As I highlight APH products, I have made a point to indicate clearly when a product is available using Quota Funds. Why do I consider this such valuable information? Many readers may be familiar with this program but other new TVIs and teachers at Schools for the Blind may benefit from clear information on this program. In this blog, I will explain the Quota Fund program, how your student can benefit from the program, and which science products on the site can be purchased using Quota Funds.
Quota Funds have been available for all eligible blind and visually impaired students since 1879 with the “Act to Promote the Education of the Blind.” This act allotted monies to provide books and other materials for the blind. Funds are available for all ages with the stipulations that the student be enrolled at least 20 hours in an educational program but not at college level. The allotment is per person and is purchases must be made through American Printing House for the Blind (APH) only.
APH gives a nice overview of Federal Quota Funds and how this program works. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) provides similar information in the article APH Quota Funds: How to Access Free Educational Materials for Blind and Deaf-Blind Students.
Many valuable products are available through APH. The following brief description is from the APH website:
A wide variety of specially designed and adapted materials are available from APH… core curriculum materials for teaching reading, social studies, mathematics, and science…materials for assessing and improving the use of low vision…expanded core curriculum materials for cultivating emergent literacy and concept development…for facilitating sensory, motor, and perceptual development, for developing self-help and prevocational skills. Other examples of available research-based materials are braille teaching programs, talking computer software, low vision development programs, infant intervention materials, and motor skills improvement kits.
Educational tools include adapted audio recording equipment, devices for writing braille, and talking computer hardware. Special supplies such as braille and bold-line papers, special binders and notebooks, and other consumable materials used in the classroom are also available
These materials are also included in the blog posts listed below related to preparing for students in various science classes.
Preparing for an Elementary-Aged Science Student
Preparing for Middle School Physical, Earth and Space Science
Preparing for a Chemistry Student
Preparing for a Biology Student
Preparing for a Middle School Life Science Student
By Laura Hospitál
Return to Accessible Science main page.