EDSP 654: Technology for Individuals with Sensory Impairments
Prerequisites: EDSP 650
Credit Hours: (3)
For teachers and other professionals interested in serving individuals with visual impairments and blindness and other sensory disabilities. Participants will acquire awareness and knowledge specific technologies and resources available to enhance and improve the ability of individuals with visual and other sensory impairments to succeed in school, daily living activities and employment.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course as described above will include the following topics:
- Strategies and solutions for people with visual and other sensory impairments
- Low-Tech Aids
- Daily Living Aids
- Technology for viewing Hard Copy Documents
- Screen Enlarging and Screen Reading Technologies
- Braille reading & writing technology
- Tactile Graphics
- Technology for Mobility
- Document Accessibility
- Technology for Accessing Audiobooks and other audio learning/entertainment tools
- Captioning for the Deaf
- Audio Description for the blind
- Emerging Technologies for sensory impairments
- Software resources
- Assistive Technology Legislation & Funding
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Learning activities in this class will include the following:
1. Class lecture, discussion, and participation via synchronous face to face, web-conferences or videoconferences
2. Video and other relevant interactive media presentations
3. Study and independent research
4. Application activities, including regular assignments
5. Written responses to discussion questions posted on D2L.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
This course is part of the Virginia Department of Education approved licensure program in Visual Impairment and is offered through the Statewide Training Consortium in Visual Impairment.
Goals, objectives, and assignments in this class address NCATE Standard 1c Professional and Pedagogical Knowledge and Skills. The following CEC and VDOE standard areas also addressed:
- CEC Knowledge and Skill Base for All Entry-Level Special Education Teachers of Students with Visual Impairment (VI) Standard #4: Instructional Strategies-V14K6 Strategies for teaching technology skills to individuals with visual impairments.
- CEC Knowledge and Skill Base for All Entry-Level Special Education Teachers of Students Standard #7: Instructional Planning
- CC7K4 Technology for planning and managing the teaching and learning environment
- CC7S9 Incorporate and implement instructional and assistive technology into the educational program
- Virginia Department of Education Teacher [VDOE] Licensure Standards
- Professional studies requirements in Curriculum and Instructional Procedures (technology)
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define the issues and or cultural perspectives and background for individuals with visual impairments and blindness and other sensory disabilities as they relate to technology
- Describe the technology available for individuals who are visually impaired/blind
- Locate available technology resources
- Identify pros and cons of widely used technology for individuals with sensory impairments
- Demonstrate competency in utilization of at least one piece of technology designed for individuals with a sensory impairment
Assessment Measures
- Participation in at least four discussions and activities in D2L.
- Completion of technology Product Comparison project
- Select and demonstration of an assistive technology software program
- Implementation Project: Identify appropriate low-tech and high-tech assistive technology devices and strategies for an individual with sensory disabilities.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
1/20/09 New Course Elizabeth Altieri
May 7, 2014