Written Testimony Submitted for the Record to The

Written Testimony Submitted for the Record to the

Maryland House of Delegates

Ways and Means Committee

For the Hearing on

Visual Impairments - Requirements for Teacher Training, Student Screening, and Maryland Medical Assistance Program Coverage

(HB 458)

February 14, 2017

SUPPORT

Maryland PTA represents nearly 170,000 volunteer members in over 1000 public schools. For nearly 102 years, our mission has been to advocate on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before government bodies and other organizations that make decisions impacting children. Maryland PTA is comprised of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children in Maryland. As the state’s oldest and largest child advocacy organization, Maryland PTA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families, schools and communities and a strong advocate for public education.

Maryland PTA submits this testimony in support of HB 458, Visual Impairments - Requirements for Teacher Training, Student Screening, and Maryland Medical Assistance Program Coverage that entails the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board to require a certificate holder applying for renewal of a certificate as a teacher to complete a course on understanding and recognizing the symptoms of visual impairments including visual processing disorders and binocular processing disorders. Additionally, this bill delineates what vision screenings shall include and how they shall be funded.

Maryland PTA recognizes that typical "vision" evaluations/screenings only test for a few of the necessary learning related visual skills (distance acuity, i.e. 20/20 eyesight, stereo vision,

and muscle balance), leaving most visual skill deficiencies undiagnosed. We know that learning related vision problems, when accurately diagnosed, can be treated successfully and permanently. Maryland PTA supports the legislation because it’s in alignment with National PTAs “Elements of Comprehensive Health Programs”. The National PTA recognizes that early diagnosis and treatment of children’s vision problems is a necessary component to school readiness and academic learning and that vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor.

Comprehensive eye and vision examinations by an optometrist or ophthalmologist are important for all children first entering school and regularly throughout their school - aged years to ensure healthy eyes and adequate vision skills essential for successful academic achievement. National PTA believes that a comprehensive health program includes health services that appropriately reflect the educational and community commitment to address identified health problems that limit students’ abilities to learn.

For the reasons stated above, Maryland PTA encourages your vote to SUPPORT House Bill 458, Visual Impairments – Requirements for Teacher Training, Student Screening, and Maryland Medical Assistance Program Coverage.

Testimony is presented on the behalf of

Elizabeth Ysla Leight, President

Maryland Parent Teacher Association