The Reader Services for Blind Teachers Program enables the governing board of each school district, each county superintendent of schools and each state special school or center to employ qualified persons to serve as readers for certificated classroom teachers who are legally blind.
Requirements for participation are as follows:
- The certificated classroom teacher must be legally blind.
The definition of "legally blind" is central--visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting glasses, or a peripheral field so contracted that the widest diameter of such a field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees.
- A maximum of 15 hours per school week is reimbursable.
- Only qualified persons should serve as readers.
The determination of who is a "qualified person" is left to the good judgment of the employing district and the individual using the services, but the only service to be provided under this program is reader services. This funding is not to be used for teachers' aides, drivers or transcribers.
Education Code Section 45370 It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article that the governing board of each school district, each county superintendent of schools and each state special school or center employ qualified persons to serve as readers for the legally blind certified classroom teachers employed by each of these entities.
Education Code Section 45371 There is hereby created in the State Treasury the Reader Employment Fund, to be administered by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. From any funds that are appropriated to the Reader Employment Fund, the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall allocate to each applicant school district, county superintendent of schools, and state special school or center operated pursuant to Part 32 (commencing with Section 59000) an amount sufficient to provide the legally blind certificated classroom teachers employed by the applicant with the services of a reader for a maximum of 15 hours per school week.
Education Code Section 45372 The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall establish the procedures and necessary forms for applications for funding pursuant to this section.
The California Department of Education provides assistance to local education agencies in filing annual letters of intent to participate in this program.
Reader Services for Blind Teachers Program Forms
Letter of Intent to Particpate form (DOC; 29KB; 1p.)
Reimbursement Claim form (DOC; 25KB; 1p.)
