Summer 2013Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Course Offerings

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Dates for summer courses:

Full summer: May 28-August 23

SPEG 615 (VISN 603) Braille Communications I (3 credits)

Class Number: 3397

Online

Instructors: Wendy Buckley

This course will train individuals to teach reading and writing of contracted braille. Participants will learn to write literary Braille using both Perkins brailler and slate and stylus, and reading methods will be studied Reading problems and remediation will be discussed. Techniques used in education and rehabilitation will be included. The use of technology to produce braille will be reviewed. Required face to face class TBA

Book Information:

SPE-G 616 (VISN 605) Implications of Low Vision (3 credits)

Class Number: 2210

Location: Online
Instructors:Heidi Henshaw, Laura Bozeman

Credits:3
Prepracticum:6-8 hours

Prerequisite:SPE-G614

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
  2. Publisher: Triad Publishing Co. Gainesville, FL.
  3. Authors: Cassin, B. & Solomon, S.A.B.
  4. Website:
  5. Looking To Learn promoting literacy for students with low vision. © 2000
  6. Publisher: AFB Press
  7. Authors: D'Andrea & Farrenkopf
  8. Website:
  9. Making Life More Livable: Simple adaptations for living at home after vision loss. © 2002
  10. Publisher: AFB Press
  11. Author: Duffy, M.
  12. Website:
  13. Program in Low Vision Therapy © 2004
  14. Publisher: Region IV EducationServiceCenter: Houston, Texas.
  15. Website:
  16. Visual Development, Diagnosis, and Treatment of the Pediatric Patient. © 2006
  17. Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, PA
  18. Editor: Duckman, R.H.
  19. Website:
  20. The Eye Book: A Complete Guide to Eye Disorders and Health. Large Print Edition. © 1998
  21. Publisher: JohnsHopkinsUniversity Press: Baltimore, MD
  22. Authors: Cassel, G.H., Billig, M.D., & Randall, H.G.
  23. 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 623 (VISN 640): Psycho-social Aspects of Visual Impairments

Class #:3398
Location: Online
Instructor:Terri Stone Benton

Credits: 3

Course Description: This course is an approved elective for those students needing an elective. If you are unsure, consult your advisor regarding this course and other potential electives appropriate to your academic plan of study. 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. and Naomi R. Self-Esteem and Adjusting with Blindness: The Process of Responding to Life’s Demands. Springfield: Charles C. Thomas. Publisher Ltd., [3rd edition], 2004.
  2. Milian, Madeline and Erin, Jane N., Editors. Diversity and Visual Impairment: The Influence of Race, Gender, Religion and Ethnicity on the Individual. New York: American Foundation for the Blind Press, 2001, 2010.

Optional Texts

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

VISN 646 Introduction to Audiology and the Human Auditory System (3 credits)

Class Number:3399

Online

Instructor: J.K. Bozeman

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 698 (VISN 639): Practicum in VRT (4 credits)

Class Number: 2215

Online

Instructor: Bob McCulley

Location: Pre-arranged Practicum Placements

This course is for students who have completed course work and all prepracticum hours with both children and adults. Internships may be full-time or part-time, and interns are required to keep an ongoing diary of their experiences along with a capstone portfolio. Students must complete the clinical requirements set by AER, totaling a minimum of 350 hours. Students will also prepare for the International ACVREP application and examination for certification.
Prerequisites: All coursework and program coordinator approval.