Sec.10-295-8. BESB TVIs for school age children

(a) The agency shall, consistent with Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 10-295, utilize a formula for determining the number of teachers needed to serve LEAs with students who are legally blind or visually impaired, assigning six points for each child who learns with Braille and one point for each other child. In determining the number of full-time certified TVIs necessary to optimally serve children on each caseload, twenty-five points shall represent one full-time equivalent position. LEAs shall have the option of choosing to receive the services of a BESB TVI to provide direct instruction and consultation services for eligible children.

(b) When appropriated funds are projected to be insufficient in any fiscal year to cover the cost of providing BESB TVIs and vision-related purchased services as set forth in statute, the agency is authorized to collect revenue on a per student, pro rata basis from all LEAs that have requested such services. In such circumstances, the agency shall notify LEAs in writing no later than January 1st of the school year, indicating the projected shortfall and the prorated fee necessary to cover the costs for the remainder of the school year. Such payments shall be paid to BESB before the end of the school year by a date determined by the agency.

(c) If an LEA is served by a BESB TVI, the agency may offer the following services:

(1) Braille instruction for students when it is included in their applicable Education Plan;

(2) direct instruction and guidance to a student in the ECC;

(3) adaptive technology services including the recommendation of appropriate vision-related devices and aids and training in their use;

(4) textbooks and materials from the agency's lending library to the LEA provided the books are returned when no longer needed for the educational needs of the child;

(5) curriculum consultation for classroom teachers who have students with blindness or visual impairment;

(6) in-service training and orientation on the education of children who are blind or visually impaired to staff of the LEA.

(d) When an IEP stipulates a level of service for a student that exceeds the time availability of the BESB TVI, the LEA shall be responsible for the provision of services that cannot be reasonably covered by the BESB staff member.

(e) LEAs shall notify BESB in writing by the last business day in May of each year if a BESB TVI is requested for the upcoming school year.

(Effective October 25, 1989; Amended May 9, 2011)