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Blindness and Visual Impairments PK-12 Licensure Graduate Certificate
Program Overview
Blindness and Visual Impairments PK-12 Licensure Graduate Certificate
Overview
This 26-credit graduate certificate provides teacher candidates with the tools they need to work with students who are blind and visually impaired, including those who have multiple disabilities and diverse learner characteristics. Candidates will gain skills and knowledge to support students in a variety of settings, including general and special education, in core content, and the Expanded Core Curriculum. This concentration is designed for candidates seeking Virginia initial teacher licensure in special education blindness and visual impairments preK-12.
Policies
Prior to applying for internship, students must successfully complete:
- Emergency First Aid, CPR and AED certification or training
- Praxis Braille Proficiency Test
- Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary
Licensure testing requirements are determined by the Commonwealth of Virginia and may change at any time. If changes to these requirements occur, students must meet the current testing and licensure requirements as set forth in the legal Code of Virginia.
Students must complete the following coursework, either prior to admission to the certificate or in conjunction with certificate coursework.
Course List
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDSE 501 | Introduction to Special Education | 3 |
| or EDSE 201 | Introduction to Special Education | |
| EDSE 503 | Language Development and Reading | 3 |
| or EDSE 341 | Language Acquisition and Reading and Writing Development | |
| EDSE 511 | Characteristics of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments | 3 |
| or EDSE 311 | Characteristics of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments | |
| EDSE 532 | Positive Behavior Supports | 3 |
| or EDSE 251 & EDSE 353 | Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports and Individualized Behavior Supports | |
| EDSE 663 | Collaborative Teamwork to Support Students with Significant Disabilities | 3 |
| or EDSE 354 | Consultation, Collaboration, and IEP Development |
Certificate Requirements
Total credits: 26
This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.
Coursework
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDAT 522 | Assistive Technology for Individuals with Sensory Impairments | 3 |
| EDSE 512 | Braille Code | 3 |
| EDSE 513 | Medical and Educational Implications of Blindness and Visual Impairments | 3 |
| EDSE 514 | Orientation and Mobility for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments | 2 |
| EDSE 518 | Curriculum and Assessment of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments | 3 |
| EDSE 613 | Teaching Methods for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments | 3 |
| EDSE 616 | Braille Reading and Writing | 3 |
| EDSE 785 | Internship: Blindness and Visual Impairments (must complete six credits) | 2-6 |
| Total Credits | 26 |
