Education of Students with Visual Impairments
M.A./M.Ed.

Welcome to the Graduate Program in Education of Students with Visual Impairments at the University of British Columbia!

The University of British Columbia is accepting applications for a program designed to prepare teachers to work with students who are blind or visually impaired. Students are accepted into this program in cohort groups and progress through the program in the same courses at the same time. The program is offered through a combination of on-campus summer coursework and part-time, on-line study that allows students to remain in their home communities and maintain work during the school year. Students will be required to attend on-campus courses during the months of July and August for three successive summers, while the remaining program specialty courses will be offered in a part-time, online format during the school year.

The contents of the program include:

• Knowledge of eye conditions associated with blindness and low vision,

• Knowledge of the impact of visual impairment on student development,

• Assessment of visual functioning,

• Design and implementation of curriculum designed to meet the unique needs of visually impaired learners,

• Mastery of braille and skill in teaching braille reading and writing,

• Knowledge of basic Nemeth Code of Mathematics and Scientific Notation,

• Knowledge of basic orientation and mobility techniques,

• Knowledge of adapted technology used with students who are visually impaired,

• Knowledge of daily living skills, recreation skills and vocational skills needed for students who are visually impaired.