated with both of the above laws.
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.kde.state.ky.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.kentuckyschools.net/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Student+and+Family+Support/Exceptional+Children/default.htm
Kentucky DOE Textbooks and Instructional Resourceshttp://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/
Curriculum+Documents+and+Resources/Textbooks+and+Instructional+Resources/default.htm
Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network
(800) 327-5287
Orin Simmerman, Director of Leadership and Instructional Support
Kentucky DOE
orin [dot] simmerman [at] education [dot] ky [dot] gov
(502) 564-4201
March–April 2003:
We spoke with Brenda Hauser of the Kentucky DOE (interview #1).
SB 243 is a very progressive bill in terms of requiring DOE to give preferential procurement status to textbook and instructional materials from publishers who make their materials available in accessible format for students with disabilities. Schools will learn about what products publishers make that are accessible at the showcase where textbook vendors point out how their materials are accessible. Vendors send sample text to schools and districts so that teachers can be "better consumers" and examine the materials.
No extra funds provided with this bill. Districts receive textbook funds annually (through separate funding mechanisms).
There are three levels of instructional materials provision, including the following:
Full Compliance:
Marginal:
Textbook reviewers: the State Textbook Commission creates a recommended adoption list of titles.
We also spoke with Steve Noble, Policy Analyst, Kentucky Assistive Technology Service Network, Steve [dot] Noble [at] mail [dot] state [dot] ky [dot] us, (502) 327-0022 ext. 268 (interview #2).
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Revised Statutes 17:1985—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.doe.state.la.us/DOE/asps/home.asp
Special Educationhttp://www.doe.state.la.us/DOE/asps/home.asp?I=DSP
Textbook Adoption
(225) 342-3599
Marcie Coupel
Louisiana DOE, Textbook Adoption
(225) 342-6200
Marci [dot] Coupel [at] la [dot] gov
April 2003:
We spoke with Mickey Pounders at (225) 342-6200 (mpounders [at] doe [dot] state [dot] la [dot] us).
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
http://nimas.cast.org/about/resources/statessurvey.html
Department of Educationhttp://www.state.me.us/education/
Special Educationhttp://www.state.me.us/education/speced/specserv.htm
Maine Consumer Information Technology Exchange (CITE)http://www.mainecite.org
Maine Educational Center for Assistive Technology and Software (MECATS)
MECATS is now ALLTechhttp://www.alltech-tsi.org/
Kathy Powers, Director
Maine CITE
(207) 621-3195
kpowers [at] doe [dot] k12 [dot] me [dot] us
David Stockford, Director
Maine DOE, Special Services
David [dot] Stockford [at] maine [dot] gov
207-621-6650
April 2003:
We spoke with Kathy Powers, Division of Assistive Technology, Maine DOE, at (207) 621-3195 (kpowers [at] doe [dot] k12 [dot] me [dot] us).
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§8-408(d)—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
"Availability of instructional materials. (1) The Department shall develop procedures to coordinate the statewide availability of textbooks and supplementary instructional materials in nonvisually accessible media. (2) The State Board shall adopt regulations to require a publisher of a textbook, including texts in electronic media adopted by a county board to furnish, upon request, the instructional resource center established under paragraph (1) of this subsection with an electronic version of pupil edition textbooks for literary subjects, and for non-literary subjects when the technology is available to convert non-literary subject textbooks to a format compatible with Braille translations software, in which the content: (i) Is encoded in text suitable for conversion into Braille or synthesized speech; and (ii) Has been prepared using a mark-up language that maintains the structural integrity of the information and can be processed by Braille translation software."
[Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.05.02.13H, §7-910—Other legislation relating to disability and technology use in schools.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.msde.state.md.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/earlyinterv/
Maryland School for the Blind
(410) 444-5000http://www.mdschblind.org
Robb Farrell, Director
Maryland Instructional Resource Center
(410) 319-5715
robbf [at] mdschblind [dot] org
February 2003:
We spoke with Robb Farrell of the Maryland School for the Blind at (410) 319 5715 (robbf [at] mdscblind [dot] org).
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
[Mass. General Law Sec. 69-1B—Requires that the Board of Education provide schools with technical assistance for creating Braille textbooks. No requirements for publishers.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.doe.mass.edu/
Special Educationhttp://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/
Carrie Brasier, Director
Massachusetts Vision Resources Library
(800) 827-7772
Marylyn Howe, Project Director
Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership
mhowe [at] matp [dot] org
(800) 848-8867
Myra Berloff, Director
Massachusetts Office on Disability
(617) 727-7440
April 2003:
We spoke with Carrie Brasier, Director of The Massachusetts Vision Resources Library, which provides Braille and large print materials to visually impaired students at (800) 827-7772). They are not budgeted to serve students with other disabilities.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 380.1704 (aka Act 451)—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
[MCL 390.1543 (aka Act 197)—Law regarding electronic textbooks for college and university students.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.michigan.gov/mde
Special Educationhttp://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6525_6530_6598---,00.html
Carol Easlick, School Law Specialist
Michigan DOE, Bureau of School Finance and School Law
517 373-0764
easlickC [at] michigan [dot] gov
Joanne Winkelman
Office of SPED, Michigan Department of Education
517 373-1696
winkelmanj [at] michigan [dot] gov
March 2003:
On March 20, 2003 we spoke with Carol Easlick, Government Services, Michigan Department of Education at (517) 373-0764 (EaslickC [at] michigan [dot] gov).
On March 24, 2003 we spoke with Joanne Winkelman, Office of SPED, Michigan Department of Education at (517) 373-1696 (winkelmanj [at] michigan [dot] gov).
Note: There is also a higher ed. bill regarding accessible textbooks (HB 4070)—Electronic Textbook Act—but no K–12 counterpart (introduced 1/28/03 by Rep. Doug Spade, who is blind).
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://children.state.mn.us/
Jean Martin, Director/State Specialist
Resource Center, Deaf/Blind Project
(507) 332-5510
jean [dot] martin [at] state [dot] mn [dot] us
Cathy Lyle, Deaf/Blind Education Consultant
Minnesota Deaf/Blind Project
cathy [dot] lyle [at] dbproject [dot] mn [dot] org
(612) 638-1526
Joan Breslin-Larson
Special Education Policy
(651) 582-1599
April 2003:
We spoke to Jean Martin, Director/State Specialist (at Deaf/Blind Project) at (507) 332-5510.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§37-23-199—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
"All textbook publishers that sell textbooks to school districts within the state must furnish the State Department of Education with computer diskettes for literary subjects in the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) from which Braille versions of the textbooks can be produced. Further, the publishers shall furnish the department with computer diskettes in ASCII for non-literary subjects, including natural sciences, computer science, mathematics, and music, when Braille specialty code translation software is available."
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.mde.k12.ms.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.mde.k12.ms.us/special_education/
Textbook Publishers and Publisher Representativeshttp://www.mde.k12.ms.us/textbook/publishers.html
Kevin Clinard, Director of Instructional Resources
Mississippi School for the Blind
(601) 984-8207
kclinard [at] mde [dot] k12 [dot] ms [dot] us
Kim Esco-Collins, Director
Textbook Adoption Office
(601) 354-7543
KEsco [at] mde [dot] k12 [dot] ms [dot] us
April 2003:
We spoke with Kevin Clinard, Director of Instructional Resources, Mississippi School for the Blind at (601) 984-8207 (kclinard [at] mde [dot] k12 [dot] ms [dot] us).
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Missouri Revised Statute 170.132—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.dese.mo.gov
Special Educationhttp://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/
Roselie Backer, Program Coordinator
Missouri DOE, Assistive Technology
(816) 373-5193
April 2003:
We spoke with Roselie Backer at Missouri's Department of Special Education
http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Blind/brailleguidelines.html.Note: Missouri also offers a unique program: Telecommunication Access Program (TAP), to provide access to the Internet for individuals with various special needs. This is not a school program. Missouri can provide anyone in the state with an adaptive program to make computers accessible to Internet access, i.e., through magnification or screen readers for home use. The surcharge (tax) that pays for a relay program for the deaf also provides funding for the state to purchase equipment for TAP.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.opi.state.mt.us/OPISiteMap.html
Special Educationhttp://www.opi.state.mt.us/SpecED/Index.html
Marilyn Pearson, Assistant Director of Special Education
Montana DOE
(406) 444-4428
mpearson [at] mt [dot] gov
Francisco Roman
Services to Students with Deaf-Blindness, Monitoring
(406) 444-4426
froman [at] mt [dot] gov
April 2003:
We spoke with Marilyn Pearson, Assistant Director of Special Education, at (406) 444-4428.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§79-734.01—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.nde.state.ne.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.nde.state.ne.us/SPED/sped.html
Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnershiphttp://www.nde.state.ne.us/ATP
Teresa Coonts
Deaf/Blind Services
Nebraska DOE
(402) 595-1810
Mark Schultz, Director
Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership
(402) 471-0734
mark [dot] schultz [at] atp [dot] ne [dot] gov
April 2003:
We spoke with Teresa Coonts at (402) 595-1810 (tcoonts [at] esu3 [dot] org).
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.doe.nv.gov/
Bill Strader
Textbook Adoption
Library/Learning Resources
(775) 687-9141
strader [at] nsn [dot] k12 [dot] nv [dot] us
April 2003:
We spoke with Rorie Lackey of the Nevada DOE, Special Education Division, at (775) 687-9215. We also spoke with Bill Strader of the Nevada DOE, Textbook Adoption Division at (775) 687-9245.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.ed.state.nh.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.ed.state.nh.us/education/doe/organization/bose.htm
Mary Lane
New Hampshire Bureau of Special Education
(603) 271-3740
April 2003:
We spoke with Mary Lane of the New Hampshire Bureau of Special Education at (603) 271-6693.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.state.nj.us/education/
Special Educationhttp://www.nj.gov/njded/specialed/
New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc.http://www.njpanda.org
DOE Distribution/Publication Office
(609) 984-0905
Office of Legislative Services
(609) 292-6038
Dennis Cruz, Principal
St. Joseph's School for the Blind
(201)-653-0578
April 2003:
We spoke with representatives of the Special Education Office (609) 292-0147, The Distribution/Publication Office (609) 984-0905, and the Legal Office (609) 292-8624. Nobody had any information regarding state laws pertaining to accessible materials and/or publisher requirements regarding e-files.
On April 3, 2003 we left a message for Dennis Cruz, Principal of St. Joseph's School for the Blind. As of June 1, 2003, we had not received a response.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§22-15-29—Law for publishers regarding K–12 students with print disabilities (including and in addition to visual impairments). This statute, together with §22-15-26, §22-15-27, §22-15-28, §22-15-30, §22-15-31 is the Braille Access Act (aka HB 349, SB 301).
[§22-13-27—Law pertaining to accessibility of distance learning courses in public schools, §21-2-5.1—Law pertaining to accessibility of distance learning courses in institutions of higher education. Both of these statutes derive from HB 708.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
New Mexico State Legislaturehttp://legis.state.nm.us/
Department of Educationhttp://www.sde.state.nm.us
Karen Courtney Peterson, Assistive Technologist
kcourtney [at] state [dot] nm [dot] us
(505) 954-8561
February 2003:
We spoke with Bill Newroe, an Assistive Technologist with the state DOE (wnewroe [at] state [dot] nm [dot] us).
House Bill 708—just introduced in New Mexico state legislature by Sandra Townsend. Passed House Education Committee on February 26, 2003. Likely to pass, in Newroe's opinion.
The language/proposed legislation is to be put in public funding formula law for both higher education and K–12 to be placed under School Board Duty (public school code). The language has to do with access to electronic files, not having it just in PDF, which is inaccessible.
Other Information:
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Chapter 377 of the Laws of 2001—Law for publishers regarding K–12 students with print disabilities (including and in addition to visual impairments); Law for school districts, specifically, to provide alternative-format materials to K–12 students with print disabilities.
Under chapter 377, school districts are required to have a written plan outlining how they will provide modified instructional materials to students with special needs, delivered at the same time as their peers receive [traditonal] materials. Though there is nothing required of publishers, there is language encouraging districts to give special consideration to publishers who publish materials in alternative formats.
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.nysed.gov/
Special Educationhttp://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/
Textbook Legislationhttp://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/policy/afatt3.htm
Daniel J. Ryan, Supervisor
Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Lifelong Services Team
(518) 486-7462
dryan [at] mail [dot] nysed [dot] gov
Laurie Munro
New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
(518) 474-6956
James Knowles, Interim Superintendent
New York State School for the Blind
(585) 343-5384
April 2003:
We spoke with Dan Ryan, Supervisor of the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities at (518) 486-7462 (dryan [at] mail [dot] nysed [dot] gov).
Amendment to Section 200.2 now includes chapter 377, which then went in front of the Board of Regents and passed. As of May 2002, it is law.
Note: nothing is required of the publishers. Responsibility is on the district to have a written plan outlining how they will provide modified instructional materials to students with special needs at the same time as their peers receive [traditonal] materials.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are guidelines for publishers providing electronic files of textbooks, but no laws or requirements (see interview notes below). [§115C-90 gives state agencies the right to reproduce instructional materials in alternate formats. This is pre-Chafee Amendment state legislation.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.ncpublicschools.org/
Special Educationhttp://www.ncpublicschools.org/ec/
Textbook Adoption Homepagehttp://www.ncpublicschools.org/textbook/
Tom Winton
Visual Impairments and Assistive Technology
(919) 807-3988
twinton [at] dpi [dot] state [dot] nc [dot] us
Dr. Wandra Polk
Textbook Adoption
(919) 807-3816
wpolk [at] dpi [dot] state [dot] nc [dot] us
April 2003:
We spoke with Ms. Oris Jones at (919) 807 3819.
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/textbook/publishers.htmlOn the web site, in the "2002 Invitation to Submit Textbooks for Evaluation and Adoption in North Carolina" manual for publishers, we found the following information:
Page 7: Materials for Special Populations (These are guidelines as opposed to requirements.)
Categories for materials for special students are as follows:
NA—Not Adapted—These textbooks may not be appropriate for use with students who require special formatting that makes a text "user friendly." One example of a "not adapted" textbook may be textbooks for advanced courses, i.e., college textbooks.
GE—General Education—These textbooks are suitable for use with general education students and with students in various handicapped situations.
AT—Adapted Text—These are textbooks that may be used for special students to parallel information presented in general education textbooks. Reading levels appropriate for students who require special instruction and text formats which promote the development of cognitive processes for special students are important considerations for adapted texts. Stilted language to achieve appropriate reading level is unacceptable. Adapted texts may be used in a variety of classroom situations.
"User-friendly" text format is especially important for students who need special help; however, all students can benefit from employing certain instructional strategies in textbooks to enhance cognitive processes. Formatting techniques such as advance organizers, boldface print, signaling, adjunct questions, and glossing of pertinent vocabulary provide students with ways to organize for learning.
Curricula for most special students follow the curricula designed for students in general education. The same evaluative criteria for textbooks will be used for NA, GE, and AT submissions; however, special educators will evaluate the material using their knowledge of students with special needs to determine how well the material can be used in the mainstream classroom. A written evaluation form will be completed, and the evaluators will report their findings to the Textbook Commission.
Text on Tape (TOT): Text on tape refers to recordings of student text material. Recordings should also include information about pertinent maps, illustrations,and other graphics. Recordings are often used with learning-disabled students. It is preferred that each tape include all verbiage found in the actual textbook, including the aforementioned items and chapter summaries and questions.
Delivery of Computerized Files
On or before the March 1st deadline specified in the adoption schedule, each publisher of newly-adopted instructional materials shall provide computerized files as specified in the Invitation (Attachment 11) to be used for producing Braille or other versions of materials to be used by students with disabilities. All information contained in adopted instructional materials shall be included on the computerized files. Computerized files may be used by the State for the production of Braille or large type instructional materials. Computerized files may also be copied and distributed to a school district upon request, for instructional use with a student with disabilities who requires the use of computerized instructional materials; pursuant to an individualized plan developed for the student under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Attachment 11—Automated Production of Braille
Includes five format options for publishers to provide files of texts to be used in Braille production.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.dpi.state.nd.us/index.shtm
Special Educationhttp://www.dpi.state.nd.us/speced/index.shtm
Interagency Program for Assistive Technology
(701) 265-4807http://www.ndipat.org/
Connie Rawls, Office Coordinator
Interagency Project for Assistive Technology
(701) 265-4807
crawls [at] polarcomm [dot] com
Faye Lehn, Talking Book Machine Coordinator
School for the Blind
(701) 795-2711
flehn [at] state [dot] nd [dot] us
Crystal Roy
Braille Center
(701) 795-2713
crroy [at] sendit [dot] nodak [dot] edu
Judie Lee, Director
Interagency Program for Assistive Technology
(701) 265-4807
jlee [at] polarcomm [dot] com
April 2003:
We spoke with Connie Rawls of the Interagency Project for Assistive Technology (IPAT) at (701) 265-4807 regarding IPAT materials. This does not necessarily reference textbooks or other educational materials.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
DOE Rule 3301-51-21—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
[Revised Code § 3329.01 relates to electronic textbook purchasing but not disability.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.ode.state.oh.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.ode.state.oh.us/exceptional_children/
ORCLISH
Serving Students with Low Incidence and Severe Disabilitieshttp://www.orclish.org
Mike Armstrong, Director of Exceptional Education
Mike [dot] Armstrong [at] ode [dot] state [dot] oh [dot] us
March 2003:
We spoke with Paula Mauron (who specializes in vision areas) and Mary Binion (who specializes in assistive technology) at (800) 672-5474 (ext. 1850 for Mary Binion).
Interview with Mary Binion re: Assistive Technology Initiatives in Ohio
Interview with Paula Mauro re: Braille Bill, etc.:
Braille Law: Amended Substitute House Bill Number 164, August 1995
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§70-16-106D—Law for publishers regarding K–12 students with print disabilities (including and in addition to visual impairments).
"As requested by a school district or the Oklahoma School for the Blind, all publishers who enter into contracts with the State Textbook Committee shall be required to furnish the Committee with electronic files in a file format from which Braille and other accessible versions of the instructional materials can be produced. The file format in which electronic instructional materials files are provided to the Committee shall be in a format prescribed by federal law or regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Education which requires national standards for electronic files to be used for production of accessible instructional materials. In the absence of a federal law or regulation establishing a national standard, a file format standard shall be prescribed by the State Department of Rehabilitation Services."
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.sde.state.ok.us/home/defaultns.html
Linda Sudell
Educational Services
Library for the Blind
(405) 521-3514
April 2003:
We spoke with Paige Phillips, Director of Instructional Materials.
Has not personally received requests for alternative formats other than Braille through her office.
We also spoke to Linda Sudell, Educational Services, Library for the Blind,at (405) 521-3514.
We also looked on the web and found that Oklahoma State Law requires publishers to provide files in a format which can be translated into Braille.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 343.595—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
"The State Board of Education shall require a publisher of a textbook adopted by a school district to furnish the Oregon Textbook and Media Center with computer diskettes for literary subjects in a computer-accessible format from which Braille versions of the textbook can be produced. The publisher shall furnish the center with computer diskettes in a computer-accessible format for non-literary subjects, such as natural sciences, computer science, mathematics, and music, when Braille specialty code translation software is available."
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.ode.state.or.us/
Oregon Technology Access Programhttp://www.otap-oregon.org
Gayl Bowser, Coordinator
Oregon Technology Access Program
gayl [dot] bowser [at] douglasesd [dot] k12 [dot] or [dot] us
Don Ouimet, Director
Oregon School for Blind
(503) 378-3820 ext. 223
don [dot] ouimet [at] state [dot] or [dot] us
April 2003:
We spoke to Rex Crouse at (503) 378-8004 ext. 2277.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.pde.state.pa.us/pde_internet/site/default.asp
Special Educationhttp://www.pde.state.pa.us/special_edu/site/default.asp?g=0
Cathy Nadberazny
Production Services
Pennsylvania Department of Education
(717) 541-4960
cnadberazny [at] pattan [dot] net
Barbara Thrush, Special Education Advisor
(717) 783-1024
bthrush [at] state [dot] pa [dot] us
April 2003:
We spoke with Cathy Nadberazny at (717) 541-4960 (cnadberazny [at] pattan [dot] k12 [dot] pa [dot] us). She works for the Pennsylvania DOE in Production Services.
http://www.aph.org/louis.htmCurrent Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.ridoe.net/
Special Educationhttp://www.ridoe.net/Special_needs/Default.htm
Rhode Island Disability Law Center
(401) 831-3150
TECHAccess of Rhode Island
(401) 463-0202
Judith Saccardo, Director
Rhode Island Technical Assistance Project
(401) 456-8041
April 2003:
We spoke with Steve Nardelli, Special Assistant, Legislative Relations, at (401) 222-4600 ext. 2015.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.myscschools.com/
Special Educationhttp://www.myscschools.com/offices/ec/
Tim Conroy
Assistive Technology
(803) 734-0388
April 2003:/p>
We spoke with Marcia Kelly at (803) 734-8222.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.state.sd.us/deca/
Special Educationhttp://doe.sd.gov/oess/specialed/index.asp
Dan Boyd
South Dakota DOE
(605) 773-5051
Julie Carpenter, Education Program Specialist
Visual Impairment
(605) 773-3219
julie [dot] carpenter [at] state [dot] sd [dot] us
April 2003:
In response to our inquiry, we received a voice-mail message from Dan Boyd, (605) 773-5051.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
DOE Rule 0520-1-2-.15—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
"After January 1, 1996, no newly-adopted bound print textbook shall be approved by the State Board of Education unless the publisher has committed in writing to furnish to the State Department of Education, the American Printing House for the Blind, or a national repository, within 60 days of receipt of a request, electronic computer text files from which applicable Braille versions of the textbook may be produced."
http://nimas.cast.org/about/resources/statessurvey.htm
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.state.tn.us/education/
Special Educationhttp://www.state.tn.us/education/speced/index.htm
Susan Doughty
Office of Textbook Services
(615) 532-2717
Joseph Fisher, Assistant Commissioner
(615) 741-2851
Joe [dot] Fisher [at] state [dot] tn [dot] us
March 2003:
We spoke with Larry Gregory, Director, Office of Textbook Services at (615) 532-6279.
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/0520/0520-01/0520-01-02.pdf)Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
Texas Education Code, §31.028b—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually Braille and large print only).
"The publisher of an adopted textbook shall provide the agency with computerized textbook files for the production of Braille textbooks or other versions of textbooks to be used by students with disabilities, on request of the State Board of Education. A publisher shall arrange computerized textbook files in one of several optional formats specified by the State Board of Education."
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §66.121c—Law for publishers regarding K–12 students with print disabilities (including and in addition to visual impairments).
"On or before the deadline specified in the schedule for the adoption process, each publisher of newly-adopted instructional materials shall provide computerized files as specified in the proclamation to be used for producing Braille or other versions of materials to be used by students with disabilities. All information contained in adopted instructional materials shall be included on the computerized files. Computerized files may be copied and distributed to a school district, upon request, for instructional use with a student with disabilities who requires the use of computerized instructional materials, pursuant to an individualized plan developed for the student under the Rehabilitation Act, §504; the Americans with Disabilities Act; or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act."
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.tea.state.tx.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/
Texas Assistive Technology Networkhttp://www.texasat.net/
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impairedhttp://www.tsbvi.edu/
Chuck Mayo, Assistant Division Director
Texas Education Agency
charles [dot] mayo [at] tea [dot] state [dot] tx [dot] us
(512) 463-9601
February–March 2003:
On February 20, 2003 we spoke with Chuck Mayo of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) at (512) 463-9606 (cmayo [at] tea [dot] state [dot] tx [dot] us).
On February 27, 2003, we received an email from Chuck Mayo with answers to questions we had submitted to him:
Q: Does your state have an existing or soon-to-take-effect law (or pending bill) pertaining to a state preference for purchasing textbooks from publishers who provide alternative-format versions of their products? If so, when did it or will it take effect? What is the law's/bill's title and is its text available online?
A: Texas Education Code, Section 31.028 (b). [see text above]
Q: Does your state have an existing or soon-to-take-effect law (or pending bill) pertaining to a state requirement of only purchasing textbooks from publishers who provide alternative format versions of their products? If so, when did it or will it take effect? What is the law's/bill's title and is its text available online?
A: Currently, in order to participate in an adoption in Texas, publishers must provide computerized files of adopted print textbooks for production into Braille. Included in each proclamation (call for bids for instructional materials from the publishing industry) is a section on accessibility information for that particular proclamation. In the current proclamation, Proclamation 2001 (state adoption 2003, school implementation 2004–2005), this information includes specifications for producing computerized files for the production of Braille textbooks.
(See http://www.tea.state.tx.us/textbooks/proclamations/index.html to view Proclamation 2001 in its entirety.) In future proclamations, Proclamation 2002 (state adoption 2004, school implementation 2005–2006), there are also requirements for producing accessible web-based, CD-ROM, and DVD-based textbooks.
Q: Does your state have an existing or soon-to-take-effect law (or pending bill) providing money for instruction or teachers or students regarding the use of alternative format versions of textbooks? If so, when did it or will it take effect? What is the law's/bill's title and is its text available online?
A: No. Texas does not have an existing or pending law or bill providing money for instruction of teachers or students regarding the use of alternative-format versions of textbooks.
Q: Does your state have an existing or soon-to-take-effect law (or pending bill) establishing a state clearinghouse for accessible versions of textbooks and curriculum materials? If so, when did it or will it take effect? What is the law's/bill's title and is its text available online?
A: Currently, there are no plans for a single state clearinghouse for these materials. Any requests are channeled through the TEA and forwarded to the appropriate Braille producer that houses those materials.
Q: Does the language or proposed language of any laws or bills in your state that pertain to alternative versions of textbooks impact your state's existing Braille laws? If so, in what ways?
A: Currently, there are no laws or bills under consideration in the Texas Legislature that will affect Texas' existing Braille laws.
Q: Is there any thing else about the laws in your state regarding these issues that we should note in a national summary of state accessible materials laws?
A: No.
Q: Finally, we are also interested in the process teachers go through to obtain alternative materials for their students. Whom does a teacher contact initially? Someone at TEA? What requirements exist before alternative formats are released and what is the general time frame? What alternative materials are currently available (text-readers, etc.)? Does TEA obtain the modified materials directly from the publisher? In what format?
A: A teacher contacts their school district's textbook coordinator to order alternative materials. The textbook coordinator will, in turn, place their district's order for Braille or large type materials via the Internet using an automated online system (EMAT). School districts send their orders for audiotape materials directly to Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.
If a teacher is interested in receiving computerized files, the district notifies the TEA of their need and the agency checks on the availability of the requested files. A letter is sent to the school district superintendent stating copyright guidelines the district is expected to follow. If the superintendent agrees to comply with all of the guidelines, he/she signs the letter and returns it to TEA. TEA then places the orders with the organizations that house the files.
On March 6, 2003, we had a follow-up conversation with Chuck Mayo. The substance of the conversation was as follows:
Process
Orders for all textbooks go to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The 1,200 Texas School Districts send their orders online and [these orders are] categorized by publisher at the centralized TEA site."
Process for alternative materials requests:
Teacher -> School District -> TEA -> Repository (where {currently braille} file is kept), usually in Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio -> School District -> returned to Repository (when finished).
If it's an electronic file, it is really quick—usually only a matter of days, anyway.
Sharing with other states:
"We don't share files with other states. Our general counsel warned us regarding intellectual property concerns. It's not in our interest or the publishers' interests to share with other states."
"We have encouraged our contractors to sell outside our state."
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§53A-25A-105—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually braille and large print only). [note: statute number appears to have changed.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/sars/
Vali Ann Kremer, Instructional Materials Specialist
Utah DOE
(801) 538-7783
Pat Beckman, Specialist
Special Education, Utah DOE
(801) 538-7716
pbeckman [at] usoe [dot] k12 [dot] ut [dot] us
Cheralyn Creer, Education Specialist
Students with Severe Disabilities and Vision Impairments, Utah DOE
(801) 538-7576
ccreer [at] usoe [dot] k12 [dot] ut [dot] us
February 2003:
We spoke with Vali Kremer of the Curriculum and Instruction Division of the Utah Department of Education at (801) 538-7783.
We also spoke with Cheralyn Creer at (801) 538-7576. She advised us that her office wrote a letter in favor of IMAA, but knows of no state initiatives.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.state.vt.us/educ/
(802) 828-3130 (General directory will lead to Special Education Question Line)
Nancy MacDonald, SPED Consultant
Vermont DOE
(802) 828-5120
Bill Romond
Educational Technology
(802) 828-0064
April 2003:
We spoke with Nancy MacDonald, SPED Consultant/Vermont DOE, at (802) 828-5120.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
§22.1-241—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually braille and large print only).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.pen.k12.va.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/sess/
John Eisenberg
Office of Special Education Instructional Services
(804) 225-2711
john [dot] eisenberg [at] doe [dot] virginia [dot] gov
Dr. Karen Trump, Director
Virginia Schools for Deaf and Blind
(804) 225-2702
ktrump [at] mail [dot] vak12ed [dot] edu
June 2003:
As of June 1, 2003, we remained unsuccessful in our attempts to interview representatives and officials in the state of Virginia.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide braille).
[Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28B.10.916—Requirements for publishers supplying instructional materials to institutions of higher education.]
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.k12.wa.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.k12.wa.us/specialed/
Dr. Douglas H. Gill, Director
Special Education Operations
(360) 725-6075
dgill [at] ospi [dot] wednet [dot] edu
April 2003:
In response to our inquiry, we received a message from Colleen Lines. She called on April 21, 2003. She works for the State School for the Blind, Braille Access Center ((360) 696-6321 ext. 183).
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
West Virginia Code (WVC) §18-10J-5—Law for publishers regarding K–12 blind/visually impaired students only (usually braille and large print only). (Includes requirements for publishers of materials for institutions of higher education, as well).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://wvde.state.wv.us/
Special Educationhttp://wvde.state.wv.us/ose/
Textbookshttp://wvde.state.wv.us/materials/
Steven McBride, Executive Director
Instructional Materials, West Virginia DOE
(304) 558-2691
smcbride [at] access [dot] k12 [dot] wv [dot] us
Annette Carey
Deaf/Blind Project
(304) 558-2696 ext. 242
acarey [at] access [dot] k12 [dot] wv [dot] us
Elizabeth "Betsy" Scott
Special Education Compliance & Monitoring
(304) 558-2696
ecscott [at] access [dot] k12 [dot] wv [dot] us
March 2003:
We spoke to Steven McBride, Executive Director, Instructional Materials, West Virginia Department of Education, at (304) 558-2691.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.dpi.state.wi.us/
Special Educationhttp://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dlsea/een/
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiativehttp://www.wati.org/
David Cederstrom, Materials Coordinator
Wisconsin Center for Blind and Visually Impaired
(608) 758-6146
david [dot] cederstrom [at] wcbvi [dot] k12 [dot] wi [dot] us
April 2003:
We first spoke to David Cederstrom, who referred us to Mark Ricabono, Director of Wisconsin Center for Blind and Visually Impaired at (608) 758-6196.
Current Laws | Proposed Laws | Links & Contacts | Interview Notes
No state law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or state DOE may provide Braille).
There are no proposed laws at this time.
Department of Educationhttp://www.k12.wy.us/
Gary Olson, Supervisor
Services for Visually Impaired
(307) 777-6257
golson [at] educ [dot] state [dot] wy [dot] us
April 2003:
We spoke with Sara Mofield, Wyoming State Department of Education at (307) 777-6236.
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
Department of Educationhttp://www.doe.as/
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP)http://www.oiep.bia.edu/
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
Department of Defense Education Agency (DoDEA)http://www.dodea.edu
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
District of Columbia Public Schoolshttp://www.k12.dc.us/dcps/home.html
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
Education in Guamhttp://www.guam.navy.mil/education.htm
Guam Public School Systemhttp://www.gdoe.net/
Active-duty military members, and federal employees hired from the U.S. with return rights, may choose to enroll their children in Department of Defense (DoD) Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS), Guam public schools, private schools, or may choose to homeschool. For information on DDESS visit http://www.ddess.org/
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Public School Systemhttp://www.pss.cnmi.mp/PSSCentralOffice/index2.cfm
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
Embassy of the Marshall Islandshttp://www.rmiembassyus.org
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
Government of the Federated States of Micronesiahttp://www.fsmgov.org
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
Republic of Palau Ministry of Educationhttp://www.palaumoe.net
Mario Katosang, Minister of Education, Special Education Coordinator
Palau Ministry of Education
(680) 488-2568
spedcor [at] palaunet [dot] com
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
Puerto Rico Department of Educationhttp://www.gobierno.pr/GPRPortal/Inicio/EducacionEInvestigacion/DE.htm
(787) 759-2000
No law for publishers to provide e-files or alternative versions of textbooks to K–12 students with print disabilities (publishers may do so anyway or DOE may provide Braille).
According to its web site, "The United States Virgin Islands Department of Education is an Executive Department of the Government of the Virgin Islands as mandated under Title III and XVII of the Virgin Islands Code. The department is headquartered in St. Thomas and functions as both a local education agency and a state-level agency."
Department of Educationhttp://www.usvi.org/education/index.html
Cite this page as
Perl, E. S., Gordon, D., & Jude, J. (2006). 2006 U.S. states and territories accessible curriculum survey. Wakefield, MA: National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum. Retrieved [insert date] from http://nimas.cast.org/about/resources/statessurvey.
The NIMAS Development and Technical Assistance Center, supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), works with states, TA systems, disability advocates, national associations, technology experts, publishers and content conversion houses to improve the timely delivery of high quality accessible educational materials to students with disabilities.The NIMAS Center was launched on October 1, 2004.The project officer for both the Development and TA Centers is Bonnie Jones, Ed.D. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the Department of Education's position or policy.