Texas Senate Bill SB38

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/12/12

Caption

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

Impact

The bill mandates that all evaluations for children seeking special education services related to visual impairments include assessments from an orientation and mobility specialist. This requirement is expected to enhance the quality and consistency of evaluations across school districts, potentially leading to better support for visually impaired students. With these changes, districts will need to adjust their evaluation protocols to align with the new legislation, impacting their resource allocation and staffing decisions.

Summary

Senate Bill 38 focuses on the evaluation procedures for determining a child's eligibility for special education programs specifically on the basis of visual impairment. It seeks to amend the Education Code by introducing new rules that require the inclusion of an orientation and mobility evaluation conducted by certified specialists. This aims to provide a comprehensive assessment in various environments, ensuring that children are evaluated fairly and thoroughly.

Contention

While SB38 primarily garners support for its inclusive approach to special education, there may be concerns about the availability of certified specialists and the implications of meeting these new requirements, particularly for smaller or underfunded districts. The burden of compliance with additional evaluation standards could lead to resource strains, prompting discussions around the need for adequate funding and training for school personnel involved in these evaluations.