OSEP Eligibility Determinations for Children Suspected of Having a Visual Impairment Including Blindness under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Important memorandum from OSEP on state-level procedures concerning visual impairment (PDF document)

On November 12, 2014, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) issued a response to an inquiry for policy clarification addressing whether a State educational agency (SEA) and/or local educational agency (LEA) is permitted to establish procedures that further define the disability category, "visual impairment including blindness," under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 1 Since that time, OSEP has received a request for written guidance to assist SEAs in supporting their LEAs in reaching appropriate eligibility determinations for children with this disability. The attached memorandum from OSEP provides additional guidance on this important issue, and shares information about outside resources that may be helpful as you examine your state's procedures related to the identification and evaluation of children suspected of having a visual impairment including blindness.  Read the memorandum.