Spring 2014 TVI Course Offerings.

Spring 2014 Registration Form (MS Word).

Dates for Spring courses:February 3rd - May 9th 2014

The following courses are being offered this Spring:

  1. SPE-G 616 (VISN 605): Implications of Low Vision
  2. SPE-G 619 (VISN 610): Braille Communications II
  3. SPE-G 623(VISN 640): Psycho-social Aspects of Visual Impairments
  4. SPE-G 643 (VISN614): Instructional Strategies: Students VI and Additional Disabilities

5. (VISN646): Introduction to Audiology: The Human Auditory System

6. SPE-G 671 (VISN 642): Technology for Children with Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities

7. VISN 697 Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment

8. SPE-G 698 (VISN 619): TVI Practicum

SPE-G 616 (VISN 605): Implications of Low Vision.

Class #:5585

Location: Online
Section:2
Instructor:Darick Wright

Credits:3
Prepracticum:6-8 hours

Prerequisite:SPE-G614 (VISN 604)

Course Description:This course is designed to train professionals to work with individuals who have low vision in both rehabilitation and educational settings. Through selected readings and presentations on the theoretical and practical aspects of low vision, participants will acquire a solid knowledge base; and become comfortable with various low vision concepts and methods for integrating visual needs and adapted equipment within an educational/rehabilitation environment. In addition, small group activities, case studies, and simulation will be incorporated throughout the course to provide students with the practical application of skills and techniques learned.

Required Texts

1. Dictionary of Eye Terminology, 5th ed. © 2006

  • Publisher: Triad Publishing Co. Gainesville, FL.
  • Authors: Cassin, B. & Solomon, S.A.B.
  • Website:
  1. Looking To Learn promoting literacy for students with low vision. © 2000
  2. Publisher: AFB Press
  3. Authors: D'Andrea & Farrenkopf
  4. Website:
  5. Making Life More Livable: Simple adaptations for living at home after vision loss. © 2002
  6. Publisher: AFB Press
  7. Author: Duffy, M.
  8. Website:
  9. Program in Low Vision Therapy © 2004
  10. Publisher: Region IV EducationServiceCenter: Houston, Texas.
  11. Website:
  12. Visual Development, Diagnosis, and Treatment of the Pediatric Patient. © 2006
  13. Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, PA
  14. Editor: Duckman, R.H.
  15. Website:
  16. The Eye Book: A Complete Guide to Eye Disorders and Health. Large Print Edition. © 1998
  17. Publisher: JohnsHopkinsUniversity Press: Baltimore, MD
  18. Authors: Cassel, G.H., Billig, M.D., & Randall, H.G.
  19. Website:

Optional Texts

  1. Foundations of low vision: clinical and functional perspectives. © 1996
  2. Publisher: AFB Press
  3. Editors: Corn & Koenig
  4. Website:
  5. Low vision: a resource guide with adaptations for students with visual impairments. © 1991
  6. Publisher: TexasSchool for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Austin, Texas
  7. Author: Levack, N.
  8. Website:
  9. Essentials of Low Vision Practice. © 1991
  10. Publisher: Butterworth Heinemann: Woburn, MA
  11. Author: Brilliant, R. L.
  12. Website:
  13. The Low Vision Handbook. © 1997
  14. Publisher: SLACK Inc. New Jersey
  15. Author: Brown, B.
  16. Website:
  17. Study Guide for the Low Vision Therapist Examination.
  18. Note: This may be ordered directly from AERBVI.
  19. Cost: $20.00 (members) $40.00 (non-members)
  20. Website:

All texts can be purchased directly from the publisher using the links above.

SPE-G 619 (VISN 610): Braille Communications II

Class #:5586
Location: Online
Instructors:WendyBuckleyandSandySmith

Credits:3
Prepracticum:2-4 hours

Prerequisite:SPE-G615 (VISN 609)

Course Description:This course builds on the literary Braille code skills introduced in SPE-G-615. Students will study tools used in mathematics, including Nemeth Code, Scientific Notebook software, and the abacus. Braille formats typical of educational materials will be studied. Students will review the Literary Braille code.

A list of texts for this course can be found here:

SPE-G 623 (VISN 640): Psycho-social Aspects of Visual Impairments

Class #:5587
Location: Online
Instructor:Terri Stone Benton

Credits: 3

Course 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.

Required Texts

  1. Tuttle, Dean W. Naomi R. (2004). Self-Esteem and Adjusting with Blindness: The Process of Responding to Life’s Demands. Springfield: Charles C. Thomas. Publisher Ltd., [3rd edition].
  2. Milian, Madeline Erin, Jane N. (2010). Editors. Diversity and Visual Impairment: The Influence of Race, Gender, Religion and Ethnicity on the Individual. New York: American Foundation for the Blind Press.

Optional Texts

  1. Herrmann, Dorothy. (1998).HelenKeller: A Life. New York, Alfred A. Knopf.
  2. Lash, Joseph P. (1997).Helen and Teacher: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy. Reading, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.

SPE-G 643 (VISN 614): Instructional Strategies for Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Including Those with Additional Disabilities

Class #:5589
Location: Online
Instructor:TammyReisman

Credits:4
Prepracticum:25-hours +

Prerequisites:SPE-G614, SPE-G615, SPE-G616, SPE-G619, SPE-G620, SPE-G621, SPE-G622, SPE-G642,

Course Description:This course examines and explores the unique educational needs of children with visual impairment and children with visual and multiple impairments as well as techniques for instruction related to teaching these children in a full array of educational settings from ages 3-22. Topics include program planning for core and expanded core curriculum, adaptive techniques, and diverse communication systems. 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.

Required Materials:

DB-LINK Publications - Obtain both the information on CDROM drive and a brochure of services. Phone: 1-800-438-9376 (free)

Required Texts:

American Foundation for the Blind. (2005). When you have a visually impaired student in your classroom; 3 title set. New York: AFB Press.

Browder, Diane and Spooner, Fred. (2006). Teaching Language Arts, Math, and Science to Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities.Baltimore: Brookes Publishing.

D’Andrea, Frances Mary and Farrenkopf, Carol. (2000). Looking to Learn: Promoting Literacy for Students with Low Vision. New York: AFB Press.

Koenig, Alan J. and Holbrook eds. (2000). Foundations of Education (2nd ed): Vol. II, Instructional Strategies for Teaching Children and Youths with Visual Impairments.New York: AFB Press.

Olmstead, Jean. (2005) Itinerant Teaching: Tricks of the Trade for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, Second Edition. New York: AFB Press.

Roman-Lantzy, Christine (2007). Cortical Visual Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention. New York: AFB Press.

Wormsley, D. (2004). Braille Literacy: A Functional Approach. New York: AFB Press.

All texts can be purchased directly from the publisher using the links above.

VISN 646 Introduction to Audiology and the Human Auditory System

Class #: 18263

Online

Instructor: J.K. Bozeman

Credits: 3

Course 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.

Texts: All required readings are provided within the course.

SPE-G 671 (VISN 642) Technology for Children with Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities

Class Number: 18264

Online

Credits: 3

Instructor: Wendy Buckley

This course will assist students in understanding how technology can provide access to communication and to the curriculum for children who are visually impaired with additional disabilities including deafblindness. Students will explore a spectrum of assistive technology from simple technology to high tech and develop a framework to identify features to meet the educational needs of this population. Methods of using assistive technology to support curriculum will be explored and demonstrated through the creation of customized computer activities using current multimedia authoring programs. Strategies for integrating assistive technology into the classroom in both self-contained and inclusive settings will be discussed.

The books and materials list is posted on the following web page:

Students in this course must have access to the following technology:

Apple iPad with iOS6 or higher

Laptop or desktop computer with Windows 7 or higher, or Mac OS X

High speed internet connection

VISN 697 Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (3 credits)

Class Number:

Online

Instructor: Tammy Reisman

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.

Required Text

Cortical Vision Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention
Author: Christine Roman-Lantzy
Copyright: 2007
Available from:

SPE-G 698 (VISN 619): TVI Practicum

Class #:5590
Location: Online
Instructors:Tammy Reisman,JaniceBarron

Credits:4

Prerequisite: All coursework, passage of the Braille Proficiency Test, and program coordinator approval.

Course 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. The modules will be released on a bi-weekly schedule. There will be one synchronous Talking Communities session.

Pre-registration for the TVI Practicum is required one semester prior to enrollment. Student must provide documentation of 100 clock hours of pre-practicum experiences, passing score reports for all required licensure exams (MTEL), passing score on the Braille Proficiency Test, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. The practicum site must be approved by the Program Coordinator.

Recommended Texts

  1. Foundations of Education: History and theory of teaching children and youths with visual impairments, Vol. I & II, 2nd Edition © 2000
  2. Publisher: AFB Press
  3. Editors: Holbrook, M.C., Koenig, A. J.
  4. Website:
  5. Classroom Collaboration © 1997
  6. Publisher: Hilton Perkins Foundation, Watertown, MA
  7. Author: Hudson, L. J.
  8. Itinerant Teaching: Tricks of the trade for teachers of students with visual impairments. 2nd Edition © 2005
  9. Publisher: AFB Press
  10. Author: Olmstead, J. E.
  11. Website:
  12. MA Curriculum Frameworks for English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Technology, and History and Social Studies.
  13. Publisher: Massachusetts Department of Education
  14. Website:
  15. Massachusetts IEP 2000 Process Guide and IEP Forms and Notices
  16. Publisher: Massachusetts Department of Education
  17. Website:
  18. Requirements for the Participation of Students with Disabilities in MCAS (Including Test Accommodations and Alternate Assessment) © 2000
  19. Publisher: Massachusetts Department of Education
  20. Website:

All texts can be purchased directly from the publisher using the links above.