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The Federal Quota Program

In 1879, Congress enacted the Federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind to provide specialized educational materials to students who are blind or visually impaired and is referred to as “The Federal Quota Program.”

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The Federal Quota Program conducts an annual census of eligible students who are blind and low vision to determine the per-student funding allocation for purchasing educational materials from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). These funds are then credited to state-specific Federal Quota accounts, which are managed by APH and its Ex Officio Trustees (EOTS) across the United States. Educators and parents can use these funds to obtain specialized educational products and materials for students who are blind or low vision.

  • Students who are blind deserve the same opportunities as their sighted peers, especially when it comes to education. Thanks to US Code, Title 20, Chapter 6, APH is able to produce accessible educational materials to help them on their journey of learning and to prepare them to enter and find success in the workforce.

    How are the Quota Funds used?

    Based on a yearly census, Federal funds are distributed across many programs covering birth to three, school-aged students in preschool through grade 12, and adults in vocational or rehabilitation programs. Typically, the funds are used by schools for the blind, state department of education in each state, vocational and rehabilitation programs, and multiple disabilities programs.

    How does the Federal Quota Program work?

    There are designated Trustees in all of the United States and outlying areas who manage Federal Quota accounts and the registration of the students in their program. These trustees participate in a yearly census and then, based on the final registration of students, the government provides federal funds for the purchase of specialized educational materials. The funds, based on the registration count provided by the Trustee, go into an account that the Trustee uses to purchase educational materials for the students they have registered.

    Most Trustees use a loan program to maximize the use of different products each year since the funds are limited. Once the materials are no longer needed by a student, they are returned to the Trustee and shared with another student. This process happens every year a student is registered.

  • In order for students to be eligible for registration in The Federal Quota Program, they MUST meet the requirements as outlined in An Act to Promote the Education of the Blind.

    All eligible students must:

    Meet the definition of blindness (MDB)—a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less (using a Snellen chart or an acuity determined in Snellen equivalents) in the better eye with the best correction or a peripheral field of vision no greater than 20 degrees,

    -or-

    Function at the definition of blindness (FDB)—when visual function meets the definition of blindness as determined by an eye care specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist) or other medical doctor such as a neurologist. Students in this category manifest unique visual characteristics often found in conditions referred to as neurological, cortical, or cerebral visual impairment (e.g. brain injury or dysfunction).

    NOTE: Educational vision assessments are not acceptable documentation and medical diagnosis are not accepted to verify eligibility.

    -or-

    If neither are met, school-aged students may also be eligible because they:

    • Qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition of blindness: an impairment in vision, that, even with correction, adversely affects a child’s educational performance (34 CFR §300.8(c)(13)).*
    • NOTE: School-aged students should be registered as MDB or FDB first if there is a choice. IDEA is to be reported for school-aged students who qualify but do not meet MDB or FDB.

    Additionally, eligible students must:

    • Be enrolled in a formally organized public or private, nonprofit educational program of less than college level.
    • School-aged students including infants, toddlers and preschool students must be enrolled with the registering school or agency on the first Monday in January.
    • Adult students must complete 120 hours of documented educational work in the preceding calendar year.

    The educational programs providing services to these students can include public, private, and parochial schools.

    There is NO chronological age limit for eligibility. Federal law limits registration to persons working at less than college level but places no restriction on the ages of eligible students.

    And:

    Eligibility of Adults
    There are two types of adults eligible for registration in the Federal Quota Program:

    1. School-aged students are required to be registered as adults in their grade field. If these students have a guardian, even though they are over age 18, they must have a guardian permission on file.
    2. Adults in vocational or rehabilitation programs who have received a minimum of 120 hours of documented instruction in the previous calendar year also qualify for registration in this program. Social and leisure programs do not qualify as instruction. Student practice to develop skills can be included in instructional hours. These students should be registered by an agency serving adults in a vocational or rehabilitation program. Adults with a guardian must have parent/legal guardian permission.

    Eligibility of Infants—Eligible infants (birth to three) can be registered if they are enrolled in a formally organized, regularly scheduled educational or training program and have a written education plan. An individualized family service plan (IFSP) or any other written plan may be used. They can be registered with a note from their pediatrician, or any eye care specialist, stating they meet the definition of blindness since an actual acuity is impossible to obtain at this age. Parent permissions are required for all students in the birth to three age group.

    Eligibility of School-Aged Students—Eligible children (preschool through high school) can be registered if they are enrolled in a formally organized, regularly scheduled educational or training program and have a written education plan. An IFSP, an individualized education program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or any other written education plan may be used. Parent permissions are required for all students in preschool through their eighteenth birthday. If the child has a guardian, a parent/legal guardian is still required no matter the age.

    Eligibility of Homebound Students—Eligible homebound students can be registered if they are enrolled in a formally organized, regularly scheduled educational or training program, have a written education plan, and parent permission.

    Home Schooled Students—In order for students who are blind or low vision and are home schooled to prove eligible for registration, the home school program should meet the guidelines and/or procedures in effect within each individual state. Students must have a written education plan and parent permission.

  • To register a student, you must speak with the Trustee who manages the account where the student resides in your state. APH maintains a directory of EOTs in each state and the accounts they manage.

    Search Our Trustees

  • Each agency for people who are blind that participates in the Federal Quota Program must designate an Ex Officio Trustee of the American Printing House for the Blind. You can search for Ex Officio Trustees with the link below.

    Search Our Trustees

  • These annual reports detail the Distribution of Eligible Students and also list the agencies for the education of the blind and low vision who can continue their great work because of the Federal Quota.

    Census Maps

     

  • APH works closely with Ex Officio Trustees through two advisory committees that provide feedback and recommendations on APH’s products and services. This give us valuable information and insight directly from the people who are doing the tough work in the trenches.

    2025 TAC Contact List (.docx)

    TAC Committee Reports

  • Email censusdata@aph.org.