Overview
Advanced Certificate in Blind and Visually Impaired
The Hunter College Advanced Certificate in Blind and Visually Impaired focuses on preparing teachers to work in programs for infants, toddlers, children and youth who are blind and visually impaired including those with multiple disabilities in specialized and inclusive settings in New York City and in other school districts within the metropolitan area. Teacher candidates are prepared to teach children in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, and secondary programs. Upon completion of this 22 credit program sequence, teacher candidates will meet the academic requirements for NYS Certification as Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Applicants must hold a master’s degree and New York State certification in special education.
The
program is designed to enable full-time or part-time students to
participate. Classes are held in the late afternoon and evenings, as
well as on weekends. Some of the courses are offered partly on line to
enable non-traditional students to participate off campus for some
classes. Student teaching, however, takes place during the school day.
Emphasis is on collaboration between Teachers of the Visually
Impaired (TVIs), Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and other
special and general educators to prepare teacher candidates to improve
the quality of learning and increase educational opportunities and
standards for all learners. The focus is on development of competencies
in coursework and practicum in the following areas:
- Assessment of Learners who are Blind and Low vision including those with Multiple Disabilities
- Implications of Visual Impairments and other Medical Disorders on programming
- Psychological Adjustment to Visual Impairment
- Enhancement of Functional Vision
- Curriculum Strategies/Adaptations with Emphasis on Age Appropriate Skills.
- Communication and Educational Strategies for Learners Who are Deafblind
- Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology for Learners with Visual Impairments
- Collaborative Teaming
- Effective Partnerships with Parents/Families