Who is Eligible for Quota Funds?

To be eligible for registration in the Federal Quota Program, a student must:
1. Meet One of the Following Definitions of Blindness:
  • Meets the Definition of Blindness (MDB):
    Central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with best correction (e.g., with prescribed glasses) and/or a restricted visual field subtending an angle of no greater than 20 degrees.
  • Functions at the Definition of Blindness (FDB):
    Visual impairment due to cerebral, neurological, or cortical vision impairment (CVI) caused by brain injury or dysfunction. A student qualifies when their functional vision performance is judged to be equivalent to that of someone meeting the MDB criteria, as determined by an eye care professional or neurologist.
Important Update (2023):
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. 
2. Be Enrolled in an Eligible Instructional Program:
  • A formally organized public, private, parochial, or nonprofit educational program (less than college level).
  • Can include infants, preschoolers, K–12 students, homebound, home-schooled, or adult learners.
  • Must be enrolled with the registering agency or school on the first Monday in January each year.
Additional Requirements:
  • A current eye report (within three years) must be on file from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. This must state that the student meets the definition of blindness (MDB or FDB).
  • A written educational plan (IEP, IFSP, or similar) must be on file.
  • For adult learners:
    • Must receive instruction for at least 20 hours/week (at less than college level).
    • Must have received at least 12 weeks of instruction in the previous calendar year.
    • Social/recreational programming does not qualify, but skill-building instruction may count.
*There is no chronological age limit for eligibility.

Spending Guidelines

Federal Quota Funds can be used only to purchase eligible items from the APH Products Catalog. Items not available for purchase with Quota Funds will be marked “Not available on Quota.”
  • Visit: aph.org to explore the current catalog and eligibility details.
Pro Tip:
Save past editions of the APH catalog! Product offerings change over time, and older catalogs can be helpful for identifying discontinued items and components.

Free Matter for the Blind

Don’t forget, students who are legally blind qualify for free mailing privileges under "Free Matter for the Blind" through the U.S. Postal Service. This includes:
  • Braille materials
  • Large print books
  • Audio books
  • Educational tools from libraries for the blind
Requirements:
  • Materials must be for the personal use of a legally blind individual.
  • Mark packages clearly with: “Free Matter for the Blind.”

Resources & Oversight

  • Ex Officio Trustees (EOTs) are responsible for ensuring proper documentation and registration for eligible students.
  • Audits may require verification of:
    • Student visual eligibility
    • Program enrollment
    • Valid educational plan
Maintaining accurate records is essential for continued access to Federal Quota Funds and materials.
If you are unsure whether a student qualifies or have questions about the process, contact your state’s APH Ex Officio Trustee or visit the Federal Quota Program page for detailed guidance.

Resource Access

Instructional articles on this site are open access and do not require an account. Free Members may access select free resources and goal banks.
Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​
Georgia Notarized Consent Form