Maine AIM: Print Disability

What is a Print Disability?

The definition of a print disability is generally considered a functional definition. That is, a student with a print disability is one who is unable to gain information from printed materials at an anticipated level for their grade, and needs alternative access or a specialized format (i.e., Braille, Large Print, Audio, Digital text) to access that information. This includes students with blindness, visual impairments, specific learning disabilities or other physical conditions.

The AIM Community of Practice has proposed the following statement to the Maine Department of Education as the official definition of a Print Disability:

"A condition related to blindness, visual impairment, specific learning disability or other physical condition in which the student needs an alternative or specialized format (i.e., Braille, Large Print, Audio, Digital text) in order to access and gain information from conventional printed materials."

Who determines if a student has a Print Disability?

For students eligible for Special Education services, an IEP team is responsible for determining a student’s educational supports and services including whether the student has a Print Disability and qualifies to receive services. The determination is based upon the individual student's instructional needs and the Print Disability determination is documented in the student's Individual Education Program (IEP).

For students receiving accommodations under a Section 504 Plan, the school's 504 compliance officer assumes responsibility for determining the type of specialized formats required and how those materials will be acquired and by whom.