Federal Quota Funds

by Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 20, 2025

What are Federal Quota Funds?

​The Federal Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, enacted in 1879, provides funds to supply adapted educational materials for eligible students who are blind or visually impaired. Administered by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), these funds are allocated annually based on student registration numbers. The funds are credited to accounts maintained by Ex Officio Trustees (EOTs) and may be used exclusively to purchase materials from APH’s catalog for qualifying students.

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.

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