The Oklahoma School for the Blind, under the supervision of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, is a residential/day school whose legal purpose is to provide educational services to blind and visually impaired children residing in the State of Oklahoma. In addition, House Joint Resolution 1026, 1982, designates the school as a statewide resource for blind and visually impaired children, their parents, and local school districts.
(1) The basic eligibility criteria are, "All persons, residing in the State of Oklahoma...whose vision is so defective as to prevent them attending the public schools, and who are of such physical, mental and moral character as to enable them to pursue any one or all of the courses of study taught in this school, are eligible..." [70 OS 1991, Section 1724.](2) The school accepts referrals from Local Education Agencies (LEA's), Regional Educational Service Centers (RESC's), educational cooperatives, parents residing within the State of Oklahoma, and/or third party agencies or individuals. The local school districts are advised of all referrals. When a referral is received, an evaluation is scheduled and/or records are obtained to ascertain eligibility. If the initial screening reveals that the student may be eligible for admission, parents and LEA will be notified to participate in the initial Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting and an interim 30-day IEP shall be developed by the team. A final decision as to whether or not to continue enrollment shall be made no later than the last day of the 30-day interim period.(3) Admission to the school is accomplished through application directly from parents or guardians. The Oklahoma School for the Blind is committed to assuring that the provisions of Federal Statute 20 U.S.C. 1400 - 1485 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) are met and, toward this end, cooperates with the LEA's.Okla. Admin. Code § 612:20-5-1
Added at 10 Ok Reg 4643, eff 9-1-93 (emergency); Added at 11 Ok Reg 2459, eff 7-1-94