American Printing House for the Blind Federal Quota

The Federal Quota Program was initiated in 1879 by the Federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind. This program is a means whereby a per capita amount of money is designated for the purchase of educational materials for each eligible student registered through an established Federal Quota account. These Federal Quota accounts are maintained and administered by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and its Ex Officio Trustees.

Eligibility for Federal Quota Registration

In order for a student to be eligible for registration in the Federal Quota Program, they MUST meet one of the following visual criteria as outlined in An Act to Promote the Education of the Blind:

MDB= Meet the definition of blindness —a central visual acuity of 20/200(Snellen chart or acuity in Snellen equivalents) in the better eye with the best correction or a peripheral field of vision no greater than 20 degrees,

OR

FDB= Function at the definition of blindness—When visual performance is reduced by a brain injury or dysfunction when visual function meets the definition of blindness as determined by an eye care specialist or neurologist. Students in this category manifest unique visual characteristics often found in conditions referred to as neurological, cortical, or cerebral visual impairment.

OR

IDEA= Qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act definition of blindness: an impairment in vision, that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance. IF the student is NEITHER MDB or FDB, they may be eligible if they qualify under the IDEA definition as it includes partial sight (visually impaired) and blindness. (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13). Student must be on an IEP, 504 does not qualify.

Also, for student to be eligible for registration in the Federal Quota Program, the AIM Library must have a Parent Consent on file.

Each infant, preschool, or school-aged student must have a signed parent consent.

If a student is an adult (18 or older) and his/her own guardian, there is an Over 18 Consent Form the student will need to submit to provide permission for release of personally identifiable information (PII).

There is NO chronological age limit for eligibility. The federal law limits registration to persons working at less than college level, but places no restriction on the ages of eligible students.

Signed education plans, medical documentation and permission forms are not kept by APH. It is the responsibility of the Ex Officio Trustee to secure and retain eligibility documentation from the LEA or parent in the event that an audit requires evidence of the student’s educational program or visual acuity:

Parent permissions do not need to be collected on an annual basis. Once you have secured the parent permission, it is good until FERPA and IDEA no longer apply.

For each student, the following information must be reported:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • School system or agency in which student is enrolled
  • Grade Placement
  • Meet or function at the definition of blindness
  • Primary reading medium
  • Primary Instructional Language of Learner

The APH Federal Quota Census takes place each year. In Massachusetts, certified teachers of students with visual impairments are responsible for reporting students to the AIM Library for the Federal Quota Census.

Not reporting your student by the due date means your student will not generate Federal Quota Funds and they will not be eligible for APH materials.