Courses And Distant Learning On Deafblindness Through Institutes Of Higher Education

All Vision Related College and University Programs
http://www.tsbvi.edu/pds/universities.htm

DB-LINK: Personnel Prep Programs
http://dblink.org/people/pp.htm

Deafblind University Programs

BOSTON COLLEGE TEACHER PREPARATION IN DEAFBLINDNESS

School of Education
120 Campion Hall
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167
Dr. Susan Bruce
Assistant Professor

PHONE: 617-552-4239
EMAIL: susan.bruce@bc.edu
FAX: 617-552-1840
TTY:
WEBSITE:

Boston College has a long history in preparing teachers at the master's level to work with learners who are deafblind. Although many graduates remain career teachers, others have become researchers, consultants, college professors, program administrators, and state deafblind coordinators. Many international students have returned to their home countries to take leadership positions in the field of deafblindness. Varied educational practicum settings are available and out-of-state as well as local practicum experiences are encouraged. Federal grant money may also be available.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE [CSUN]

18111 Nordoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330-8265
Dr. June Downing Professor

PHONE: (818) 677-5261
EMAIL: june.downing@csun.edu
FAX: (818) 677-4737
TTY: (818) 677-2577
WEBSITE: http://www.csun.edu

There are currently two personnel preparation programs at CSUN that include a focus on deaf-blindness: Project SOS and Project SMART. Both projects have been extended until July 31, 2006.

Project SOS: Supporting Our Students is a 5-year program (2000-2005) funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) under low-incidence competition. Students in the program will earn their Level I, Preliminary CA Credential in Moderate/Severe Disabilities. The program is based on inclusive educational practices for all students and on ways to meet individual needs via curriculum modifications and instructional adaptations. Children and youth with multiple disabilities, including deaf-blindness are covered under this credential program. Students in the 2-year program receive $6,000 a year for two years to cover tuition and related educational costs.

Project SMART: Support, Mentoring, and Resources for Teachers is a 4-year OSEP funded project (2000-2004) to assist teachers in California to obtain their Level II, Professional CA Credential in Moderate/Severe Disabilities and their MA degree in Special Education from California State University, Northridge. Candidates in this program already possess a Level I credential from California or a related credential from another state. The program focuses on creating change in the educational system and ensuring quality inclusive experiences for all students regardless of disability. Children and youth having the most severe and multiple disabilities, including deaf-blindness are included in this program. Candidates receive $6,000 a year for each of a two-year period.

CERTIFICATE TRAINING IN DEAFBLINDNESS

Department of Communicative Disorders
Northern Illinois University
Rehabilitation Counseling
DeKalb, IL 60115
Jennifer L. Gregory Project Coordinator

PHONE: (815) 753-6545
EMAIL:
FAX: (815) 753-9123
TTY:
WEBSITE: http://www.chhs.niu.edu/comd/iod/

Northern Illinois University's Department of Communicative Disorders, housed within the College of Health and Human Sciences, offers a unique program designed to provide quality continuing education to the rehabilitation professional who wishes to enhance his or her skills in providing quality services to persons who are deaf-blind. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration. Participants may earn 15 semester hours of academic credit at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Training begins with an intensive three-week institute on the Northern Illinois University campus, located 65 miles west of Chicago. Students then enroll in a distance-learning component of the course that is completed during the second semester of study. The goal of the program is to impact significantly the delivery of rehabilitation services to persons who are deaf-blind by assisting rehabilitation professionals to be knowledgeable concerning the unique considerations of providing quality and accessible services to this population.

COCHLEAR IMPLANTS AND CHILDREN ON-LINE COURSE

Cochlear Implant Education Center at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University
Debra Nussbaum

EMAIL: debra.nussbaum@gallaudet.edu
PHONE:
FAX:
TTY:
WEBSITE: http://geel.gallaudet.edu/extended_learning.html

The Cochlear Implant Education Center at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University is continuing to work on many initiatives related to children with cochlear implants. (with primary focus on children, families and educational programs that also use sign language) An on-line course is offered entitled Cochlear Implants and Children: Considerations for Implantation and Educational Planning. An overview of the technical aspects of the device, surgical procedures, issues involved in determining candidacy, extent of benefit from the implant, and considerations for family support and educational planning. Information related to effectiveness of cochlear implants will be highlighted in the context of age of implantation, psychological adjustment considerations and deaf culture issues. Contact Debra Nussbaum for information on the next sceduled class.

CONSORTIUM FOR NATIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN DEAFBLINDNESS: A MODEL FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES [NDPT]

SKI-HI Institute
Utah State University
6500 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-6500
Linda Alsop

EMAIL: lalsop@cc.usu.edu
PHONE:
(435) 797-5598
FAX: (435) 797-5580
TTY:
WEBSITE:

The project will address training and competency issues for paraprofessionals on a national level. Funded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) it will develop a three course sequence for paraprofessionals working with students with deafblindness, including multiple disabilities, in K-12 programs. The new curriculum will be jointly developed by a consortium that includes professionals in deaf-blindness, state deaf-blind projects, four academic institutions, DB-LINK, the Community of Practice Focusing on Interveners and Paraprofessionals, and the National Paraprofessional Consortium. The curriculum will be implemented and delivered via distance education and available through community colleges and two year programs. In the first phase of implementation, the project curriculum will be integrated into preservice programs at institutions in four states: Salt Lake City Community College (UT); Mount Wachusett Community College (MA); South Plains Community College (TX); and the University of Arkansas-Little Rock (AR). The consortium will work collaboratively to address issues of systems change and ensure the replication of the training beyond the grant cycle. Funding began October, 2004 and continues for three years. A brochure describing the project is on file at Perkins School.

CORTICAL VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ONLINE COURSE [CVI]

Jim Deremeik
Lions Vision Research and Rehabilitation Center

PHONE: (410) 502-6431
EMAIL: jderemeik@jhmi.edu
FAX:
TTY:
WEBSITE: http://www.emeraldevents.net/diopp/?rcode1=AER

This course is a re-creation of a workshop on CVI conducted by Dr. Gordon Dutton, a pediatric ophthalmologist from Glasgow, Scotland, at the 2006 AER International Conference. The workshop entitled CVI - Damage to the Brain: A Common Cause of Visual Impairment in Children, is an online course broken into nine sections. The course provides participants an overview of the visual system and how it works, disorders of vision due to damage to the brain, and approaches to helping students with vision problems due to damage to the brain. Dr. Dutton provides participants theory and practical application from his expertise as a clinician working with children and their families having been diagnosed with CVI. The course is broken into eight learning modules. The ninth and last section is a question and answer forum for those who attended the Salt Lake City workshop. The intended audience for this course is any care provider working with a child diagnosed or suspected of having cortical (cerebral) visual impairment.

Participants successfully completing this course will be able to:

Describe how the visual system works
Understand what can go wrong with the visual system due to damage to the brain
Provide solutions and interventions for children having or suspected of having CVI
Share their knowledge and learning experiences on CVI with other course participants by using the discussion board on the course platform

For more information and to register for the course, which costs $75, please contact Jim or go to the website.

DEAFBLIND DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES

Project for NM Children and Youth Who are Deaf-blind
Center for Development and Disability
University of New Mexico
2300 Menaul NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107

PHONE: (505) 272-0321
(877) 614-4051 (Toll Free)
EMAIL: nmdb@salud.unm.edu
FAX: (505) 272-5280
TTY: (877) 614-4051 (Toll Free)
(505) 272-0321
WEBSITE: http://cdd.unm.edu/deafblind/training/index.htm

The Project for NM Children and Youth Who Are Deaf-blind offers 2 web-based distance education courses: 1) Overview of Deafblindness with an Emphasis on Communication, and 2) Assessments and Interventions: Case Studies in Deafblindness. The courses are offered yearly, pending enrollment numbers. To register: Participants must register with the Project for New Mexico Children and Youth Who are Deafblind. Registration via e-mail, telephone/tty or fax. There is a $100.00 fee for non-residents. See the web site for a full description of the courses or contact Marcella Greathouse.

HUNTER COLLEGE OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

Hunter College School of Education
Department of Special Education
695 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Rosanne K. Silberman, Ed.D.

EMAIL: rsilberm@hunter.cuny.edu
PHONE: (212) 772-4740
FAX: (212) 650-3542
TTY:
WEBSITE:

Hunter College offers a Master of Science in Childhood Special Education with a specialization in Severe/Multiple Disabilities Including Deafblindness. The program is designed to prepare teachers to provide instruction to learners with severe disabilities including those with deafblindness in specialized and inclusive settings. Emphasis is on collaboration betweem special education and general education to prepare students to improve the quality of learning and increase educational opportunities and standards for all learners. Graduates will be prepared to teach in diverse settings that include early intervention centers, specialized programs in public and private schools, private agencies, hospitals and clinics. They will be able to serve in such roles as specialized teachers of learners with severe disabilities including deafblindness, inclusion support providers, and as collaborative team teachers with general education teachers. Tuition waivers and stipends may be available for full and part-time study.

THE INTERVENOR PROGRAM

George Brown College
P.O. Box 1015 Station B
Toronto M5T 2T9
Toronto, Ontario Canada M5T 2T9
Betty-Jean Reid

EMAIL: bjreid@georgebrown.ca
PHONE: (416) 415-5000 x 2357
1-800-265-2002
FAX: (416) 415-2646
TTY: (416) 415-2286
WEBSITE: http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/comsrv/C108.aspx

George Brown College offers a two-year diploma program for training intervenors for persons who are congenitally deafblind or have acquired deaf-blindness. The program includes theoretical and practical training in communication skills and specialized techniques of intervention. Students learn communication theory and practice, along with a wide range of topics relevant to deaf-blindness such as advocacy issues, community resources, sociology, and psychology. On-the-job training is an integral feature of the program. Graduates have found employment in social service agencies, schools, independent living residences etc. and are employed in areas throughout Canada and the world.

KANSAS LOW INCIDENCE PERSONNEL PREPARATION [KLIPP]

Beach Center on Disability
University of Kansas
3145 Haworth Hall
1200 Sunnyside Ave
Lawrence, KS 66045-7534
Susan Bashinski, Ed.D. Project Coordinator

PHONE: (785) 864-2459
EMAIL: sbashins@ku.edu
FAX: (785) 864-7605
TTY: (785) 864-3434
WEBSITE:

This OSEP Personnel Preparation grant provides stipend support, for both full-time and part-time graduate students, who are seeking Kansas licensure to teach students who have low incidence disabilities, including severe and multiple disabilities, deafness or hearing loss, or deaf-blindness. The grant KLIPP: Kansas Low Incidence Personnel Preparation is a five year grant which began on Sept. 1, 2002. In addition to providing stipend support for pre-service students studying in the above listed areas KLIPP offers summer institutes in advanced coursework on an inservice basis. Contact Dr. Susan Bashinski for further information specific to the grant (See above contact information). Sally Roberts, Ph.D., Co-Project Director, may also be contacted for information specific to the deaf education program.

MULTI-SENSORY IMPAIRMENT DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM

School of Education
Continuing Professional Development
UK Distance Education
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, UK
Liz Hodges

EMAIL: e.m.hodges@bham.ac.uk
PHONE: +44 (0)121 414 4873
FAX:
TTY:
WEBSITE: http://www.education.bham.ac.uk/programmes/pgrad/cpd/profiles/speced/default.htm

These program are designed to help educators focus on identifying and meeting needs related to multi-sensory impairment, with an emphasis on linking theory to practice. A two-year DE programme leads to a recognised qualification for specialist teachers of children with multi-sensory impairment, at either BPhil or Postgraduate Diploma level. The program content includes causes and implications of multi-sensory impairment, communication, education, and provision for learners with multi-sensory impairment. Students work individually using specially designed materials, and attend regional seminars and four residential weekends at the University of Birmingham. They also complete teaching placements and a project module. A one-year programme selected from the above content leads to an Advanced Certificate or a Postgraduate Certificate. Students may also study for an MEd in multi-sensory impairment, completing the program outlined above and a 15,000-word dissertation, but no teaching placement. All students must have regular contact with learners with multi-sensory impairments. Most, but not all, are teachers.

OKLAHOMA TEACHER REGISTRY TRAINING IN MULTIPLE DISABILITIES/DEAF BLINDNESS

University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
College of Medicine
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
PO Box 26901, ROB 342
Oklahoma City, OK 73190
Vyonda G. Martin Assistant Director

PHONE: (405) 271-4500, ext.41005
(405) 271-4500, ext.41009
EMAIL: Vyonda-martin@ouhsc.edu
FAX: (405) 271-1459
TTY: (405) 271-1464
WEBSITE: http://w3.ouhsc.edu/thecenter/registry.htm

The Special Education Teacher Registry is a training project funded by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and coordinated by the Center for Learning and Leadership of Oklahoma. Registry training was created as a mechanism to provide approved training in federal criteria areas for which no special education certification exists in the state of Oklahoma. These federal criteria areas include: Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Multiple Disabilities/deaf Blindness (MD/DB) and Other Health Impairment (OHI). Thirty-two hour trainings have been developed and are coordinated by the Center for Learning and Leadership. Training is only offered to special education personnel in Oklahoma.

OVERVIEW OF DEAF-BLINDNESS WITH AN EMPHASIS IN COMMUNICATION WEB COURSE

Project for NM Children and Youth Who are Deaf-blind
Center for Development and Disability
University of New Mexico
2300 Menaul Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Rita Crozier

EMAIL: rcrozier@salud.unm.edu
PHONE: (877) 614-4051 (Toll Free)
(505) 272-0321
FAX: (505) 272-3140
TTY: (505) 272-0321
WEBSITE: http://cdd.unm.edu/deafblind

The Project for New Mexico Children and Youth Who are Deaf-blind will be hosting a web course entitled Overview of Deaf-blindness with an Emphasis in Communication. It is beginning the week of September 10, 2007. This web-based distance education course is offered periodically, pending interest and enrollment of at least 8 individuals. It is designed for families, individuals, service providers, and educational teams working with children and youth who are deaf-blind. Sponsored by the Project for NM Children and Youth Who are Deaf-blind, which is part of the University of New Mexico’s, Center for Development and Disability. Using a combination of lectures/topics, simulations (to facilitate experiences similar or closely related to deaf-blindness), and class discussions (to facilitate learning, sharing, and constructive brainstorming), this class explores and defines the causes and learning consequences of deaf-blindness. The course is gree to NM residents and $100 for out of state participants. For more information and to register, please contact: Rita Rita Crozier.

PRESERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM IN DEAFBLINDNESS

SKI-HI Institute
Utah State University
6500 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-6500
Linda Alsop Project Director

PHONE: (435) 797-5598
EMAIL: lalsop@cc.usu.edu
FAX: (435) 797-5580
TTY:
WEBSITE:

A preservice online training program in deafblindness is now available through Utah State University. Based on the National Intervener Competencies, the courses are designed to prepare paraprofessionals to work as interveners with children and youth who are deafblind. It can also be useful to teachers, parents, administrators and adult service providers. This coursework has won the 2007 Blackboard Greenhhouse Exemplary Course Award, which recognizes it as one of the top ten online courses in the country. The program will begin this Fall 2007.

The following options are available to interested students:

Option 1: Students can take the training program in deafblindness that consists of two 4-semester credit hour classes to be offered in the Fall and the Spring. Tuition is $188/credit hour with no out of state fees. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will be awarded a certificate of completion from USU. These courses can also be taken for graduate credit.

Option 2: Students can take the two course training program on a no-credit basis for $110/credit hour with no out of state fees. Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will receive a certificate of completion from USU.

Option 3: Students can take the coursework as part of an Associates Degree program in General Studies with a Focus in Deafblindness. This online program includes 30 semester hours of general education classes and 30 hours of coursework that includes the deafblind classes and other related topics. Tuition is $188/credit hour with no out of state fees.

Anyone interested in participating in this training, please contact Linda Alsop.

PROJECT RIITE

SKI-HI Institute
Utah State University
6500 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-6500
Linda Alsop

EMAIL: lalsop@cc.usu.edu
PHONE: (435) 797-5598
FAX:
TTY:
WEBSITE: http://www.riite.usu.edu/

Project RIITE (Resources and Interactive Instruction for Training Educators in Deaf-Blindness) proposes to develop an innovative inservice training program for individualized study for personnel serving children and youth who are deafblind. The training will use state-of-the-art DVD technology combined with Internet support. This interactive training program is designed to increase educators' understanding of the impact of combined vision and hearing loss and to guide them through the decision- making process of determining the accommodations and modifications that are required for these children to have to access to educational environments. This training model includes instruction and information, simulated experiences with various combinations of vision and hearing losses, problem solving with guided cases studies, and individually completed case studies. This training program will support effective learning through high-level interactivity and learner participation, and the training modules are also useful as a resource once training is completed. The beginning date of the grant is December 01, 2002 and the ending date of the grant is November 30, 2005.

RENWICK COLLEGE

Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children
361-365 North Rocks Road
North Rocks NSW 2151, Australia
Leonie Cheetham College Librarian

PHONE: (02) 9871 1233

EMAIL: renwick@newcastle.edu.au
cheetham@ridbc.org.au
online@ridbc.org.au
FAX: (02) 9871 2196
TTY: (02) 9871 1233
WEBSITE: http://www.ridbc.org.au/services/index.asp

Renwick College, the research and professional development arm of Sydney's Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children offers a variety of continuing education programs (conferences, seminars and workshops) in the areas of hearing impairment, vision impairment, dual sensory and multiple disability, and early intervention and sensory disability. For full details and registration forms for all conferences, seminars, and workshops, check the Renwick College Continuing Education pages of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind children..

SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY

Moderate/Severe Disabilities Credential Program
Dept. Special Education
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
Pam Hunt Professor and Coordinator of the Moderate/Severe Disabilities Credential Program

PHONE: (415) 338-7848
EMAIL: hunt@sfsu.edu
FAX: (415) 338-2845
TTY:
WEBSITE:

San Francisco State University has been awarded a four-year personnel preparation grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The new program - a partnership between SFSU's Moderate/Severe Disabilities Credential Program and California Deaf-Blind Services - will prepare teachers to meet the needs of studnets who are deaf-blind and develop the next generation of leaders in the field of deaf-blindness.

This endorsement program in the education of learners who are deaf-blind will include, in addition to all coursework and fieldwork requirements for the Moderate/Severe Disabilities Credential Program, the following opportunities:

one semester of fieldwork at a site serving at least one student who is deaf-blind, with supervision from a CDBS Educational Specialist;
additional coursework in visual impairment, hearing impairment, and deaf-blindness;
an eight-week internship with California Deaf-Blind Services, concurrent with student teaching, that includes observation, supported engagement in technical assistance activities, extensive reflections with CDBS staff on effective practices for educating students who are deaf-blind, team collaboration, and technical assistance to educational team members and families:
a regional training provided to families and support providers of children who are deaf-blind.

Students will be eligible to receive substantial stipends of approximately $15,000.

SENSORY IMPAIRED EARLY INTERVENTION MASTERS PROGRAM [S.E.I.M.]

SKI-HI Institute
Utah State University
6500 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-6500
Sue Watkins, EdD (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) Co-Director

PHONE:
EMAIL: swatkins@cc.usu.edu
FAX:
TTY:
WEBSITE:

Students enrolled in the S.E.I.M. Graduate Program will acquire the necessary information and skills to work in early intervention programs for families of infants and young children with sensory loss. Students will earn a Master’s from the Department of Communicative Disorders/Deaf Education at Utah State University (USU). The program will typically take 3 semesters to complete. Each student will select an early intervention focus area: Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Blind and Visually Impaired; or Deafblind.

The coursework and practicum will prepare the student to understand the myriad of issues associated with families and early intervention in natural environments. The coursework and practicum will also prepare students to meet state of Utah credentialing and endorsement requirements. Sensory losses have powerful effects on the lives of young children and their families. Project S.E.I.M. will prepare early interventionists to meet the needs of children with sensory loss and their families through training that is evidence-based, consistent with DEC Recommended practices, and that includes sensory- specific content essential for the successful learning and growth of these children. Students will learn early intervention practices that are family-centered, developmentally and individually appropriate, and that include interdisciplinary collaboration and assessment.

The project operates out of the Department of Communicative Disorders/Deaf Education at USU which houses the nationally and internationally known SKI-HI Institute. The SKI-HI Institute is a preeminent leader in the development of resources, training, and services for families of infants and young children with sensory loss. Instructors for Project S.E.I.M. are from the SKI-HI Institute. Student stipends are available that cover tuition and other expenses. Out-of-state students will receive in state tuition rates. All students accepted into the S.E.I.M. Program are eligible for financial support.

STATE-WIDE PROJECT TO PREPARE PERSONNEL FOR LEARNERS WHO ARE DEAF-BLIND

Department of Curriculum Instruction and Special Education
University of Southern Mississippi
Box 5115
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5115
Dr. Linda McDowell Administrative Director

PHONE: (601) 266-5135
EMAIL: linda.mcdowell@usm.edu
FAX: (601) 266-4978
TTY:
WEBSITE:

The five-year state-wide project will train personnel in Mississippi at the graduate level to work with students who are deaf-blind, fulfilling a long felt and yet completely unmet need by Mississippi University graduate training programs. Sixty personnel will complete the master’s degree. Personnel completing the course work will have a master’s in severe disabilities with an emphasis in dual sensory impairment from USM. The master’s will satisfy state agency certification requirements for working directly with or supervising personnel working with individuals with multiple disabilities, a low-incidence population. Personnel will also be capable of leading future training of para-educators at one of the fifteen community colleges in Mississippi.(October 2003 - October 2008)

TEACHER PREPARATION IN SEVERE & MULTIPLE DISABILITIES (INCUDING DEAFBLINDNESS)

Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and School Psychology
College of Education
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
Dr. Stephanie MacFarland Co-Director and Coordinator

PHONE: (520) 621-5165
EMAIL: szm@u.arizona.edu
FAX: (520) 621-3821
TTY: AZ relay @ 1-800-842-4681
WEBSITE: http://coe.web.arizona.edu/pages/deg_sersp/severe.php

Our program in severe and multiple disabilities leads to a master's degree and certification in teaching students with severe and multiple disabilities in Arizona. The program includes course content in teaching children who are deafblind and the importance of assessing and developing communication systems and programs. The program emphasizes a functional and inclusive approach to teaching individuals with severe and multiple disabilities. Students in the program have opportunities to pursue areas of concentration in deafblindness, autism, school-to-work transition, and other areas of educating learners with severe and multiple disabilities. At this time the program does have scholarships avaialble for full-time students ($10,000.00 per academic year of the two year program). A federal grant was funded for five years (August 2002 to July 2007).

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION VIRGINIA MURRAY SOWELL CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

3008 18th Street, MS 1071

Lubbock, TX 79409
Roseanna Davidson, Ed.D
Research Associate Professor

PHONE: (806) 742-2345 ext. 246
EMAIL: roseanna.davidson@ttu.edu
FAX: 806-742-2326
TTY:
WEBSITE: http://www.educ.ttu.edu/sowell2/

Texas Tech University offers distance education classes as well as traditional on campus classes for teachers interested in special education masters or doctoral programs with emphasis on a choice of orientation and mobility, visual impairment, or deafblind studies. Some programs offer state and/or national certification upon completion.

UNIVERSITIES OFFERING VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS TRAINING

PHONE:
EMAIL:
FAX:
TTY:
WEBSITE: http://www.tsbvi.edu/pds/universities.htm

A complete listing of all the universities offering VI training in an array of disciplines, distance or otherwise.

VISION IMPAIRMENTS - DEAFBLIND PROGRAM

UAB School of Education
Education Building
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL 35294
Dr. Mary Jean Sanspree

EMAIL: sanspree@uab.edu
PHONE:
(205) 934-3440
FAX: (205) 934-6722
TTY: (866) 975-0624
WEBSITE:

The University of Alabama (UAB) awards a master's degree or graduate certification in visual impairments. An alternative fifth year master's degree is offered to entering students who have a bachelor's degree in another field other than education. Deafblind studies are embedded throughout all subject areas. Degrees are inclusive of studies of children aged 0-21 years. Practical experience involves clinical hours in public schools as well as optional placements, so that students receive teaching experience in a wide spectrum of classrooms. All students have individual programs designed to adress their strengths and needs. Most coursework is presented during the summer and on weekends. Web based instruction is included in many courses for research and practical theory. Scholarships are available.