H 4117 General Bill, By J.H. Neal, Anderson, D.W. Beatty, Breeland, Cobb-Hunter, 
P.B. Harris, J. Hines, Inabinett, J.G. Mattos, Moody-Lawrence and L.S. Whipper
 A Bill to amend the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, by adding Article
 25, Chapter 53, Title 59 so as to provide for computer training for the
 visually impaired through the State Technical Education System with the
 consultation and oversight of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.

   04/14/93  House  Introduced and read first time HJ-69
   04/14/93  House  Referred to Committee on Education and Public
                     Works HJ-69

A BILL

TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 25, CHAPTER 53, TITLE 59 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR COMPUTER TRAINING FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED THROUGH THE STATE TECHNICAL EDUCATION SYSTEM WITH THE CONSULTATION AND OVERSIGHT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. Chapter 53, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Article 25

Section 59-53-2210. As used in this article:

(1) `Board' means the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education.

(2) `Commission' means the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.

(3) `Visually impaired' means legal blindness as determined by a physician or a state agency authorized to make that determination.

Section 59-53-2220. (A) The State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, in consultation with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, shall establish a computer training program for the visually impaired. The board shall designate an employee currently in the technical education system to develop the admission, curriculum, and completion requirements for the program and shall consult and coordinate with the commission which shall provide oversight and guidance in developing and implementing the program.

(B) The program must be implemented at institutions throughout the state technical education system.

Section 59-53-2230. The board and the commission must arrange transportation for visually impaired students participating in the program who are unable to provide or arrange for their own transportation.

Section 59-53-2240. The board, in consultation with the commission, may establish and charge a fee to persons who enroll in the program. No person who qualifies to participate in the program may be refused enrollment due to inability to pay, but a sliding fee scale, loans, and grants may be utilized.

Section 59-53-2250. The board and commission may accept funds, grants, or equipment from donors to offset the cost of implementing this program, including transportation costs."

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.