Make sure your students are counted! On January 1, MDE-LIO began conducting the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Federal Quota Program census.
APH provides accessible and innovative products and materials for students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI). The Federal Quota Program allocates funds annually to states based on information collected through the census. Students must meet a specific set of criteria to be eligible for Federal Quota funds. MDE-LIO is then able to provide products and materials for eligible students at no cost to districts.
2024 Census Updates
APH has modified its eligibility requirements for the census. Students are now eligible based on one or more of the following criteria:
- meet the definition of blindness
- function at the definition of blindness
- qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition of blindness: an impairment in vision, that, even with correction, adversely affects a child's education performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13))
The census deadline has also been extended to May 3, 2024. This extension will allow for additional time to add newly qualifying students and to gather signed parent consent forms. The requirement for an eye report has been waived again this year.
Learn more about the Federal Quota Program:
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact:
- Sarah Oberlin, ex-officio census assistant: [email protected] or 517-241-5732
- Roxanne Balfour, ex-officio trustee: [email protected] or 517-897-4138