;
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016
3
could consider adding supplementary literacy tools or changing the primary
literacy medium (Lavigne & Adkins, 2003). The continuous assessment is just
as important as the initial assessment due to the fluctuation of vision and the
students literacy needs.
The law requires learning media assessment to be conducted on a
regular basis. IDEA 2004 includes specific provisions in relation to Braille
instruction for students with vision impairments "The IEP Team shall in the
case of a child who is blind or visually impaired, provide for instruction in
Braille and the use of Braille unless the IEP Team determines, after an
evaluation of the child's reading and writing skills, needs, and appropriate
reading and writing media (including an evaluation of the child's future needs
for instruction in Braille or the use of Braille), that instruction in Braille or the
use of Braille is not appropriate for the child. Section 614 (d)(3)(B)(iii)" (IDEA,
2004). In the IEP Braille is the default learning modality and the team has to
demonstrate and document if Braille is needed and include a reasonable
expectation if Braille will be needed in the future. The LMA offers the tool to
make that determination and monitors it over time.
29
