Texas House Bill HB4555

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to determining a student's eligibility for a school district's special education program on the basis of the student's visual impairment.

Impact

The implementation of HB4555 is expected to enhance the support provided to students with visual impairments by ensuring that school districts adopt more rigorous evaluation protocols. By mandating the involvement of certified orientation and mobility specialists, the bill aims to provide a more accurate assessment of a student's needs, which will presumably lead to more appropriate educational placements and supports. This could positively impact the educational achievements of these students as they receive tailored assistance based on thorough evaluations.

Summary

House Bill 4555 addresses the process for determining a student's eligibility for special education services based on visual impairment. The bill amends the Education Code to require a comprehensive evaluation that includes an orientation and mobility assessment, ensuring that professionals certified in this area conduct the evaluation. This means that the process for determining eligibility will now be more specific and tailored to the needs of students with visual impairments, taking into account various environments in which the student may operate, including home, school, and community settings.

Contention

While the bill seems to have strong potential benefits, there may be concerns regarding the availability and accessibility of certified orientation and mobility specialists in all areas. There might be apprehensions from smaller or underfunded districts about the feasibility of implementing these requirements, particularly if it increases the financial burden of conducting thorough evaluations. Moreover, discussions may also arise concerning the timing for implementation and the potential need for additional training for existing staff to comply with the new standards outlined in HB4555.