State plans

Section 612 (20 U.S.C. 1412), as amended by sections 102 and 202 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: (i) Addendum concerning children who are deafblind (1) In general Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (c), a State shall not be determined to be in compliance with this section unless, not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act, the State files with the Secretary a written addendum to the plan required by this section describing how the State ensures that— (A) children who are deafblind (regardless of the State’s use of disability categories or the extent to which children with deafblindness may be classified in disability categories other than deafblindness) are evaluated by qualified professionals, including teachers of the deafblind, using valid and reliable assessments, for such children’s need for instruction and services that meet their unique language and communication, literacy, academic, social and related learning needs, including instruction which may be needed by children without disabilities or with other disabilities but which must be specifically designed, modified, or delivered to meet the unique language and communication, academic, and related learning needs of children who are deafblind; (B) there is sufficient availability of personnel, including teachers of the deafblind and interveners, within the State qualified to provide the evaluation, instruction, and services described in subparagraph (A) to all children within the State requiring such instruction; and (C) all children who are deafblind within the State who need special education and related services, whether or not such children have other disabilities, receive such instruction and are not being served solely in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794). (2) Contents In preparing the addendum described in paragraph (1), the State shall— (A) specifically address how the State meets the needs of children who are deafblind to support ongoing progress in language development and in the child’s preferred mode of communication, and including the provision of school-related opportunities for direct communications with peers and professional personnel in the child’s preferred mode of communication and opportunities for direct instruction in (but not limited to) concept development, functional skills for academic success, self-determination and advocacy, social-emotional skills, visual and auditory sensory efficiency skills, orientation and mobility, assistive technology proficiency, independent living skills, age-appropriate career education, and support for the student through family education; and (B) consult with individuals and organizations with expertise in the education of children who are deafblind, including parents, consumers, advocacy organizations, national and State organizations focused on deafblindness, and others the State may identify..