vb960327.htm

Demographics Update

LEGALLY BLIND STUDENTS REGISTERED WITH THE AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND

Each year the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) compiles a register of legally blind students, all below the college level, who are eligible to receive adapted educational materials provided under the 1879 U.S. Act to Promote the Education of the Blind. In 1995, 54,763 students were registered to receive adapted educational materials. Approximately 4,100 students were enrolled in infant programs, 5,500 in preschool, and 1,500 in kindergarten. About 17,100 students were enrolled in grades 1-12. Another 2,400 students were classified by APH as "academic nongraded" because they were still in the process of being placed in a specific grade. Small numbers of school-age students were in post-high school programs (50) or vocational training (128). About 14,700 students of school age did not fit into any of these placements; for example, students in prevocational training and in other classes for nonacademic students. Finally, 9,200 adults above their state's school age were enrolled in educational programs below the college level.

The largest percentage of the students (84%) were reported by state departments of education. Residential schools enrolled 8 percent; rehabilitation programs, 5 percent; and programs for multiply disabled students, 3 percent.

The students used different primary reading media. Just over one-quarter (26%) were primarily visual readers; 10 percent were primarily braille readers; and 8 percent were primarily auditory readers. Almost one-quarter (24%) were prereaders working on a readiness level or students for whom the primary medium had not yet been determined. Finally, almost one-third (32%) did not fall into any of the other categories, and so they were classified as nonreaders.

For further information, see the 1995 APH Annual Report, available from American Printing House for the Blind, Inc., 1839 Frankfort Avenue, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206; 502-895-2405.