PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island College has laid off 13 instructors who teach visually impaired students, however, the state Department of Education says that service will not be interrupted for the students.
The teachers work at the Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College, which includes services such as Braille instruction, help accessing school curriculum and mobility instruction to students, the Providence Journal reported.
The department said Tuesday that the teachers were issued pink slips because their five-year contract ends June 30 and the department wants to put the contract out to bid.
“Since there are now other vendors providing these services in Rhode Island, the state is obligated to allow competitive bidding,” said Emily Ward, a department spokesperson. “The Sherlock Center is welcome to bid. … There is no intention to end or disrupt services for students receiving vision education services, and we remain committed to sustaining the strategic direction for vision services in the state.”
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