Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 6A-6.03022 - Exceptional Student Education Eligibility for Students with Dual Sensory Impairments
(1) Definitions.
(a) Dual sensory impairment is defined to
mean concomitant hearing and visual impairments, or an etiology or diagnosed
medical condition that indicates a potential dual sensory loss, the combination
of which impacts communication, independence, and other developmental and
educational needs.
(b) Functional
blindness is defined to mean that the physical structures of the eye may be
functioning, but the student does not attend to, examine, or utilize visual
information. This may include cortical visual impairment.
(c) Functional hearing loss is defined to
mean that parts of the auditory system may be functioning but the student does
not attend to, respond, localize, or utilize auditory information. This may
include cortical hearing impairment or auditory neuropathy or auditory
dyssynchrony.
(2) General
education interventions and activities. Prior to referral for evaluation the
requirements in subsection
6A-6.0331(1),
F.A.C., must be met.
(3)
Evaluation. In addition to the procedures identified in subsection
6A-6.0331(5),
F.A.C., the minimum evaluation procedures for determining eligibility shall
include all of the following:
(a) A medical
eye examination by a ophthalmologist or optometrist licensed in Florida in
accordance with Chapter 458 or 463, F.S., unless a report of medical
examination from a physician licensed in another state is permitted in
accordance with paragraph
6A-6.0331(3)(e),
F.A.C., describing: etiology, diagnosis, treatment regimen, prognosis, near and
distance vision, corrected and uncorrected acuity measures for left eye, right
eye, and both eyes, measure of field of vision, and recommendations for
lighting levels, physical activity, aids, or use of glasses, as
appropriate;
(b) An audiological
evaluation;
(c) A comprehensive
assessment of skills known to be impacted by hearing and vision impairments, to
include: functional hearing assessment; an assessment of social development;
evaluation of receptive and expressive communication by a speech and language
pathologist; functional vision evaluation; learning media assessment; and, if
appropriate, orientation and mobility assessment and sign language assessment;
and,
(d) If available, a medical
report from a physician licensed in Florida in accordance with Chapter 458 or
463, F.S., unless a report of medical examination from a physician licensed in
another state is permitted in accordance with paragraph
6A-6.0331(3)(e),
F.A.C., describing the etiology or diagnosis of the student's medical condition
that does, or has the potential to, result in dual sensory
loss.
(4) Criteria for
eligibility. A student with a dual sensory impairment is eligible for
exceptional student education when either of the following criteria is met.
(a) For students diagnosed with a medical
condition having the potential for dual sensory loss:
1. A medical report from a physician licensed
in Florida in accordance with Chapter 458 or 463, F.S., unless a report of
medical examination from a physician licensed in another state is permitted in
accordance with paragraph
6A-6.0331(3)(e),
F.A.C., confirming the existence of such a diagnosis, its prognosis, and the
potential for dual sensory loss; and,
2. The student needs special education as
defined in Rule 6A-6.03411, F.A.C.;
or
(b) For students with
vision and hearing impairments:
1. The student
meets criteria listed in subsection
6A-6.03014(4),
F.A.C., or has functional blindness;
2. The student meets criteria listed in
subsection 6A-6.03013(4),
F.A.C., or has functional hearing loss; and,
3. The student needs special education as
defined in rule 6A-6.03411,
F.A.C.
(5)
Students identified with a dual sensory impairment shall be included in the
state's annual census report for the national child count of children and youth
who are both deaf and blind and be registered to receive materials from the
Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired.
(6) Reevaluation shall occur at least every
three (3) years and shall include, a comprehensive assessment of skills known
to be impacted by hearing and vision impairments, to include: functional
hearing assessment; an assessment of social development; evaluation of
receptive and expressive communication by a speech and language pathologist;
functional vision evaluation; learning media assessment; and, if appropriate,
orientation and mobility assessment and sign language
assessment.
Notes
Rulemaking Authority 1003.01, 1003.57, 1003.571 FS. Law Implemented 1003.01, 1003.57, 1003.571 FS.
New 7-2-79, Formerly 6A-6.3022, Amended 10-3-91, 12-15-09, 12-23-14.
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