Families speak out after Arizona State School of the Deaf & Blind violates special education law

The Arizona Department of Education has found that the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind violated federal special education requirements. The finding comes as the school prepares to move its campus to the former Copper Creek Elementary School in Oro Valley.

The move will separate deaf students from blind and visually impaired students. Some blind and visually impaired students are expected to attend other districts, including Tucson Unified School District. Families say they are worried about losing the specialized support and community their children received at ASDB’s westside campus.

A complaint from the University of Arizona’s Education Advocacy Clinic says ASDB made placement decisions for some students before required reviews took place. Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, those decisions must be made by each student’s Individualized Education Program team.

The state has appointed a monitor to oversee ASDB’s compliance. The school must reconvene placement teams and review educational options for affected students by Aug. 28. ASDB said it is reviewing the state’s report with legal counsel and considering its next steps.