American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Quota Fund
The Federal Act to Promote the education of the blind was established by Congress in 1879. This act is a means for providing adapted educational materials to eligible students who meet the definition of blindness. An annual registration of eligible students determines a per capita amount of money designated for the purchase of educational materials produced by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). These funds are credited to Federal Quota accounts, which are maintained and administered by APH and its ex-officio trustees throughout the country.
Lending Library
The Lending Library provides videos and books on deaf- blindness, visual impairments, Braille, life skills, communication, adjusting to loss of vision, eye conditions, mobility, and much more. Materials are available to Wyoming agencies, educators, families or clients in Wyoming as part of the Wyoming Deaf-Blind Project.
Talking Books
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, administers this free program that loans recorded, large print and braille books and magazines, and specially designed playback equipment to residents of the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of learning disability, a visual impairment or physical limitations. This program is available through all of the regional offices of Services for the Visually Impaired.
The Wyoming Deaf-Blind Project
The mission of the Wyoming Deaf-Blind Project is to ensure that all students in Wyoming who are deaf-blind receive the appropriate support and tools needed to enable them to achieve improved outcomes in school and go on to become contributing members of their community by providing technical assistance, resources and training to educators, service providers and families.
Next Step Assessment Clinic
The Next Step Assessment Clinic offers a transdisciplinary, play-based assessment designed to address areas of concern identified by the school and family. Information from the Next Step Clinic can be used to validate existing programming, identify areas of need, offer recommendations, resources and strategies for educational programming.
Educational assessment teams may include an Autism Specialist, Assistive Technology Professional, Deaf-Blind Educator, Occupational Therapist, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Physical Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Teacher of the Deaf, Teacher for Students with Visual Impairments, Special Education Teacher or School Psychologist. In addition, students may see an Audiologist, Optometrist, or Mealtime Management/Nutrition Team. Family members and school personnel are encouraged to participate during assessments. A written report is provided to the family and educational agency following the assessment. The WDE Deaf-Blind Project hosts the Next Step Assessment Clinic twice a year.
Montgomery Trust Fund for the Blind
Roy Montgomery left a portion of his estate to the State of Wyoming for the purpose of alleviating the condition of the visually impaired in order that their lives be made more productive, pleasant, comfortable and enjoyable. Interest from the trust is used each year to fund grant applications for adaptive equipment and specialized training. In order to qualify for funding, the trust must be the last source of funding available and the individual or group applying must be a client of WDE Vision Outreach Services and meet the qualifications and requirements of the Montgomery Trust Fund Review Board.
Literacy and Mathematics for Students with Significant Intellectual Disabilities
Through the Wyoming DeafBlind Grant, the Wyoming Department of Education provides training targeting academic instruction for students with significant intellectual disabilities.
