Curriculum : Complete Course Listing
Please Note: VITP classes are held on the Governor Morehead School campus in Raleigh, the NCCU Campus in Durham, and/or via Distance Education - classes may or may not be offered simultaneously via any of the three. Not all classes may be available in any given semester.
EDEC 5501 - Introduction to Visual Impairments (3)
An introductory course providing a comprehensive, life-span overview of the field of visual impairments. Examines legal, demographic, historical, and psychosocial perspectives, as well as the various services and programs available. Through demonstrations, simulations, and practical experiences, students will also be exposed to a variety of current adaptive skills, techniques, and devices used by persons with visual impairments.
EDEC 5502 - Introduction to Braille Code (1)
Competency-based introduction to the Braille code. Course examinations address the history of tactile codes, Grade One and Grade Two Braille transcription and translation, as well as the technologies, techniques, and tools of reading and writing Braille. One-hour credit offered on a Pass/Fail basis.
EDEC 5504 - Specialized Braille Codes (1)
20-session, advanced web-based course that completes the knowledge needed to be identified as a Master Braillist. Course provides in-depth discussion of existing and emerging technologies useful in Braille production and specialized topics regarding Foreign Language Braille, Music Braille, and Nemeth code. One-hour credit offered on a Pass/Fail basis.
EDEC 5508 - Technology for the Visually Impaired Learner (3)
Through didactic and practical instruction, this course enables participants to successfully integrate technological devices into the instructional settings of individuals with visual impairments. Issues of computer literacy are presented, along with the resources for locating, assessing, and adapting current technologies for the unique needs of the visually impaired learner.
EDEC 5511 - Advanced Aspects of Low Vision (3)
Prerequisites: A minimum of 12 hours vision-specific coursework, which includes EDEC 5501 Introduction to Visual Impairment and EDEC 5601 Structure and Function of the Human Eye, and instructor approval
Advanced studies course providing comprehensive analysis and instruction regarding low vision issues across the life span. Course of study includes the psychological/sociological impact of low vision, advanced assessment, and intervention techniques and strategies, as well as the utilization of optical and non-optical adaptations and devices.
EDEC 5512 - Deaf/Blind & Multiple Disabilities (3)
Advanced seminar addressing the unique assessment, instructional strategies, and psychological/sociological aspects of multiple disabilities, including deaf/blindness, across the life span. Course develops specific, multi-disciplinary team-based intervention strategies including team identification, teams assessments, and team intervention methodologies used to meet the individualized needs of persons with multiple disabilities.
EDEC 5513 - Advanced Seminar in Visual Impairments (3)
Prerequisite: EDEC 5696 or EDEC 5697 or equivalent
An advanced study seminar requiring in-depth reviews, critiques, and research into selected topics of contemporary interest and importance to the field of visual impairments across the life span. Specific seminar topics will be based upon perceived needs of the faculty and/or students' expressed interests.
EDEC 5601 - Structure and Function of the Human Eye (3)
Overview of the anatomy, physiology, and pathologies of the human eye as related to visual development and visual functioning. Topics related to functional visual assessments, clinical report interpretations, educational and environmental modifications, intervention strategies, optic systems, and the utilization of low vision devices are also presented. Simulated low vision practical experiences are an integral part of the instruction.
EDEC 5602 - Teaching Braille and Communication Skills (3)
Prerequisites: EDEC 5501, EDEC 5502, and EDGR 5299 or equivalent
Concentrates on teaching persons with visual impairments to read and write using the Braille code. Specific teaching methods of Braille instruction are modeled along with the current and developing methods of producing Braille and tactile materials.
EDEC 5603 - Orientation & Mobility for the Classroom Teacher (3)
Prerequisite: EDEC 5501
Provides an overview of travel concepts, skills, and techniques used by persons with visual impairments. Students also participate in functional experiences using blindfold and low vision simulators while learning the specific skills that allow comfortable interaction with visually impaired individuals. Topics include basic sighted guide, protective techniques, and independent travel skills along with orientation techniques and assessment/referral options.
EDEC 5604 - Problems, Methods, and Materials for Teaching Children with Visual Impairments (3)
Prerequisites: EDEC 5501, EDGR 5299, EDGR 5221, EDGR 5620, EDGR 5622, or EDGR 5423 or equivalents
Develops skills related to teaching children with visual impairments in a full array of educational settings. Topics include state and federal legislative requirements, assessment and teaching strategies, educational material modifications, and educational program planning. Issues related to direct service provision, consultation roles, and team assessment models are also presented.
EDEC 5605 - Sensory & Motor Development of the Visually Impaired Learner (3)
Explores the typical and atypical development of human sensory and motor systems along with their relationship to concept development, movement, orientation, and mobility. Course topics include sensory and motor assessment procedures, methods for integrating sensory and motor skills, and ways of providing multi-sensory experiences that will enhance travel concepts and abilities.
EDEC 5606 - Orientation & Mobility Praxis I (3)
Prerequisites: EDEC 5501 and EDEC 5603 and permission of instructor
Course designed for pre-service orientation and mobility specialists. Through lecture, observation, and practice, this course develops competencies in advanced travel techniques used by persons with visual impairments.
EDEC 5607 - Orientation & Mobility Praxis II (3)
Prerequisite: EDEC 5606 and permission of the instructor
A continuation of EDEC 5606 which provides advanced orientation & mobility training as well as specific methods of developing and adapting individualized orientation & mobility assessments, program plans, and service delivery within a variety of instructional environments.
EDEC 5608 - O&M for Individuals with Special Needs (3)
Prerequisite: EDEC 5606 or instructor permission
Addresses the special travel needs and difficulties of low vision, geriatric, deaf/blind, multi-handicapped, and physically impaired individuals. Special topics are also provided for rural and urban travel, as well as possible cultural and linguistic influences on evaluations and training.
EDEC 5609 - Special Topics in Visual Impairments (3)
Prerequisite: Instructor permission
Seminar course providing in-depth study of selected topics of contemporary interest to the field of visual impairments. Topics may include, but are not limited to, grant writing, research, legal issues, and current trends and issues. Specific topic selections will be based on perceived needs of the faculty in conjunction with students' expressed interests.
EDEC 5610 - Psychosocial Implications of Blindness and Visual Impairment (3)
Learners explore psychosocial factors affecting the adjustment process to visual impairment across the life span and study issues related to adjustment including demographics, life stage, type of visual impairment, personality, self-concept, social support network, and the grieving process. Learners also explore the impact of cultural and societal attitudes and diversity, as well as stereotypes of blindness and visual impairment on adjustment. They will also be introduced to effective relationship building and communication skills strategies. An overview of the range of psychosocial interventions is provided including resources for referrals.
EDEC 5611 - Independent Living for Sensory Impaired Learners (3)
Prerequisite: EDEC 5501, EDEC 5601, EDEC 5605 or course equivalents with a related degree, licensure, or certificate
This course provides learners with hands-on instruction and laboratory practice (with vision simulators and blindfolds) in the methods and adaptive techniques utilized by the Teachers of the Visually Impaired, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists in the following independent living skill areas: (a) home management, (b) personal management, (c) recreation and leisure, (d) diabetic management and adaptive diabetes care, and (e) additional medical/health involvements. Classes emphasize the utilization of instructional objectives as a foundation for lesson planning as well as the role of learning theory in the educational and rehabilitation processes.
EDEC 5612 - Vision Rehabilitation Therapy: Advanced Theory and Practice (3)
Prerequisite: EDEC 5611
This course covers the Vision Rehabilitation Therapy process, including interviewing skills, assessment techniques, and lesson planning. The course emphasizes comprehensive vision rehabilitation therapy assessment and instructional strategies that include the principles of adult learning theory. Learners are provided with opportunities to observe adults and older adults with vision impairment who are receiving rehabilitation instruction in adaptive living skills in center- and community-based settings as well as learn advanced skills via blindfold practical experience.
EDEC 5530 - Practicum in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (3)
Prerequisites: Completion of other coursework for VRT
Permission of the instructor required. Designed as a culmination of the university training program, this 350 hours of supervised teaching experience bridges the gap between theoretical aspects of the specialty courses and must be established, with the instructor, at least one semester prior to actual enrollment.
EDEC 5695 - Professional Practicum in Special Education: Visual Impairments (3)
EDEC 5696 - Practicum in Special Education: VI Teaching (3)
EDEC 5697 - Practicum Special Education: Orientation & Mobility (3)
EDEC 5698 - Internship in Special Education: VI Teaching (6)
EDEC 5699 - Internship in Special Education: Orientation & Mobility (6)
Page Last Updated February 12, 2010