SB0127A -1- SB 127
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SENATE BILL NO. 127
IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA
THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION
BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON BY REQUEST
Introduced: 3/12/25
Referred: Education, Finance
A BILL
FOR AN ACT ENTITLED
"An Act relating to the education of visually impaired students in public schools." 1
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA: 2
* Section 1. AS 14.30.278 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: 3
(d) When developing an individualized education program for a student with 4
visual impairment, the school district shall presume that proficiency in literacy is 5
essential for the student to meet the student's annual education goals. An 6
individualized education program for a student with visual impairment must include 7
braille instruction unless it is determined while developing the individualized 8
education plan that other special education services are more appropriate to the 9
student's educational needs; however, the provision of other appropriate services does 10
not preclude the provision of braille instruction. 11
* Sec. 2. AS 14.30.630 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: 12
(c) The agency, in cooperation with the department and school districts, shall 13
administer a program of special education services, in addition to the special education 14
services provided by the public school system, that is designed to meet the educational 15 34-LS0138\A
SB 127 -2- SB0127A
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needs of visually impaired children who are at least three years of age but less than 22 1
years of age. The program may provide special materials or services and employ 2
teachers who are not assigned to a specific classroom or special education teachers for 3
visually impaired students. The agency shall assist the department and school districts 4
with in-person training in braille for currently employed teachers of students who are 5
visually impaired. 6
* Sec. 3. AS 14.60.010 is amended by adding a new paragraph to read: 7
(11) "braille" means the system of reading and writing through touch, 8
which is commonly known as Standard English Braille, Grade 2. 9