Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind Accused of Violating Federal Disability Law
The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) has been accused by the Arizona State Department of Education of violating federal disability law. The state agency claims ASDB predetermined placement options for blind and low-vision students and…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 28, 2026 —
The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) is facing accusations from the Arizona State Department of Education of violating federal disability law. The state’s education agency alleges that ASDB predetermined placement options for blind and low-vision students, as well as students residing in ASDB dormitories, for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year.
According to the Arizona State Department of Education, these predetermined placements allegedly restricted the choices available to students and failed to adhere to the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive appropriate special education and related services.
The allegations come at a time when ASDB is undergoing a significant transition, preparing to relocate its campus from Tucson to Oro Valley. The details surrounding the specific predetermined placement options and the nature of the alleged restrictions were not immediately available.
The Arizona State Department of Education has stated that the predetermined nature of these placements violates federal mandates designed to protect the rights and choices of students with disabilities. Further details regarding the investigation or any potential consequences for ASDB were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
