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Braille/Refreshable Braille

This accommodation provides brailled materials or screen reader support for refreshable braille displays to a student with a Visual Impairment who is unable to access printed materials.

 

Allowable on at least one state assessment Allowable on state assessment: This accommodation is allowable on at least one state assessment. See which tests allow this accommodation

Assistive Technology Assistive Technology (AT): This accommodation includes AT. Be sure AT needs are included as accommodations on the IEP and that the PEIMS code reflects this.

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Examples Include:

  • For assessments: state-provided contracted and uncontracted braille test materials in Unified English Braille (UEB) in all grades and subjects

  • For online assessments: online screen reader support for refreshable braille displays in applicable reading, writing, and social studies assessments

How to Implement:

  • 1.

    Determine whether the student currently uses Braille as his or her primary method of reading.

    Determine whether the student currently uses Braille as his or her primary method of reading.

  • 2.

    Review lesson plans and instructional materials each week with the teacher of the visually impaired (TVI).

    Review lesson plans and instructional materials each week with the teacher of the visually impaired (TVI).

  • 3.

    Provide one to two weeks advanced notice for creation of materials in Braille and gathering of manipulatives.

    Provide one to two weeks advanced notice for creation of materials in Braille and gathering of manipulatives.

  • 4.

    Use adapted materials during daily instruction and testing, consulting the student’s IEP for guidance.

    Use adapted materials during daily instruction and testing, consulting the student’s IEP for guidance.

  • 5.

    Monitor and record the student's response accuracy and the student's engagement to judge instructional effectiveness.

    Monitor and record the student's response accuracy and the student's engagement to judge instructional effectiveness.

  • 6.

    Share your findings with the student, the educational team, and the family.

    Share your findings with the student, the educational team, and the family.

Review the TEA policy document for details about allowable use of braille/refreshable braille during state assessments. 

Review the TEA Testing with Assistive Technology for Braille Tests.

State Assessment
Allowability

Some accommodations appropriate for instructional use may not be allowable on a statewide assessment. Select the state assessment to view the implementation policies.

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STAAR + –

Type: Designated Support 

Assessments: all grades, all subjects

Student Eligibility Criteria:

  • routinely uses braille materials during classroom instruction and classroom testing
STAAR Alternate 2 + –

Test administrator may add braille labels to images or provide braille text.

STAAR Alt. 2 Allowable Accommodations

TELPAS + –

Type: Designated Support 

Assessments: Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) reading (all grades for brailled test material)

Student Eligibility Criteria:

  • routinely uses braille materials during classroom instruction and classroom testing.