The Nebraska Instructional Resource Center (NIRC) is a depository of specialized materials that exists to support the unique educational needs of blind and visually impaired students statewide. Housed at NCECBVI, these materials may be accessed when a student is registered by NIRC in the Federal Quota Program.
Federal Quota Program
Registration
Inventory
Requesting Materials
Contact Information
Federal Quota Program
What is it?
In 1879 the U.S. Congress enacted a bill providing adapted educational materials to eligible students who meet the definition of blindness. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) was designated as the administrator of the Federal Quota Program. The annual registration of eligible students determines a per capita amount of Quota Funds that are credited to each state’s account at APH. This money is designated for the purchase of books and instructional materials produced by APH.
How much federal money is appropriated per registered student each year?
In 2011, $355.56 was appropriated per registered student.
Does this money belong to the student/school district?
No, the funds are pooled in an account at APH and used by NIRC to purchase materials for eligible students upon request.
Who is Eligible?
In order for students to be registered in the Federal Quota Program, they must meet the following requirements.
- Have documentation of legal blindness (current within the last 3 years).
- Be enrolled in a public or private, nonprofit educational program of less than college level.
- Be enrolled with the registering school or agency on the first Monday in January.
- Be between the ages of birth to 21 years.
- Have a written education plan.
What is the definition of legal blindness?
For Federal Quota Registration purposes an individual is considered legally blind if either of these criteria is met.
- Meets the definition of blindness (MDB) – That is, have a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with best correction or a peripheral field of vision no greater than 20 degrees.
- Functions at the Definition of Blindness (FDB) – When visual performance is reduced by a brain injury or dysfunction 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.
Registration
When does it take place?
Each January registration packets are mailed to all school districts in Nebraska. Registration materials are due back to NIRC by February 15th.
Do I need to wait until the annual registration to send in a form for a new student?
No, you should send a Federal Quota Registration Form to NIRC as soon as a student is identified as legally blind. You may begin accessing NIRC’s resources immediately.
What documentation of blindness do I need to send NIRC?
Eye doctor and neurologist reports verifying blindness do not need to be sent to NIRC but must be on file where the student is enrolled. It is recommended that the APH Federal Quota Vision Form be completed by the doctor to assist you in determining the child’s visual status, but is not required.
Do students need to be reverified each year?
The registration status of all visually impaired students is reviewed annually. There must be a current eye report within the last 3 years on file at the school district.
Are there any exceptions to the 3 year eye report rule?
An exemption from the current 3-year eye report regulation may be made for students with proven non-changing eye conditions, such as bilateral enucleations, anophthalmos, or other conditions determined immutable. To be used only when the DOCTOR has determined that the visual condition is NOT capable of improvement.
Can homeschooled students be registered?
Yes, if the home school program meets the guidelines and/or procedures in effect within each individual state.
Can homebound students be registered?
Yes, if they are enrolled in a formally organized, regularly scheduled educational or training program and have a written education plan.
Can students verified as partially sighted be registered?
No, not in the Federal Quota Program. But if they are listed on NIRC’s partially sighted enrollment forms during the annual registration, they will be allowed access to materials currently not in use by a legally blind student
Inventory
What types of books are available?
NIRC’s inventory contains both braille and large print textbooks and literary books.
Does NIRC have audio books?
No
What adapted instructional materials are available?
Every item included in APH’s Instructional Products Catalog is available from NIRC except for a few items listed as “Not Available with Quota Funds.” These items may be purchased directly from APH by an individual or educational agency.
Can I view NIRC’s inventory online?
Not at this time, but APH’s Product Catalog may be viewed online. Go to http://shop.aph.org.
What is the cost to access materials from NIRC?
There is absolutely no charge.
If an item borrowed from NIRC is lost or destroyed is there a fine?
This policy is under review.
Are any materials considered consumable?
Yes, large print workbooks produced by APH are considered consumable. Certain items from the APH Products Catalog are also consumable and therefore not cataloged into NIRC’s inventory. Please contact us for confirmation if unsure.
Can partially sighted students access NIRC’s materials?
Yes, they have access to any books or materials in NIRC’s inventory which are not currently being used by a legally blind student. However, we request that large print workbooks not be consumed.
Requesting Materials
Who can place requests?
Typically teachers of the visually impaired place orders with NIRC for their students when they determine an item is appropriate for their educational needs. However, special education department personnel may also order materials if they choose to do so.
How do I place a request?
At this time request forms are mailed or faxed to NIRC, but in the future this process will be online. Phone or email orders are also accepted at this time.
Is there a limit to the number of materials I may request?
No. So far, NIRC has been able to supply all items requested for legally blind students. Note that partially sighted students are limited though to what is currently in our inventory.
How long will it take before I receive requested materials?
If a requested item is in NIRC’s inventory and not checked out by another student, the turn-around time should be approximately one week. An exception to this may occur when the school year is beginning and large quantities of orders are placed.
How will materials be shipped to me?
Materials are shipped FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND through the U.S. postal system.
Does the student/school district own the requested materials?
No, all materials belong to the state as a whole.
Do borrowed materials need to be returned at the end of each year?
No, but an Inventory Recall is mailed in April each year asking patrons to inform NIRC which items will be returned and which will be kept for the next school year.
How do I return materials?
All items can be returned through the U.S. postal system as FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND. Use the red return address label that is included in each box. NOTE: APH instructional materials are to be returned in the original packing boxes!!
When should I place book requests for next school year?
Late winter to early spring is preferred. Braille books need to be ordered as early as possible to ensure timely delivery.
Contact Information
Nebraska Instructional Resource Center
824 10th Avenue
PO Box 129
Nebraska City, NE 68410
Phone: (402) 873-5513 or (800) 826-4355
Fax: (402) 873-3463
Karen Duffy, Coordinator
kduffy@esu4.net
Kristie Chaney, Assistant
kchaney@esu4.net
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