Chapter 3325 | Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services

Section 3325.01 | Ohio deaf and blind education services; appointment of superintendent.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Ohio deaf and blind education services is hereby established and shall include the state school for the deaf and the state school for the blind. Ohio deaf and blind education services shall operate under the control and supervision of the department of education and workforce. The department shall appoint a superintendent for Ohio deaf and blind education services, who shall supervise the state school for the deaf and the state school for the blind. The superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services shall serve at the pleasure of the department. The superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services may create additional divisions to meet the educational needs of students throughout the state who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 11:12 AM

Section 3325.011 | Admission of pupils to state school for the deaf.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Subject to the regulations adopted by the department of education and workforce, the state school for the deaf shall be open to receive persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind residents of this state, who, in the judgment of the director of education and workforce and the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services, due to such disability, cannot be educated in the public school system and are suitable persons to receive instructions according to the methods employed in such school.

Last updated September 7, 2023 at 9:17 AM

Section 3325.02 | Admission of pupils to state school for the blind.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this chapter, a person with a "visual impairment" means the person is blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or has multiple disabilities if one of the disabilities is vision related.

(B) Subject to the regulations adopted by the department of education and workforce, the state school for the blind shall be open to receive persons who are residents of this state, whose disabilities are visual impairments, and who, in the judgment of the director of education and workforce and the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services, due to such disability, cannot be educated in the public school system and are suitable persons to receive instructions according to the methods employed in the school.

Last updated September 7, 2023 at 9:23 AM

Section 3325.03 | Return of pupil to parents.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services may return any pupil under the superintendent's jurisdiction to the pupil's resident school district if, in the opinion of the superintendent and the director of education and workforce, that pupil is not making sufficient progress to justify continuance as a pupil at the state school for the deaf or the state school for the blind.

Last updated September 7, 2023 at 9:27 AM

Section 3325.04 | Employment of teachers.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services, with the approval of the director of education and workforce, shall, subject to the rules and regulations of the civil service, employ suitable teachers, nurses, and other staff necessary to operate Ohio deaf and blind education services and provide proper instruction and care to the pupils under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services.

Last updated September 7, 2023 at 11:53 AM

Section 3325.05 | Higher education for blind pupils - residence requirements.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The department of education and workforce may provide for the further and higher education of any blind pupils, who in its judgment are capable of receiving sufficient benefit to render them more efficient as citizens, by providing appropriate assistive technology to enable such persons to read from textbooks and pamphlets used in their studies while in attendance as regularly matriculated students in any college, university, or technical or professional school located in this state and authorized to grant degrees. Any fund appropriated for such purpose shall be distributed under the direct supervision of the department. No person shall receive the benefit conferred by this section who has not had an actual residence in this state for at least one year.

Last updated September 7, 2023 at 9:38 AM

Section 3325.06 | Preschool training of deaf or hard of hearing children and children who are visually impaired.

• Effective: January 1, 2025
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 101 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Ohio deaf and blind education services, in consultation with the department of children and youth, shall institute and establish a program of education to train parents of deaf or hard of hearing children of preschool age. The object and purpose of the educational program shall be to aid and assist the parents of deaf or hard of hearing children of preschool age in affording to the children the means of optimum communicational facilities.

(B) Ohio deaf and blind education services, in consultation with the department of children and youth, shall institute and establish a program of education to train and assist parents of blind or visually impaired children of preschool age. The object and purpose of the educational program shall be to enable the parents of blind or visually impaired children of preschool age to provide their children with learning experiences that develop early literacy, communication, mobility, and daily living skills so the children can function independently in their living environments.

Last updated January 1, 2025 at 5:21 AM

Section 3325.07 | Programs to enable deaf and hard of hearing children to construct pattern of communication; fees.

• Effective: January 1, 2025
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 101 - 135th General Assembly

Ohio deaf and blind education services, in consultation with the department of children and youth, in carrying out this section and division (A) of section 3325.06 of the Revised Code shall, insofar as practicable, plan, present, and carry into effect an educational program by means of any of the following methods of instruction:

(A) Classes for parents of deaf or hard of hearing children of preschool age;

(B) A preschool where parent and child may enter the preschool as a unit;

(C) Correspondence course;

(D) Personal consultations and interviews;

(E) Child care or child development courses;

(F) Summer enrichment courses;

(G) By such other means or methods as the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services deems advisable that would permit a deaf or hard of hearing child of preschool age to build communication skills at an early age.

The superintendent may allow children who are not deaf or hard of hearing to participate in the methods of instruction described in divisions (A) to (G) of this section as a means to assist deaf or hard of hearing children to build communication skills. The superintendent shall establish policies and procedures regarding the participation of children who are not deaf or hard of hearing.

The superintendent may establish reasonable fees for participation in the methods of instruction described in divisions (A) to (G) of this section to defray the costs of carrying them out. The superintendent shall determine the manner by which any such fees shall be collected. All fees shall be deposited in the even start fees and gifts fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. The money in the fund shall be used to implement this section.

Last updated January 1, 2025 at 5:21 AM

Section 3325.071 | Programs to enable visually impaired children to construct pattern of communication; fees.

• Effective: January 1, 2025
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 250 - 135th General Assembly

Ohio deaf and blind education services, in consultation with the department of children and youth, in carrying out this section and division (B) of section 3325.06 of the Revised Code shall, insofar as practicable, plan, present, and carry into effect an educational program by means of any of the following methods of instruction:

(A) Classes for parents of children of preschool age whose disabilities are visual impairments, independently or in cooperation with community agencies;

(B) A preschool where a parent and child may enter the preschool as a unit;

(C) Correspondence course;

(D) Personal consultations and interviews;

(E) Child care or child development courses for children and parents;

(F) Summer enrichment courses;

(G) By such other means or methods as the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services deems advisable that would permit a child of preschool age whose disability is a visual impairment to build communication skills and develop literacy, mobility, and independence at an early age.

The superintendent may allow children who do not have disabilities that are visual impairments to participate in the methods of instruction described in divisions (A) to (G) of this section so that children of preschool age whose disabilities are visual impairments are able to learn alongside their peers while receiving specialized instruction that is based on early learning and development strategies. The superintendent shall establish policies and procedures regarding the participation of children who do not have disabilities that are visual impairments.

The superintendent may establish reasonable fees for participation in the methods of instruction described in divisions (A) to (G) of this section to defray the costs of carrying them out. The superintendent shall determine the manner by which any such fees shall be collected. All fees shall be deposited in the state school for the blind even start fees and gifts fund, which is hereby created in the state treasury. The money in the fund shall be used to implement this section.

Last updated January 4, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Section 3325.08 | Requirement for granting of diploma or honors diploma.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) A diploma shall be granted by the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services to any student enrolled in the state school for the blind or the state school for the deaf to whom all of the following apply:

(1) The student has successfully completed the individualized education program developed for the student for the student's high school education pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code;

(2) Subject to section 3313.614 of the Revised Code, the student has met the assessment requirements of division (A)(2)(a) or (b) of this section, as applicable.

(a) If the student entered the ninth grade prior to July 1, 2014, the student either:

(i) Has attained at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments prescribed by that division unless division (L) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code applies to the student;

(ii) Has satisfied the alternative conditions prescribed in section 3313.615 of the Revised Code.

(b) If the student entered the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2014, the student has met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code, except to the extent that division (L) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code applies to the student.

(3) The student is not eligible to receive an honors diploma granted pursuant to division (B) of this section.

No diploma shall be granted under this division to anyone except as provided under this division.

(B) In lieu of a diploma granted under division (A) of this section, the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services shall grant an honors diploma, in the same manner that the boards of education of school districts grant such diplomas under division (B) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code, to any student enrolled in the state school for the blind or the state school for the deaf who accomplishes all of the following:

(1) Successfully completes the individualized education program developed for the student for the student's high school education pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code;

(2) Subject to section 3313.614 of the Revised Code, has met the assessment requirements of division (B)(2)(a) or (b) of this section, as applicable.

(a) If the student entered the ninth grade prior to July 1, 2014, the student either:

(i) Has attained at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments prescribed under that division;

(ii) Has satisfied the alternative conditions prescribed in section 3313.615 of the Revised Code.

(b) If the student entered the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2014, the student has met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code.

(3) Has met additional criteria for granting an honors diploma.

These additional criteria shall be the same as those prescribed by the state board under division (B) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code for the granting of such diplomas by school districts. No honors diploma shall be granted to anyone failing to comply with this division and not more than one honors diploma shall be granted to any student under this division.

(C) A diploma or honors diploma awarded under this section shall be signed by the director of education and workforce and the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services. Each diploma shall bear the date of its issue and be in such form as the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services prescribes.

(D) Upon granting a diploma to a student under this section, the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services shall provide notice of receipt of the diploma to the board of education of the school district where the student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code when not residing at the state school for the blind or the state school for the deaf. The notice shall indicate the type of diploma granted.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:07 PM

Section 3325.09 | Career-technical education and work training programs.

• Effective: April 30, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 101 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Ohio deaf and blind education services shall institute and establish career-technical education and work training programs for secondary and post-secondary students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. These programs shall develop communication, mobility, and work skills and assist students in becoming productive members of society so that they can contribute to their communities and living environments.

(B) Ohio deaf and blind education services may use any gifts, donations, or bequests it receives under section 3325.10 or 3325.15 of the Revised Code for one or more of the following purposes that are related to career-technical and work training programs for secondary and post-secondary students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind:

(1) Room and board;

(2) Training in mobility and orientation;

(3) Activities that teach daily living skills;

(4) Rehabilitation technology;

(5) Activities that teach group and individual social and interpersonal skills;

(6) Work placement in the community by the school or a community agency;

(7) Transportation to and from work sites or locations of community interaction;

(8) Supervision and management of programs and services.

(C) For the purposes of division (B) of this section, Ohio deaf and blind education services shall use funds received under section 3325.10 or 3325.15 of the Revised Code only for the school for which the funds were designated.

Last updated February 7, 2024 at 2:42 PM

Section 3325.10 | State school for the blind - federal funds and gifts.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Ohio deaf and blind education services may receive and administer any federal funds relating to the education of students at the state school for the blind whose disabilities are visual impairments, including secondary and post-secondary students. Ohio deaf and blind education services also may accept and administer any gifts, donations, or bequests made to it for programs or services relating to the education of students at the state school for the blind whose disabilities are visual impairments, including secondary and post-secondary students.

Last updated September 25, 2023 at 2:53 PM

Section 3325.11 | Student activity and work-study fund.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

There is hereby created in the state treasury Ohio deaf and blind education services student activity and work-study fund. Moneys received from donations, bequests, the vocational programs of the state school for the blind and the state school for the deaf, and any other moneys designated for deposit in the fund by the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services shall be credited to the fund. Notwithstanding section 3325.01 of the Revised Code, the approval of the department of education and workforce is not required to designate money for deposit into the fund. Ohio deaf and blind education services shall use money in the fund for the state school for the blind, the state school for the deaf, and Ohio deaf and blind education services' operating expenses, including, but not limited to, personal services, maintenance, and equipment related to student support, activities, and vocational programs, and for providing scholarships to students for further training upon graduation.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 11:29 AM

Section 3325.12 | Funds deposited for special benefit of pupil.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Money deposited with the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services by parents, relatives, guardians, and friends for the special benefit of any pupil at the state school for the blind or the state school for the deaf shall remain in the hands of the superintendent for use accordingly. The superintendent shall deposit the money into one or more personal deposit funds. The superintendent shall keep itemized book accounts of the receipt and disposition of the money, which books shall be open at all times to the inspection of the director of education and workforce. The superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services shall adopt procedures governing the deposit, transfer, withdrawal, or investment of the money and the investment earnings of the money.

Whenever a pupil ceases to be enrolled in the state school for the blind or the state school for the deaf, if personal money of the pupil remains in the hands of the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services and no demand is made upon the superintendent by the pupil or the pupil's parent or guardian, the superintendent shall hold the money in a personal deposit fund for a period of at least one year. During that time, the superintendent shall make every effort possible to locate the pupil or the pupil's parent or guardian. If, at the end of this period, no demand has been made for the money of a pupil in the state school for the blind, the superintendent shall dispose of the money by transferring it to the state school for the blind educational program expense fund established by section 3325.17 of the Revised Code. If at the end of this period, no demand has been made for the money of a pupil in the state school for the deaf, the superintendent shall dispose of the money by transferring it to the state school for the deaf educational program expenses fund established by section 3325.16 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:32 AM

Section 3325.13 | Employees food service fund.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Ohio deaf and blind education services employees food service fund is hereby created in the state treasury. The fund shall consist of payments received from employees who make purchases from the food service program of the state school for the blind or state school for the deaf. Notwithstanding section 3325.01 of the Revised Code, the approval of the department of education and workforce is not required to designate money for deposit into the fund. Ohio deaf and blind education services shall use money in the fund to pay costs associated with Ohio deaf and blind education services' food service program.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 11:30 AM

Section 3325.15 | Federal funds and gifts for education deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind students.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Ohio deaf and blind education services may receive and administer any federal funds relating to the education of deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind students. Ohio deaf and blind education services also may accept and administer any gifts, donations, or bequests given to it for programs or services relating to the education of deaf or hard of hearing students and the state school for the deaf.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 11:33 AM

Section 3325.16 | State school for the deaf educational program expenses fund.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

There is hereby created in the state treasury the state school for the deaf educational program expenses fund. Moneys received by Ohio deaf and blind education services for the state school for the deaf from donations, bequests, student fundraising activities, fees charged for camps and workshops, gate receipts from athletic contests, and the student work experience program operated by the school, and any other moneys designated for deposit in the fund by the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services, shall be credited to the fund. Notwithstanding section 3325.01 of the Revised Code, the approval of the department of education and workforce is not required to designate money for deposit into the fund. Ohio deaf and blind education services shall use moneys in the fund for educational programs, after-school activities, and expenses associated with student activities and clubs at the state school for the deaf.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 11:34 AM

Section 3325.17 | State school for the blind educational program expense fund.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

There is hereby created in the state treasury the state school for the blind educational program expense fund. Moneys received by Ohio deaf and blind education services for the state school for the blind from donations, bequests, student fundraising activities, fees charged for camps, workshops, and summer work and learn cooperative programs, gate receipts from school activities, and any other moneys designated for deposit in the fund by the superintendent of Ohio deaf and blind education services, shall be credited to the fund. Notwithstanding section 3325.01 of the Revised Code, the approval of the department of education and workforce is not required to designate money for deposit into the fund. Ohio deaf and blind education services shall use moneys in the fund for educational programs, after-school activities, and expenses associated with student activities at the state school for the blind.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:39 AM