(a) A functional vision assessment conducted pursuant to Section 56320 shall be used as one criterion in determining the appropriate reading medium or media for the pupil.
(b) An assessment of braille skills shall be required for functionally blind pupils who have the ability to read in accordance with guidelines established pursuant to Section 56136. A local educational agency may provide pupils with low vision with the opportunity to receive assessments to determine the appropriate reading medium or media, including braille instruction, for the pupils.
(c) The determination, by a pupil’s individualized education program team, of the most appropriate medium or media, including braille, for functionally blind pupils who have the ability to read shall use as one criterion the assessment provided for pursuant to subdivision (b) and shall be in accordance with guidelines established pursuant to Section 56136.
(d) Except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 56351.5, braille instruction shall be provided by a teacher who holds an appropriate credential, as determined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, to teach pupils who are functionally blind or visually impaired.
(e) Each visually impaired pupil shall be provided with the opportunity to receive an assessment to determine the appropriate reading medium or media, including braille instruction, if appropriate, for that pupil.
(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 56, Sec. 54. Effective January 1, 2008.)