Blind students continuously struggle to receive the education they deserve. While administrators and educators are quick to blame blindness as the reason a student can’t succeed, the low expectations these institutions have for blind students is the true barrier. The Missoula chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is prepared to assist blind students and their parents to advocate for the education they deserve.

For k-12 Students

While the landscape under the current political turmoil is developing rapidly in the field of education, the laws that support blind students in primary and secondary education still stand.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requires organizations that receive federal funding to allow students with disabilities to participate in educational programs and places the responsibility for providing reasonable accommodations on the school. The Americans with Disabilities Act further enforces the requirement for physical access to these facilities as well as accessible means of communication. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, requires every child receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) regardless of disability, and makes provisions for an Individualized Education Program, or IEP. The IEP is essential for blind students, as it can guarantee proper education for blind students when properly crafted and executed.

As IEPs are collaborative programs created by educators, specialists, school administrators and the student’s guardians, they are often crafted for the best interest for the school and not the student. It’s also common in Montana for IEPs to continue to set low expectation for blind students, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

If you or your student would like assistance advocating for a free, appropriate public education, our chapter can provide consultation services or even participate as part of an IEP team as a specialist in blindness.

For College Students

While IDEA does not apply to the university system, the Americans with Disabilities Act provides ample legal coverage for anyone in post-secondary education. In Missoula, it’s likely that a college student is attending the University of Montana or Missoula College. If this is the case, contacting and enrolling with the Office of Disability Equity is the first step to ensuring accommodations are received. The Office for Disability Equity can be reached at (406_ 243-2243.

While this office has proven to be an ally of the NFB, if you or someone you know feels that they would like assistance or has questions related to accommodations or attending college as a blind student, we have many members who have been down this road. We’d love to help and answer any questions you may have and assist you on your journey.

Please reach out to us via email at missoulachapter@nfbmt.org to see how we can help you or your student get the education they deserve. We do not charge fees for advocacy, but are limited to our membership’s availability as volunteer advocates.