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  • Visual Impairment (Undergraduate Certificate)
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Online Visual Impairment Certificate

Develop essential skills and hands-on knowledge to support individuals with visual impairments in educational and community environments.

Receive tailored instruction and specialized training to effectively support individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Program type:
Certificates/Programs - Undergraduate
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
1 year
Credit hours:
12
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Fees
  • How to Apply

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Why earn an online Visual Impairment certificate at UND?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's online Visual Impairment certificate equips you with the knowledge and skills to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Learn to develop effective communication techniques and inclusive learning that helps others better navigate their lives and access their environments.

At UND, you can earn the undergraduate Visual Impairment certificate in two ways:

  • As a stand-alone credential by completing four designated courses.
  • Stacked with an undergraduate degree program, allowing you to earn both a bachelor's degree and the certificate simultaneously.

The credits earned can be applied toward a bachelor's degree or used independently to enhance your expertise in the field.

Who should earn a certificate in Visual Impairment?

A certificate in visual impairment is ideal for individuals who are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of those with vision impairment. If you desire to work with, provide care for, or interact with individuals with a visual impairment, this certificate could be for you. UND's Visual Impairment certification is particularly valuable for professions in:

  • Education
  • Special Education
  • Rehabilitation
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Orientation and Mobility Specialties

Additionally, those involved in providing support services to individuals with visual impairments:

  • Caregivers
  • Family members
  • Advocates

Anyone committed to fostering inclusivity, accessibility and empowerment for individuals with visual impairments should consider pursuing this certification.

Visual Impairment Online Undergraduate Certificate

  • Participate in personalized learning sessions like Practice Makes Perfect Braille.

  • Learn 100% online with flexible courses that can be taken on your own schedule. You never have to come to campus.

  • Maximize your credentials and professional potential with this combined credential offering.

What can I do with a Visual Impairment undergraduate certificate?

A Visual Impairment certificate can be paired with relevant academic or career experience to pursue or elevate a career in a variety of areas.

Potential career paths include:

  • Access Technology Trainer
  • Accessible Media Specialist
  • Assistive Technology Specialist
  • Braille Instructor
  • Braille Transcriptionist
  • Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
  • Early Intervention Specialist for visual impairment
  • Educational Consultant for visual impairment
  • Employment Specialist for individuals with visual impairments
  • Low Vision Therapist
  • Orientation and Mobility Specialist
  • Rehabilitation Teacher for the blind and visually impaired
  • Special Education Teacher specializing in visual impairment
  • Vision Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

These careers involve working directly with individuals who have visual impairments, providing them with support, education and resources to enhance their independence and quality of life.

Many types of companies and organizations are looking for professionals with expertise in visual impairment:

  • School districts employ special education teachers, orientation and mobility specialists and vision rehabilitation therapists to support students with visual impairments.
  • Nonprofit organizations such as the American Foundation for the Blind, National Federation of the Blind and local blindness associations employ visual specialists.
  • Rehabilitation centers seek to hire vision rehabilitation therapists, orientation and mobility specialists and assistive technology specialists.
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities have low vision therapists, rehabilitation counselors and occupational therapists on staff.
  • Government agencies such as departments of education, vocational rehabilitation and social services at the state and local levels employ visual impairment experts across a range of job titles.
  • Universities and colleges have student services offices or disability resource centers that require visual impairment specializations.
  • Technology companies hire an array of positions that design, develop and support accessible technologies.

Visual Impairment Courses

SPED 403. Orientation and Mobility. 2 Credits.

This course introduces students to basic orientation and mobility techniques used by specialists when working with individuals with low vision and blindness. Concept development, kinesiology, tactile map construction, dog guides, electronic mobility devices and parental involvement are topics covered with respect to various populations (i.e., infants, school-age children, and adults). S.

SPED 432. Visual Impairment / Early Intervention. 3 Credits.

This course covers the purpose and principles of early intervention. It addresses the developmental needs of young children with visual impairments and effective strategies to meet those needs. It also covers the role of teachers of students with visual impairment in the early intervention program as well as key aspects of consultation, interdisciplinary collaboration, service coordination, and culturally sensitive family-centered services. SS.

SPED 433. Technology for Visual Impairment. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of assistive technology used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Specific topics include accessibility (e.g., Windows, Mac, IOS, Android), accessing mobile apps, accessing book and print materials, and other technology for users who are blind or visually impaired. SS.

Visual Impairment Certificate Online

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best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

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Flexible Online Visual Impairment Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

-

Leaders in Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

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