Professional Preparation Programs For Teachers of Children with Visual and Multiple Disabilities
Course Descriptions
700 Visual Impairment & Functional Implications
(Fall/Spring – 15 weeks) (Summer – 10 weeks) (3 semester credits) (on-line)
Visual Impairment and Functional Implications addresses the anatomy and physiology of the eye including ocular development and development of the visual system. Topical areas include learning to see, age related changes in the eye, innervation of the eye, basic optics, and medications with their side effects. The course explores the functional visual implications of diseases of the eye, syndromes, and brain injury. Learners observe primary and low vision eye exams, learn about prescriptions of low vision devices, and demonstrate the ability to interpret eye reports and discuss their functional implications. The learner applies these topics to an individual's functional visual performance.
701 Foundations of Vision Rehabilitation & Education
(Summer – 10 weeks) (1.5 semester credits) (on-line)
Foundations of Vision Rehabilitation and Education is a survey course representing disciplines dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The course introduces learners to history, definitions, legislation, referral processes, education and rehabilitation planning, procedures and resources (human, physical, and financial), cultural diversity, and learning theories related to the needs of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Learners will explore professionalism and ethics as well as issues related to accessibility, privacy, confidentiality, and advocacy.
702 Assessment
(Fall – First 5 weeks) (1 semester credit) (on-line)
The Assessment Course is an introduction to various types of assessments (e.g. psychological, educational, vocational, and physical) used to evaluate people with visual impairments and additional disabilities. The course covers a variety of informal and formal screening, assessment, and evaluation methods, including alternative and statewide tests, observation, history taking, and interviews. Additional assessments include outcomes-based, curriculum-based, and portfolio approaches. Learners discuss testing and assessment within an historical context including the development of standardized tests and their applicability for individuals with vision impairment. Learners study general testing procedures such as reliability, validity, and test bias. Learners examine their role and that of other professionals in the testing process, the interpretation of test results, and the importance of accurate and confidential record keeping.
703 Low Vision Assessment & Intervention 1
(Fall – last 10 weeks) (2 semester credits) (on-line)
In Low Vision Assessment & Intervention 1, learners explore methods of assessing functional vision and strategies for enhancing visual performance without optical devices. This course emphasizes theory and practice in the following assessment areas: functional visual acuity and fields and visual performance in everyday tasks for individuals with visual impairments, including infants, children, adults, and those with additional disabilities.
704 Low Vision Assessment & Intervention 2
(Spring – 15 weeks) (3 semester credits) (on-line)
In Low Vision Assessment & Intervention 2, learners explore methods of assessing functional vision and strategies for enhancing visual performance with optical devices. This course emphasizes theory and practice in the following assessment and intervention areas: visual efficiency, use of optical and non-optical devices, environmental features, and visual field enhancement techniques. Learners explore specialized topics such as visual intervention strategies for individuals with head injury, driving with low vision, implications of reading and writing with low vision, and state of the art low vision technology.
705 Low Vision Assessment & Intervention Lab I
(Summer) (1 semester credit)(College)
Low Vision Assessment & Intervention Lab provide learners with an opportunity to apply principles of low vision assessment and intervention through the use of case studies, role play situations, and practice with resources and devices.
706 Psychological & Social Dynamics of Visual Impairment
(Spring – 10 weeks) (1.5 semester credits)(on-line)
Psychological and Social Dynamics of Visual Impairment explores the psychosocial factors affecting the process of adjustment to visual impairment across the life span. Through case analysis and consumer and family participation, learners explore a variety of issues related to adjustment including demographics, life stage, type of visual impairment, personality, self-concept, social support network, and the grieving process. The course also explores the impact of societal attitudes and stereotypes toward blindness and visual impairment. Learners are exposed to relationship building and effective communication skills strategies. An overview of the range of psychosocial interventions is provided including resources for referrals.
707 Teamwork & Collaboration
(Spring – last 5 weeks) (.5 semester credit)(on-line)
Teamwork and Collaboration explores the ways in which professionals collaborate individually or collectively to address the needs of individuals with visual impairments. The course overviews types of teams, their composition, and team building strategies. Learners will discuss members’ roles, relationships, and responsibilities. Strategies to maintain effective team functioning, as well as resolving team conflict, are also covered.
708 Visual Impairment & Additional Disabilities
(Spring – 15 weeks) (2 semester credits)(on-line)
Visual Impairment and Additional Disabilities provides an introduction to a number of concomitant medical, social, and psychological conditions that may have an impact upon the provision of educational and rehabilitation services to children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. The course explores functional implications of additional disabilities with emphasis on cognition, perception, communication, behavior, balance, and movement as well as medical conditions and health issues. Learners will become familiar with a range of adaptive assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with visual impairment and additional disabilities
709 Critical Analysis of Research (Masters only)
(Fall – 15 weeks) (2 semester credits) (on-line)
Critical Analysis of Research teaches learners the tools necessary for becoming critical readers of research. Learners become familiar with the basic attributes of quantitative methods of research, including experimental and non-experimental designs, and qualitative methods of research. Research designs covered include true experimental, quasi-experimental, descriptive, co relational, single-subject, survey, ethnographic and case study approaches. The course also presents a basic survey of statistical methods used in these approaches.
710 Functional Applications of Research (Masters only)
(Spring – 15 weeks) (2 semester credits) (on-line)
Functional Applications of Research teaches learners how to conceptualize and conduct research in their professional environments. Learners investigate ethical research practices, the process for obtaining research approval at various institutions, and methods of data collection. Learners use varied methods and tools, including computer software, to organize, analyze, interpret, and apply research data.
711 Human Development Across the Life Span
(Spring – 15 weeks) (2 semester credits)(on-line)
In Human Development Across the Life Span learners study the course of human development from conception through late adulthood. Topics include normative changes in motor development, sensory motor integration, cognition, sensation and perception, physiology, and social development. Special emphasis is placed upon the critical role of vision and the accompanying process of visual change across the life span. In addition, demographic trends and an in-depth study of the network of services for older adults are provided.
712 Independent Living Skills for Vision Professionals
(Summer) (1 semester credit)
Independent Living Skills for Vision Professionals provides learners with hands-on instruction and laboratory practice (using low vision simulators and blindfolds) in the methods and adaptive techniques used by vision professionals in the following independent living skill areas: (a) cleaning skills and household safety, (b) labeling, (c) money identification, (d) grooming and self care skills, (e) time identification, (f) basic food preparation, (g) telephone skills, and (h) signature and handwriting guides. Classes emphasize the utilization of adaptive techniques and resource gathering, and address skills that are appropriate for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
713 Orientation & Mobility for Vision Professionals
(Summer) (1 semester credit)
Orientation and Mobility for Vision Professionals addresses basic indoor orientation and mobility (O&M) techniques and teaching strategies for individuals who are visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities, across the life span. This course provides the skills and knowledge to support the work of the O&M specialist. Emphasis is on development of functional skills and concepts required for successful O&M, including efficient utilization of low vision and remaining sensory modalities for travel. Vision simulators and blindfolds are an integral part of the learning experience.
715 Braille Literacy: Assessment & Instruction
(Spring – 15 weeks) (2 semester credits)(on-line)
In Braille Literacy: Assessment and Instruction, learners learn how to teach reading and writing with Braille as the literacy medium to children and adults, including those with additional disabilities. The course covers how to assess reading and writing, programs designed specifically for teaching Braille reading and writing, and how to determine what approach to use with specific students.
716 Introduction to Assistive Technology
(Spring – 15 weeks) (2 semester credits) (on-line)
In Introduction to Assistive Technology, learners are introduced to a wide variety of technology which assists people with visual impairments to access information. Emphasis is given to computer technology. The course provides hands-on experience with a screen reader and with a screen magnification program. Issues related to legislation, financing, use or abandonment of technology by the consumer, assessment and instructional strategies for teaching technology are discussed.
717 Literacy Lab
(Summer) (1 semester credit)
Literacy Lab is a hands-on course that provides learners with experience in designing a Braille literacy program for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Learners select from a variety of activities related to their program of studies (TVI or VRT) such as analysis of curriculum materials for teaching reading to children or adults, performance of a learning media assessment, teaching the use of a Braille note taker, teaching the use of a labeling code such as Fishburne or Moon. This course also requires students to pass a performance assessment in the use of the Perkins Brailler, slate and stylus, and Braille transcription software in producing materials.
725 Assessment & Instruction of Children with Visual Impairment
(Fall – 15 weeks) (3 semester credits)(on-line)
Assessment and Instruction of Children with Visual Impairments provides the methods by which teachers of the visually impaired assess and instruct the wide variety of children with visual impairments. Issues related to assessment and instruction of children with visual impairment which are covered by the course include, but are not limited to, special education policies related to referral and placement, assessment instruments, instructional and environmental modifications, strategies for teaching concept development, and ethics related to decision making and the role of the teacher of the visually impaired in relation to the other professionals who will be working with children with visual impairment.
726 Numeracy & Science: Assessment & Instruction
(Summer) (2 semester credits)
Numeracy and Science: Assessment and Instruction is a hands-on course that provides learners with ability to transcribe Nemeth Code using the Perkins Brailler and Braille production software. Learners become proficient in teaching the abacus. Other materials and aids for instruction in mathematics and science are introduced.
727 Expanded Core Curriculum: Assessment & Instruction
(Summer) (2 semester credits) (on-line)
Expanded Core Curriculum: Assessment and Instruction is a course in which all the areas of the expanded core curriculum not covered fully in other coursework are explored, with special emphasis on assessment and instruction of social skills, recreation and leisure, career education, and self-determination skills needed by children and adults who are visually impaired.
728 Children with Visual Impairment & Additional Disabilities
(Summer) (Masters level only) (3 semester credits)(on-line)
Offered every other year: 2008, 2010
In Children with Visual Impairment and Additional Disabilities, special attention is paid to assessment and instruction of children with visual impairments who also have developmental delay (including PDD, or Autism Spectrum disorders), behavior disorders, medical conditions (including seizures, feeding difficulties, or severe health issues), hearing impairment, speech or communication disorders, and those with common syndromes or eye disorders related to multiple disabilities (such as CVI, TBI, ROP, Septo-Optic Dysplasia).
729 TVI Fieldwork
(Any) (1 semester credit)
TVI Fieldwork consists of 100 hours of observation and visitation which permit learners to experience a broad range of settings in which education occurs for children who are blind or visually impaired. Learners may include visits to agencies and organizations who serve people who are blind or visually impaired or who provide other types of services related to blindness and visual impairment.
730 TVI Internship
(Upon completion of all coursework) (4 semester credits)
TVI Internships are arranged on an individual basis and run for twelve weeks or a total of 360 documented teaching hours with children who are visually impaired ages 0-21.
731 TVI Comprehensive Examination
(Upon completion of program) (1 semester credit)
The Comprehensive Exam is the final examination for learners who wish to obtain a Masters in Education in the area of Education of Children with Visual and Multiple Disabilities. This examination is given in a written format, and may include an oral follow-up examination.
779 Literary Braille Code
(Fall – 15 weeks) (2 semester credit)(on-line)
In Literary Braille Code, learners learn to write contracted Braille using the computer keyboard, Perkins Brailler, and the slate and stylus, and become proficient at reading and proofreading Braille.