[blindkid] homeschooling question

Thu Nov 14 09:38:53 UTC 2013

Eligibility for APH Quota funds "For students to be eligible to participate
in the Federal Quota Program, they MUST fulfill the following requirements.

   - *Meet the Definition of Blindness (MDB)* - 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 field subtends an
   angular distance no greater than 20 degrees, or *Function at the
   Definition of Blindness (FDB)* which is visual performance reduced by
   brain injury or dysfunction when visual function meets the definition of
   blindness as determined by an eye care specialist or neurologist.
   - *"be enrolled in a formally organized public or private, nonprofit
   educational program of less than college level"*
   - School-aged students must be enrolled with the registering school or
   agency on the first Monday in January. Adult students must be registered
   for at least three months of instruction during the preceding calendar year
   (an accumulation of 12 weeks)."

The key is the area that are bold.  Second bullet point. Some homeschool
students are part of this some are not. Depends how the
states classify them.

Also in some states a student is a public school student if they are part
of an online charter school.   (the same would be private online school)

also the  Ex Officio Trustees decides how those funds are distributed.
 Some run leading programs for equipment.  some will allow teachers to
order items, some will allow families to order items.   Its depends on
their policies and how they see the best use of the funds.

In NH most homeschool students woudn't be part of the quota. Though last
year they found a 100 more kids (thats a big deal when our total count was
130 before)  by  really working hard at find students and reaching out to
the private special education schools. We regularly have 'extra' money that
needs to be spent by the end of September.  Abby's has a braille display
purchased with quota funds and it the states property and its on a long
term loan.   I know if i contact the department of education they will let
me order paper and other small items with quota funds.

here is the directory of ex offricio trustees  it would tell you who to
contact in your state. http://www.aph.org/federal-quota/trustees.html

On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 12:41 AM, Richard Holloway <rholloway at gopbc.org>wrote:

> In Georgia, the Smokey Powell Assistive Technology Center at Georgia
> Academy for the Blind also has a collection of equipment it loans within
> the state. I don't know if they loan to individuals or schools only.  Maybe
> there is something similar in New Jersey? If there is a state school for
> the blind it might be worth a call to ask?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Nov 13, 2013, at 5:57 PM, Sarah Thomas <seacknit at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > The quota funds are not enough to buy any assistive devices.  A few
> years ago it was around $250 per year.  Some states make it nearly
> impossible for homeschoolers to access the funds--even though the child is
> entitled to them.  I called APH and found out the name of our state quota
> fund coordinator.  I called that person directly and discussed how to
> access the funds.  The child has to be registered by January 1 to be
> eligible for the funds.  Also, the Texas School for the Blind has items
> that were purchased over time that were available for lend to blind kids.
>  In the end I did not access the funds but it did appear that it is
> possible in Texas.  There is also a blind homeschoolers Yahoo group that
> may be of some help. Best of luck to her.
> >
> > Sally Thomas
> >> On Nov 14, 2013, at 6:43 AM, Carol Castellano <
> carol_castellano at verizon.net> wrote:
> >>
> >> Any homeschoolers out there who can help with a question?  A New Jersey
> family would like information on the educational plan that APH requests for
> eligibility for quota funds.  Their child had an IEP in public school.  The
> mom plans to document their homeschooling plan and use of assistive devices
> and Braille in the home.
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Carol
> >>
> >> Carol Castellano
> >> Parents of Blind Children-NJ
> >> Director of Programs
> >> National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
> >> 973-377-0976
> >> carol_castellano at verizon.net
> >> www.blindchildren.org
> >> www.nfb.org/parents-and-teachers
> >>
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> >
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--Penny
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