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Oklahoma Administrative Code (Last Updated: March 11, 2021) |
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TITLE 612. State Department of Rehabilitation Services |
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Chapter 20. Special Schools |
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Subchapter 7. Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) Admission Rules |
SECTION 612:20-7-1. General provisions for OSD
Latest version.
- The Oklahoma School for the Deaf, under the supervision of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, is a residential/day school whose legal purpose is to provide educational services to deaf and hard of hearing children residing in the State of Oklahoma. In addition, House Joint Resolution 1026, 1982, designates the school as a statewide resource for deaf and hard of hearing children, their parents, and local school districts.(1) The basic eligibility criteria are, "All residents… who are deaf to the extent that they cannot acquire an education in the common schools of the state and of suitable age and capacity… are entitled to an education in the School for the Deaf without charge…" [Article II, Section 5803 of the Oklahoma Constitution.](2) The school accepts referrals from Local Education Agencies (LEA's), Regional Educational Service Centers (RESC's), educational cooperatives, parents residing within the State of Oklahoma, and/or third party agency or individual. The local school districts are advised of all referrals. When a referral is received, an evaluation is scheduled and/or records are obtained to ascertain eligibility. If the initial screening reveals that the student may be eligible for admission, parents and LEA will be notified to participate in the eligibility determination meeting. At that meeting a Categorical Statement is completed as required by law and, if appropriate, an interim 30-day Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed by the team. A final decision as to whether or not to continue enrollment shall be made no later than the last day of the 30-day interim period.(3) Admission to the school is accomplished through application directly from parents or guardians. The Oklahoma School for the Deaf is committed to assuring that the provisions of Federal Statute 20 U.S.C. 1400-1485 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) are met and, toward this end, cooperates with the LEA's.