Oklahoma Administrative Code
Title 612 - State Department of Rehabilitation Services
Chapter 20 - Special Schools
Subchapter 3 - General Operating Procedures for the Schools
Part 1 - GENERAL EDUCATIONAL POLICIES
Section 612:20-3-1 - The special schools

(1) Purpose. The schools for the blind and deaf exist for the purpose of meeting the educational, social, and emotional needs of the youth charged to their care. This includes provisions for a quality educational program that builds on individual strengths, addresses individual needs and weaknesses, and encourages students to develop and grow toward their maximum potential. It also includes the fostering in the children of positive feelings toward themselves, toward others, and toward their school.

(2) Nature of services provided. OSB and OSD are both elementary and secondary schools accredited by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. As such, they meet all programming and course requirements of public schools in the state of Oklahoma. OSB and OSD will not provide services which are mandated of another agency. In addition, the comprehensive services given in (A)-(I) of this paragraph are provided.

(3) Approach. A multi-disciplinary approach is used to accomplish the purpose of the school. This includes casework, psychology, health, education, and child care staff functioning in accordance with their designated responsibilities and expertise. All employees of the schools, whether houseparents, cooks, teachers, maintenance personnel, or others have a responsibility for the well-being and growth of the children with whom they work.

(4) Non-discriminatory practices. OSB and OSD abide by the Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Plan adopted by the Department of Rehabilitation Services. Specific information regarding this plan may be obtained from the superintendent's office at either school.

(5) Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and ADA. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Department's policy is that no student shall be excluded from any program, activity, or educational endeavor based on disability. The Department is responsible for fair employment practices which assure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against on the grounds of disability. The Principal/Education Director at the Schools for the Blind and Deaf are designated to coordinate Section 504 and ADA compliance efforts, including the processing of parent/student and employee complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of disability.