AZ HB2897

Requires the state board of education to adopt rules promoting braille literacy for blind pupils, including individualized assessments, standards of proficiency, and computer-accessible textbook materials.

Establishes a presumption that braille proficiency is essential for blind pupils' educational progress, but allows exceptions if the individualized education program team agrees the pupil's visual impairment does not affect reading and writing performance.

Requires braille instruction specifications in individualized education programs, including assessment results, implementation methods, instruction start date, frequency and duration, competency levels, required materials and equipment, and rationale if braille is not provided.

Mandates that teachers certified in educating blind and visually impaired pupils demonstrate braille competence by either passing a national certification in unified English braille examination or completing a braille test from the University of Arizona's visual impairment program.

Defines "blind pupil" as one who cannot use vision as a primary learning channel, has low visual acuity or field, or has a medically indicated prognosis of visual deterioration, and defines "braille" as the unified English braille code.