GRAD > VISN
Vision Studies Courses
VISN 601 Physical and Functional Aspects of Visual Impairments +
Description:
The student is introduced to the structure and function of the main systems of the human body and to those chronic conditions which may affect these systems. Emphasis will be placed on disabilities most frequently seen in conjunction with visual impairments and how the combined impact will affect instruction for individuals with vision impairment. Having covered these areas, each of the sensory systems will also be explored with the mechanics of locomotion and psychomotor factors influencing mobility. More Info
Offered in:VISN 602 Education of Students with Visual Impairments +
Description:
This course examines the philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of special education services to students with visual impairments. This course overviews the wide array of services and resources available to support students with visual impairments. Topics include legislation, service systems, roles and responsibilities of specialized service providers, and the impact of visual impairments on child development. In addition to the class assignments, students are required to observe and assist with a student who is visually impaired, one day per week for five weeks. More Info
Offered in:VISN 603 Braille I +
Description:
This course prepares participants to teach the reading and writing of Grade 2 Braille. Students learn to write literary Braille using both a Perkins Brailler and a slate and stylus. Topics include reading-readiness, tracking, tactile discrimination, and reading methods. More Info
Offered in:VISN 604 Eye Anatomy and Disease +
Description:
This course begins with a practical look at the functional impact of visual impairment through the use of simulated exercises. This is followed by a series of medically-related lectures by affiliated ophthalmologists. Topics include the structure of the eye, the assessment of normal and abnormal vision, optics, and the functional implications of common pathologies. Students discuss low-vision services and participate in ''hands-on'' training within a low-vision clinic. More Info
Offered in:VISN 605 Clinical and Functional Assessment of Vision +
Description:
This course goes beyond the physical aspects of vision loss introduced in SPE G 511 to look at functional and psychological aspects. The course includes a review of clinical procedures and the interpretation of clinical reports. Emphasis is given to conducting individualized functional vision assessments. The previous study of optics is applied to optical low-vision devices. The course provides a practical, hands-on approach to learning through vision-simulation activities and the development of a functional vision-assessment kit. More Info
Offered in:VISN 610 Braille II +
Description:
This course is designed for vision teachers to expand their current level of Braille competency. Students will study tools and teaching strategies for mathematics using Unified English Braille and the abacus. Braille formats typical of educational materials will be studied. Students will review the Unified English Braille code with a focus on memorization. More Info
Offered in:VISN 612 Orientation and Mobility and Independent Living Skills +
Description:
This course examines the functional implications of vision loss on primary activities of daily living, with emphasis in basic methodologies of Orientation and Mobility and Rehabilitation Teaching. Exploration of life skills essential to independence will be addressed, with attention to a diverse population of children with a variety of visual capabilities. Weekly lecture content will be enhanced by functional lab activities designed to give students the opportunity to experience and critically assess the effectiveness of current methodology. More Info
Offered in:VISN 613 Assessment of Students with VI Including Those with Additional Disabilities +
Description:
This course examines and explores the unique educational needs of children with visual impairments and children with visual and additional impairments as well as the techniques for assessment and instruction related to teaching these children in a full array of educational settings from ages 3-22. Topics include functional vision, learning media and compensatory (non-literacy) assessments specifically designed for students with visual impairments and instructional strategies related to these assessments. Issues related to team approaches to assessment and evaluation are also presented as well as implementing functional vision and learning media evaluation findings into the IEP, program, curriculum, and instruction. More Info
Offered in:VISN 614 Assessment & Instructional Strategies for Students with VI Including Those with Additional Dis II +
Description:
This course examines and explores the unique educational needs of children with visual impairments and children with visual and additional impairments as well as the techniques for assessment and instruction related to teaching these children in a full array of educational settings from ages 3-22. Topics include assessment and program planning for the core curriculum and expanded core curriculum as well as adaptive techniques and diverse communication systems. This course requires a field-based placement/pre-practicum requirement of a minimum of 30 hours. The necessity for a transdisciplinary approach will be stressed. The course requires (a) classroom lectures, discussions and group work, (b) reading and video assignments, (c) research assignments, (d) varying field-based experiences, and (e) completion of several case studies. More Info
Offered in:VISN 615 Early Childhood and Visual Impairment +
Description:
This core course will explore the impact of vision loss for children in early childhood (birth to 5). An in depth understanding of how vision loss and additional disabilities impacts early development will provide a foundation of how teachers of students with visual impairments work with young children and their families, including those from diverse backgrounds, through assessment and methodology of instruction. This course will include a learning strand for those specializing in Deafblind. More Info
Offered in:VISN 619 Teacher of the Visually Impaired Practicum +
Description:
The TVI Practicum encompasses a supervised practicum, a practicum seminar and capstone portfolio. The Practicum provides 300 hours working with students who are visually impaired, ranging from Pre-K through Grade 12. The Practicum Seminar consists of 6 modules dealing with professional issues related to the field of TVI. The seminar is designed to inform and support students as they complete their Practicum experiences. More Info
Offered in:VISN 621 Orientation and Mobility Assessment and Instructional Strategies: Children +
Description:
This course is the first of two instructional strategy courses. It applies foundations and methods to the specific populations of preschool, elementary, and transition-age visually impaired children, including those with additional disabilities. Assessment tools are introduced and applied with an emphasis on the development of participants' skills in observation, information gathering, and task analysis. Participants develop specific objectives and design lessons for instructing children. More Info
Offered in:VISN 622 Orientation and Mobility Assessment- Adult +
Description:
This course is one of two orientation and mobility assessment and instructional strategies courses. This course provides opportunities for students to explore demographics and services available to adults with visual impairments and how a variety of adults with unique needs might access those supports and services. O&M assessment and instructional strategies will be considered in relation to diverse adult populations, unique environments and emerging technologies. Actual case studies will provide the basis for discussion and a foundation for the future practicum. More Info
Offered in:VISN 625 Methods of Orientation and Mobility +
Description:
This course examines the foundations of learning and teaching orientation and mobility. The weekly lectures provide an introduction to the principles of concept development, spatial orientation, and environmental analysis as these topics relate to independent travel by visually-impaired individuals. In addition, a teacher-guided practicum lab meets for weekly sessions, totaling 120 hours throughout the semester. More Info
Offered in:VISN 628 Orientation and Mobility Praxis Lab +
Description:
In this lab, students will learn techniques and training approaches that will enable them to teach people who are blind and visually impaired to travel safely and efficiently. Through use of blindfold and low vision simulators, students will have the opportunity to learn, experience, and teach orientation and mobility skills and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge of skills and techniques, ability to communicate while teaching, ability to safely and effectively monitor others whole teaching and class participation. More Info
Offered in:VISN 629 Orientation and Mobility Practicum +
Description:
This course is for students who have completed course work and all prepracticum hours with both children and adults. Internships may be full-time or part-time, and interns are required to keep an on-going diary of their experiences along with a capstone portfolio. Students must complete the clinical requirements set by AERAC and ACVREP, totaling a minimum of 350 hours. Students will also prepare for the International ACVREP application and examination for certification. More Info
Offered in:VISN 630 Introduction to Vision Rehabilitation Therapy +
Description:
This course is designed to provide the learner with hands-on instruction, independent learning and laboratory practice in the methodologies and adaptive techniques utilized by the professional Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. This course examines the functional implications of vision loss on primary activities of daily living, with emphasis in basic methodologies of Orientation and Mobility and Vision Rehabilitation Teaching. Exploration of life skills essential to independence will be addressed with consideration to student and adult populations. Weekly lecture content will be enhanced by functional lab activities designed to give the student the opportunity to experience and critically assess the effectiveness of current methodology. More Info
Offered in:VISN 631 Methods of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy I +
Description:
This course is designed to provide the learner with hands-on instruction, independent learning and laboratory practice in the methodologies and adaptive techniques utilized by the professional Vision Rehabilitation Therapist in the personal management, recreation and leisure areas of Independent Living Skills. This course will emphasize the utilization of adaptive techniques and resources gathering, and will address skills that are applicable for adults and older adults as well as children and adolescents. Laboratory experience with blindfolds and low vision simulators will provide each learner with the opportunity to practice recommended techniques and adaptations that will facilitate the teaching of selected independent Living Skills to students, clients and consumers who are blind or who have low vision. More Info
Offered in:VISN 632 Methods of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy II +
Description:
This course is designed to provide the learner with hands-on instruction, independent learning and laboratory practice in the methodologies and adaptive techniques utilized by the professional vision rehabilitation therapist in the Communications/Technology areas of Independent Living Skills. This course will emphasize the utilization of adaptive techniques and resources gathering, and will address skills that are applicable for adults and older adults as well as children and adolescents. Laboratory experiences with blindfolds and low vision simulators will provide each learner with the opportunity to practice recommended techniques and adaptations that will facilitate the teaching of selected Independent Living Skills to students, clients, and consumers who are blind or who have low vision. More Info
Offered in:VISN 639 Visual Rehabilitation Therapy Practicum +
Description:
This course and its associated advanced seminar series are for students who have completed course work pre-practicum hours. Enrollment may be full-time or part-time but must be completed in two semesters. Interns are required to keep an ongoing diary of their experiences along with a capstone portfolio documenting clinical requirements set by ACVREP, totaling a minimum of 350 hours. More Info
Offered in:VISN 640 Psychosocial Aspects of Visual Impairment +
Description:
This course will investigate the psychosocial aspects of vision loss. Coping techniques and issues of self-esteem will be explored along with principles of self-determination. Other topics include the psychosocial aspects of personal life management such as orientation and mobility, use of volunteers, sexuality, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Psychosocial issues specific to people from diverse cultures will also be addressed. More Info
Offered in:VISN 646 Introduction to Audiology and the Human Auditory System +
Description:
This course will cover the nature of sound and how humans perceive it. Sound in the environment and how sound is used by humans to move through their environment will also be explored. Topics include the basics of sound, anatomy and physiology of the auditory system with an emphasis on function, common disorders of the auditory system, and how these disorders are manifested. The principles of basic audiology and how to understand and relate to the audiologist provide a foundation for hearing both clinically and functionally. Students will learn hearing aid technology and the application of that technology to various auditory disorders in a functional sense. More Info
Offered in:VISN 648 Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment +
Description:
This course provides an in-depth study of CVI and resources available for assessment and instructional strategies. participants will further examine and explore the unique educational needs of children with CVI and the skills related to teaching these children in a full array of educational settings; Pre-K through grade 12. Topics include teaching strategies in the core and expanded core curriculums, such as: literacy, career-vocational skills, visual efficiency and compensatory auditory strategies. Instruction will also address material modifications and accommodations. More Info
Offered in:VISN 651 Vision and the Brain: Neurolog +
Description:
Students will learn about the neuroanatomy associated with visual processing, brain development int he context of vision, as well as understand how and where various aspects of functional vision are processed in the brain and how early developmental brain damage may impact these processes. Specifically, concepts including motion processing, visual attention, object and face processing, visuomotor integration, and agnosias will be covered. Students will also learn about the principles that govern neuroplasticity and vulnerability; learn what makes a good study and a scientifically valid and reliable assessment; and also understand why a common language between educators, clinicians, and parents is imperative for serving children with CVI. More Info
Offered in:VISN 652 Assessment for Students with Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment +
Description:
Students will learn how traditional ocular functional vision assessments do not accurately and completely assess the visual processing and visual recognition difficulties of the child with brain based visual impairment. Students will understand concepts including the limitation of clinical vision functional testing and the need for functional vision testing by a licensed TVIs, O&M specialist and Vision Rehabilitation professionals. Students will show ability to interpret ophthalmology, low vision and neurology reports. Students will learn to effectively perform CVI functional vision assessments and Learning Media Assessments with the consideration that neuroplasticity can lead to visual improvements and that each child needs a unique consideration of all skills and abilities. Assessment of compensatory skill use is also essential to understand the total child. More Info
Offered in:VISN 653 Promising Practices for Teaching Students with CVI +
Description:
Students will learn current promising practices in teaching learners with CVI including how to apply the assessment results to report writing, IEP development, ECC application, materials creation, environmental adaptations, social support creation, behavior strategies, service delivery decisions, and literacy based on each student's unique profiles. More Info
Offered in:VISN 654 Consultation and Collaboration Strategies +
Description:
Students will learn the knowledge and skills necessary for collaborative consultation and technical assistance to parents, school-based teams and medical professionals of learners with a diagnosis of CVI. Collaboration strategies for effective information sharing with parents, teams and medical professional will be reviewed and applied. More Info
Offered in:VISN 660 Introduction to assistive Technology for People with Visual Impairments +
Description:
This fully online course will provide an introduction to the profession of Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments. Students will learn through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and independent learning exercises about a variety of assistive technology solutions for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, including: screen magnification software, screen reading software, OCR software, braille technologies, low vision devices, smart phone and tablet accessibility features, as well as other specialized devices designed for people with visual impairments. The benefits and limitations of accessibility features that are built-in to mainstream technologies compared to specialized assistive technology devices and software will be discussed. Techniques for determining the most appropriate assistive technology solutions will also be discussed. The course explores strategies for integrating assistive technology in different settings, such as in schools, homes, colleges/universities, jobsites, and avocational settings. More Info
Offered in:VISN 661 Assistive Technology Assessment and Instruction for People with Visual Impairments +
Description:
This fully online course provides participants with a thorough overview of assessment and instruction techniques for teaching assistive technology to people with visual impairments of all ages. Topics include: task analysis; lesson and training plan development; learning development and evolution of assistive technology skills during instruction; learning theories as applied to children and adults; instructional strategies for assistive technology; conduction assistive technology assessments; making decisions regarding appropriate devices; choosing appropriate learning modalities; justifying recommendations; applying different AT assessment techniques, such as HAAT, WATI, and SETT; ethical issues related to AT assessment and services; and writing AT assessment reports. We will explore ethical issues at AT, evaluation the effectiveness at AT services, using AT with productivity platforms on different operating systems, developing curriculum for teaching screen magnification and screen reading software on different operation systems, developing curriculum for teaching accessible apps on mobile devices, as well as developing curriculum for teaching accessible stand-alone devices, accessible third-party applications, and built-in accessibility features. More Info
Offered in:VISN 662 Configuration and Exploration of Assistive Technology solutions for People with Visual Impairments +
Description:
This fully online course will assist participants in understanding and applying configuration and exploration strategies for mainstream and assistive technologies. We will explore a variety of topics, including: Operating systems and computing devices, various PC components, operational procedures for professionalism and effective communication, technical support resources for accessibility for major operating systems, tools used for computer maintenance and repair, installing software and operating system updates, setting up and using built-in accessibility features in different operation systems, operating system maintenance procedures, setup and configuration of systems and devices for remote training, determining if remote training and support is appropriate, conferences and educational opportunities to keep up-to-date with various technologies, computer maintenance tools and procedures, disabling and removing of unnecessary or inaccessible third-party software, troubleshooting computing technology, virtualized operation systems, display technologies, options for self-teaching and continuing education to remain current with various technologies, local networking, wireless networking, wireless troubleshooting internet issues, portable and mobile-computing technology, and security measures for computing technology. More Info
Offered in:VISN 663 Technological Methods of Accessibility and Accommodations for People with Visual Impairments +
Description:
This fully online course will provide an overview of best practices for providing assistive technology services to people with visual impairments, as well as digital accessibility and usability, accommodations, and universal design in educational, vocational, avocational, and home environments. Students will learn through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and independent learning exercises about strategies for creating accessible instructional materials, in a variety of formats and learning modalities, customizing screen readers on various operation systems for compatibility with third-party applications, and personalizing assistive technology options. This course explores a variety of assistive technologies, techniques, and strategies for working with people who have visual impairments, as well as additional disabilities. More Info
Offered in:VISN 669 Assistive Technology for People with Visual Impairments Practicum +
Description:
The assistive Technology for People with Visual Impairments Practicum consists of a supervised practicum for pre-service professionals within the Assistive Technology Program working with students who are visually impaired, ranging from school aged students to adult vocational and geriatric populations. Pre-registration for the Assistive Technology for People with Visual Impairments Practicum is required on semester prior to enrollment, along with documentation of completion of all required courses and successful completion of a minimum of 25 integrated field hours for assistive technology experiences. The practicum site must be approved by the Program Coordinator. In addition to the field-based experience, students are expected to obtain a passing score on the national professional certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments (CATIS examination through the Academy for Certification for Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professional (ACVREP) More Info
Offered in:VISN 696 Independent Study +
VISN 697 Special Topics +
Description:
An advanced course offering intensive study of selected topics in this subject area. More Info
Offered in:- TBA