Foundations of Education & Rehabilitation | 2 credits | Spring
BLV-5000
This is survey course representing disciplines dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of individuals with visual impairments. The course introduces learners to history, definitions, legislation, referral processes, education and rehabilitation planning, procedures and resources (human, physical, financial), cultural diversity, learning theories and teamwork related to the needs of individuals with visual impairments. Learners will explore professionalism and ethics as well as issues related to accessibility, privacy, confidentiality, and advocacy.
Course Format: Blended (distance education and community-based)
Clinical and Functional Implications of Visual Impairment | 3 credits | Spring
BLV-5001
The student will know the anatomy of the eye, visual pathways, optics, visual examinations, eye disorders, age related changes in the eye, innervations of the eye, medications and their side effects, and disease of the eye as well at the functional and educational implications. The student will understand and be able to relate these topics functionally to an individual’s visual performance.
Course Format: Distance Education
Psychological & Social Implications of Visual Impairment | 1 credit | Spring
BLV-5002
This course explores the psychosocial factors affecting the process of adjustment to visual impairment across the life span. Through case analysis and consumer participation, learners explore a variety of issues related to adjustment, including demographics, life stage, type of visual impairment, personality, self-concept, social support network and the grieving process. The course also explores the impact of societal attitudes and stereotypes toward blindness and visual impairment. An overview of the range of psychosocial interventions is provided including resources for referrals.
Course Format: Distance Education
Critical Analysis of Research | 2 credits | Spring
BLV-5004
This course teaches learners the tools necessary for becoming critical readers of research and how to conceptualize and conduct basic research in their professional environments. Learners become familiar with the basic attributes of quantitative and qualitative methods of research and investigate the ethics involved in conducting research. Research designs covered include true experimental, quasi-experimental, descriptive, correlational, single-subject, survey, ethnographic and case study approaches.
Course Format: Distance Education
Neurological Visual Impairments in Children | 2 credits | Fall
BLV-5007
This course introduces students to the causes, characteristics and educational implications of neurological visual impairment specific to children and youth with or without additional disabilities. Students will learn about assessment and intervention strategies from experts and family members and will be connected to relevant resources in this specific area for their future practice.
Course Format: Distance Education
Introduction to Braille| 0.5 credit | Summer
BLV-5100
This course involves learning uncontracted braille and the use a variety of tools to produce the basic braille alphabet, numbers and punctuation as well as raised line diagrams for labeling and maps. The course provides learners with information about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signage regulations and resources for how to interpret contractions used in braille signage.
Course Format: On-Campus
Introduction to Independent Living Skills | 1 credit | Summer
BLV-5101
Learners will be provided with online and hands-on instruction and rehabilitation training practice (using low vision simulators and blindfolds) in the methods and adaptive techniques used by vision professionals in the following independent living skill areas: (a) cleaning skills and household safety, (b) labeling, (c) money identification, (d) time identification, (e) basic food preparation, (f) telephone skills, and (g) signature and handwriting guides. Classes emphasize the utilization of adaptive techniques and resource gathering, and address skills that are appropriate for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
Course Format: On-Campus
Introduction to Orientation and Mobility | 1 credit | Summer
BLV-5102
Students will learn about the role and impact of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction on the development and quality of life of students/clients with vision impairments at different life stages. They will become aware of their role as vision professionals in the identification of O&M needs and goals, as well as the provision of instruction/reinforcement of basic mobility skills for their students/clients. Through practice under blindfold/low vision simulation and role-play situations, students will become proficient in basic indoor orientation and mobility techniques.
Course Format: On-Campus
Introduction to Assistive Technology | 3 credits | Summer
BLV-5103
Learners are introduced to a wide variety of technology that assists children and adults with visual impairments and multiple disabilities to access information, support learning and activities of daily living. The course provides hands-on experience with a variety of technologies and affords learners the opportunity to observe and teach these technologies. Issues related to legislation, financing, assessment and instructional strategies for teaching access technology are discussed.
Course Format: Blended & On-Campus
Neurological Visual Impairment in Adults | 2 credits | Fall
BLV-5104
This course addresses evaluation and intervention for people of all ages experiencing difficulties secondary to visual processing impairment from acquired brain injury. When working with the brain injured population, intervention focuses on the remediation of deficits through neuro-rehabilitative methods and developing task and environmental adaptations. Topics include: evaluation and intervention for patients with acquired brain injuries related to visual acuity, visual field, oculomotor function, and visual attention and cognitive processing. Utilizing this information, students will understand the foundations of visual signs and symptoms following a brain injury, as well as the best method of rehabilitating and addressing these issues.
Course Format: Distance Education
Literary Braille Code | 3 credits | Fall
BLV-5105
This course is designed to teach students to read (visually and/or tactually) and write the Literary Braille Code, based upon the rules in the most recent rule book, English Braille American Edition. Students will learn to write in both uncontracted braille and contracted braille. Students will learn to read single-sided braille material, as well as inter-point braille (braille which is embossed on both sides of the page). Students will learn to write braille using a slate and stylus (the braille user's pencil) and the computer keyboard using Perky Duck braille emulation software.
Course Format: Distance Education
Braille Literacy | 0.5 credit | Summer
BLV-5106
This is a hands-on course that provides learners with experience in designing a braille literacy program for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Learners select from a variety of activities related to their program of studies (TVI or VRT), such as analysis of curriculum materials for teaching reading to children or adults, performance of a learning media assessment, teaching the use of a braille notetaker, teaching the use of a labeling code such as Fishburne or Moon.
Course Format: On-Campus
Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities | 2 credits | Fall
BLV-5107
This course will provide you with information, links, video clips, resources, and weekly discussions that address the impact that additional disabilities and chronic medical conditions have on the delivery of VRT and LVT services to individuals who are blind and/or visually impaired
Course Format: Distance Education
Low Vision Assessment & Intervention 1 | 3 credits | Summer
BLVS-5130
This course focuses on two areas: 1) strategies for assessing the visual functioning of children and adults with low vision, and 2) strategies for stimulating and enhancing visual functioning and efficient use of vision without low vision optical devices. Initial areas of emphasis include techniques for the functional assessment of visual acuity and visual fields, and assessment of the functional performance of vision in day-to-day activities across different school, home, recreation and work environments. The second part of this course focuses on assessing and enhancing the functional visual developmental levels and visual efficiency of infants and children, including those with multiple impairments. Course content involves a combination of theory and practice assignments, low vision simulations, and in-class and online discussions centered on the assessment and enhancement of functional vision.
Course Format: Blended (distance education and on-campus)
Low Vision Assessment & Intervention 2 | 2 credits | Summer
BLV-5131
This course focuses on intervention strategies for enhancing visual functioning of children and adults with low vision. Areas of emphasis include: detailed assessment and instructional strategies for the utilization of near, intermediate and distance optical devices; visual efficiency instruction without optical devices; interpretation of environmental cues for distance, depth and orientation; reading with low vision, and specialized topics such as low vision driving, visual field enhancement systems, and overview of vision rehabilitation for individuals with head injuries. Course content involves a combination of theory and practice assignments, low vision simulations, and in-class and online discussions centered on the assessment and enhancement of functional vision.
Course Format: Blended (distance education and on-campus)
Low Vision Assessment & Intervention 3 | 3 credits | Fall
BLV-5132
This course offers participants the opportunity to apply the concepts addressed in the two pre-requisite courses (Low Vision Assessment & Intervention 1 and Low Vision Assessment & Intervention 2) and extend practical knowledge in the area of low vision rehabilitation. Course topics include but are not limited to literacy and low vision, video magnification evaluations, documentation procedures and implications for reimbursement, artificial vision, and the future of medical and technological advancements.
Course Format: Distance Education
Principles of Low Vision Rehabilitation | 3 credits | Spring
BLV-5200
This course provides an overview of the field of low vision rehabilitation and helps define best practices for the type of low vision clinic/practice setting where students may envision themselves working. Explored are components of low vision rehabilitation services, various models of service delivery, the identification of needs for low vision rehabilitation services, and the management, funding and evaluation of low vision rehabilitation services. Principles of Low Vision Rehabilitation prepares students to develop and finance low vision services, and to assume greater responsibilities in current and future work settings in the field of low vision rehabilitation.
Course Format: Distance Education
LVR Independent Study | 2 credits | Summer
BLV-5290
LVR Independent Study provides master’s degree students with the opportunity to select and research an area of interest in low vision rehabilitation. Collaborating with an assigned faculty advisor, students select a topic of choice and prepare a professional document about this selected area of interest (e.g., article for publication, compendium, booklet or other professional product), and develop and enhance the permanent product for a particular audience.
Course Format: Distance Education
LVR Fieldwork | 2 credits | Summer
BLV-6200
LVR Fieldwork assures that alumni of the Salus Low Vision Rehabilitation program have the basic skills necessary to provide quality low vision assessment and intervention services in their specific disciplines to individuals with low vision of all ages and abilities. Students observe the clinical low vision rehabilitation examination process under joint agency and Salus supervision and/or participate in related community-based activities. All students must have at least one Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) as a supervisor (either on- or off-site). All internship sites and supervisors will meet Academy of Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) certification criteria.
Course Format: Blended (distance education, on-campus and community-based)
LVR Internship | 6 credits | Any Semester
BLV-6201
LVR Fieldwork assures that alumni of the Low Vision Rehabilitation program have the skills necessary to provide quality low vision assessment and intervention services in their specific disciplines to individuals with low vision of all ages and abilities. Interns assess patient needs, formulate plans in cooperation with them, according to the policies and procedures of their respective service settings, and instruct under joint agency and Salus supervision.
Course Format: Blended (Distance Education and Community-Based)
LVR Comprehensive Examination | 0 Credits | Any Semester
BLV-6290
Course Format: Distance Education
O&M Techniques | 5 credits | Summer
BLV-5300
This course will provide instruction and practice in skills and techniques used in independent travel by individuals with visual impairments. Students will experience traveling in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings under blindfold and a variety of simulated vision losses. The course will also address instructional strategies, including lesson planning, proper sequencing, and pacing, as well as specific teaching tools. Students will apply these skills by planning and conducting lessons for each other, while receiving feedback from course instructors.
Course Format: On Campus
Principles of O&M 1 | 2 credits | Spring
BLV-5330
In this course learners are introduced to the philosophies, definitions, history of O&M, professional organizations, national certification and current issues in the field. The course also prepares students to understand, plan and conduct individualized O&M assessments and share the results with students, families and other professionals within a framework of cultural sensitivity. Fieldwork observations, through which students explore and learn about various service delivery settings and models, are also required as part of this course.
Course Format: Distance Education
Principles of O&M 2 | 3 credits | Fall
BLV-5331
This course provides opportunities to gain knowledge and practical experiences regarding Orientation and Mobility. It includes required readings, materials and assignments that will increase the learner’s knowledge and capabilities in the following areas: transitioning from assessments to instruction; writing O&M goals and objectives; analyzing environments, planning appropriate and well sequenced mobility lessons; learning about mobility systems other than the long cane (e.g., guide dogs); modifying traditional O&M techniques for individuals from different age groups; and a thorough understanding of the impact of additional disabilities and chronic medical conditions in the O&M instructional process.
Course Format: Distance Education with on-campus fall residency
Principles of O&M 3 | 3 credits | Fall
BLV-5332
This course will provide a forum for learners to explore specific areas related to teaching O&M. Topics will include: O&M for individuals with low vision; driver behavior, and implications of quiet and autonomous cars; assessment and instruction of complex intersections; traffic and pedestrian signalization; O&M in the virtual environment; accessibility standards; transportation options including driver services, air and over-the-road bus service; the role of O&M specialists in advocating for improved accessibility; and current issues in O&M including professionalism, ethics and liability.
Course Format: Distance Education with on-campus fall residency
O&M Independent Study | Variable Credits | Any Semester
BLV-5390
This course provides an opportunity for students to complete an independent project/course of study that will enhance their knowledge of a specific aspect or area in the field of Orientation and Mobility. The course is designed to address the student’s individual needs, interests and aptitudes. A supervising faculty member approves and/or helps design the project and its expected outcomes.
The project is typically completed within one semester.
Course Format: Variable
Expanding the Core Curriculum | 3 credits | Summer
BLV-5400
This course explores all areas of the expanded core curriculum, with special emphasis on assessment and instruction of social skills, recreation and leisure, career education, and self-advocacy skills needed by children and adults who are visually impaired. Instruction addresses appropriate materials and assistive technology to be used by children who are visually impaired in each of these expanded core curriculum areas.
Course Format: Distance Education
Teaching Students with Multiple Disabilities | 2 credits | Fall
BLV-5401
Teaching Students with Multiple Disabilities addresses assessment and instruction of children with visual impairments who also have developmental delays (including PDD, or Autism Spectrum disorders), behavior disorders, medical conditions (including seizures, feeding difficulties, or severe health issues), hearing impairment, speech or communication disorders, and those with common syndromes or eye disorders related to multiple disabilities (such as CVI, TBI, ROP, Septo-Optic Dysplasia).
Course Format: Distance Education
Numeracy & Science | 2 credits | Summer
BLV-5402
Nemeth and Other Specialized Codes is a hands-on course that provides learners with the ability to transcribe Nemeth Code using the Perkins brailler and braille production software. Learners become proficient in teaching the abacus. Other materials and aids for instruction in mathematics and science are introduced. Students will also receive instruction and create assignments in the music braille code and foreign language braille code at the entry level.
Course Format: On-Campus
Literacy for Students with Visual Impairment | 3 credits | Fall
BLV-5403
In Literacy for Students with Visual Impairments, students develop a deep impairments. This course focuses on assessment of learning media, print and braille instruction, and the integration of technology in a literacy program. Students learn how to teach reading and writing with braille as the literacy medium to children and adults, including those with additional disabilities. This course covers various approaches of literacy instruction for this population.
Course Format: Distance Education
Educating Emergent Bilinguals | 1.5 credits | Summer
BLV-5404
This course provides an introduction to the basic theoretical concepts and principles underlying major approaches to second language (L2) teaching. Students will gain knowledge and understanding the roles of the teacher and learner in L2 teaching, and the methods and techniques of L2 teaching. Students will also learn about the impact of sensory impairments or multiple disabilities on second language acquisition.
Course Format: Distance Education
Principles of Teaching Students with Visual Impairment 1 | 1 credit | Fall
BLV-5430
Principles 1 covers the history of education for children with visual impairments, special education legislation, the IEP and IFSP, how to write IEP/IFSP goals and objectives, and how to write a lesson plan.
Course Format: Distance Education
Principles of Teaching Students with Visual Impairment 2 | 2 credits | Fall
BLV-5431
Principles of Teaching Students with Visual Impairment 2 provides the methods by which teachers of the visually impaired assess and instruct the wide variety of children with visual impairments. Issues related to assessment and instruction of children with visual impairment include, but are not limited to, special and environmental modifications, strategies for teaching concept development, and ethics related to decision-making and the role of the teacher of the visually impaired in relation to the other professionals who will be working with children with visual impairments.
Course Format: Blended (distance education and community-based)
TVI Independent Study | Variable Credits | Any Semester
BLV-5490
This course provides an opportunity for students to complete an independent project/course of study that will enhance their knowledge of a specific aspect or area in the field of education of students who are visually impaired. The course is designed to address the student’s individual needs, interests and aptitudes. A supervising faculty member approves and/or helps design the project and its expected outcomes. The project is typically completed within one semester.
Course Format: Variable
Principles of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy | 3 credits | Spring
BLV-5500
This course provides students with information, links, video clips, resources and periodic discussions that address the history and development of the Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) profession, and provide an in-depth examination of the techniques and skills involved in VRT-specific assessment, lesson planning and instruction. As the course progresses, make note of the emphasis upon United States-based assessment and instructional strategies that utilize the principles of adult learning theory.
Course Format: Blended
Independent Living Skills for Vision Rehabilitation Therapists | 4 credits | Summer
BLV-5502
This course is designed to provide the learner with hands-on instruction, web-based learning and rehabilitation training practice in the methodologies and adaptive techniques utilized by the professional rehabilitation teacher/vision rehabilitation therapist (VRT) in the following adaptive independent living skill areas: (a) eating skills, (b) stove top, oven, and microwave safety techniques, (c) basic meal preparation, (d) cleaning skills, (e) basic home mechanics, (f) diabetic management, (g) labeling techniques, including medication management and identification, (h) money identification and management, (i) grooming and hygiene, (j) time identification, (k) clothing care, (l) needle threading, (m) hand and machine sewing, (n) crafts, handicrafts and games.
Course Format: Blended (distance education and on-campus)
Literacy for Adults with Visual Impairment | 2 credits | Spring
BLV-5503
In Principles of Literacy for Adults with Visual Impairment, students develop a deep understanding of teaching and learning of literacy skills for adults with visual impairment. This course focuses on assessment of learning media, print and braille instruction, and the integration of technology in a literacy program. Students learn how to teach reading and writing with braille as the literacy medium to adults with adventitious visual impairments.
Course Format: Distance Education
Communication Skills for Vision Rehabilitation Therapists | 1 credit | Summer
BLV-5504
This course is designed to provide the learner with hands-on instruction, Web-based learning and rehabilitation training practice in the methodologies and adaptive techniques utilized by the professional rehabilitation teacher/vision rehabilitation therapist (VRT) in the following adaptive communication skill areas: (a) telephone skills and directory assistance, (b) writing skills, including signature, letter, list and check writing, (c) National Library Service/Library of Congress eligibility and certification requirements, (d) Talking Book/Cassette Playback Machine skills and Digital Talking Book skills, (e) recording skills, including maintenance and repair of recording devices, and tape indexing, (f) listening skills, (g) acquisition and use of readers, (h) radio reading services, and (i) postal regulations.
Course Format: Blended (Distance Education and On-Campus)
VRT Independent Study | Variable Credits | Any Semester | Optional
BLV-5590
This course provides an opportunity for students to complete an independent project/course of study that will enhance their knowledge of a specific aspect or area in the field of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. The course is designed to address the student’s individual needs, interests and aptitudes. A supervising faculty member approves and/or helps design the project and its expected outcomes. The project is typically completed within one semester.
Course Format: Variable
O&M Fieldwork | 3 credits | Any Semester
BLV-6300
This course is a field practicum course. Learners will be mentored by an ACVREP Certified O&M Specialist to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills into serving individuals with visual impairments. The emphasis will be placed on techniques and strategies for providing quality assessment and instruction to a variety of individuals with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities. It is expected that the learners will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and keep all appointments. Learners will also be assigned a Salus University faculty supervisor to monitor performance and progress. In addition, this course will provide an online forum (Blackboard) for students to discuss their experience, exchange ideas and strategies with one another and the course coordinator, and learn about new products, resources, or journal articles. Students are expected to log into the course’s Blackboard component at least twice a week for the duration of the semester.
Course Format: Blended (distance education and community-based)
O&M Internship | 6 credits | Summer
BLV-6301
This course is a field practicum course. Learners will be mentored by an ACVREP Certified O&M Specialist to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills into serving individuals with visual impairments. The emphasis will be placed on techniques and strategies for providing quality assessment and instruction to a variety of individuals with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities. It is expected that the learners will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and keep all appointments. Learners will also be assigned a Salus University faculty supervisor to monitor performance and progress.
In addition, this course will provide an online forum (Blackboard) for students to discuss their experience, exchange ideas and strategies with one another and the course coordinator, and learn about new products, resources, or journal articles. Students are expected to log into the course’s Blackboard component at least twice a week for the duration of the semester.
Course Format: Blended (Distance Education and Community-Based)
O&M Comprehensive Examination | 0 Credits | Any Semester
BLV-6390
Course Format: Distance Education or On-Campus
TVI Fieldwork | 1 credit | Any Semester
BLV-6400
Fieldwork is an independent study experience designed to enrich the breadth of first-hand knowledge of the professional roles and service delivery systems likely to impact the education of children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities. The specific course requirements are determined based on the student’s experience in the field of general and special education and specifically education of infants, children and youth who are blind and visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities.
Course Format: Blended (distance education and community-based)
TVI Internship | 6 credits | Any Semester
BLV-6401
This course is a student teaching course. Learners will be mentored by a certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills into serving individuals with visual impairments and additional disabilities. The emphasis will be placed on techniques and strategies for providing quality assessment and instruction to a variety of individuals with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities. It is expected that the learners will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Learners will be assigned a Salus University faculty supervisor to monitor performance and progress.
Course Format: Blended (distance education and community-based)
TVI Comprehensive Examination | 0 Credits | Any Semester
BLV-6490
Course Format: Distance Education or On-Campus
VRT Fieldwork | 2 credits | Any Semester
BLV-6500
This course provides students with an initial exposure to agencies, professionals, and practice methods in the field of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. Learners begin to apply the competencies they have acquired in didactic and laboratory experiences to individuals in a variety of service delivery systems. Learners work at fieldwork sites under joint on-site and University supervision. On-site supervisors are expected to provide direct, consistent observation and feedback, as well as meet regularly with learners to discuss their activities, responsibilities, and the supervisor’s ongoing assessment of learner performance.
Course Format: Blended (distance education and community-based)
VRT Internship | 6 credits | Any Semester
BLV-6501
This course provides learners with the opportunity to engage directly with clients and consumers who are blind or visually impaired during 400 contact hours and 14 weeks of learning experience. Learners apply the competencies they have acquired in didactic and laboratory experiences to individuals in a variety of service delivery systems. Learners participate in observation, direct client/consumer contact, meetings with staff, and other special projects during the assigned internship days. Learners will also have opportunities to identify and work cooperatively with selected community resources to ensure the application of a full range of holistic Vision Rehabilitation Therapy interventions. All internship sites and supervisors meet the certification criteria of the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
Course Format: Blended (distance education and community-based)
VRT Comprehensive Examination | 0 Credits | Any Semester
BLV-6590