Some of the courses in the Vision Studies program are open to non-matriculated students. The following courses are available at this time. Any questions, contact Laura Bozeman Laura.bozeman [at] umb.edu
Spring
VISN 605: Implications of Low Vision
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.
VISN 640: Psycho-social Aspects of Visual Impairments
Course Description: 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.
Summer
VISN 602: Education of Students with Visual Impairment
Course Description: This course examines the philosophical, historical and legal foundations of special education services to students with visual impairments. This course overviews the wide array of services and resources available to support students with visual impairments. Topics include legislation, service systems, roles and responsibilities of specialized service providers and the impact of visual impairment on child development.
VISN 646: Introduction to Audiology and the Human Auditory System
Course Description: 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.
VISN 660: Introduction to AT for People with VI
Course Description: This fully online course will provide an introduction to the profession of Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments. Students will learn through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and independent learning exercises about a variety of assistive technology solutions for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, including: screen magnification software, screen reading software, OCR software, braille technologies, low vision devices, smart phone and tablet accessibility features, as well as other specialized devices designed for people with visual impairments. The benefits and limitations of accessibility features that are built-in to mainstream technologies compared to specialized assistive technology devices and software will be discussed. Techniques for determining the most appropriate assistive technology solutions will also be discussed. The course explores strategies for integrating assistive technology in different settings, such as in schools, homes, colleges/universities, jobsites, and avocational settings.
Fall
VISN 601: Physical & Functional Aspects of Visual Impairment
Course Description: The student is introduced to the structure and function of the main systems of the human body and to those chronic conditions which may affect these systems. Emphasis will be placed on disabilities most frequently seen in conjunction with visual impairments and how the combined impact will affect instruction for individuals with visual impairment. Having covered these areas, each of the sensory systems will also be explored with the mechanics of locomotion and psychomotor factors influencing mobility.
VISN 604: Visual Functioning
Course Description:This course introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the eye and examines refraction, clinical testing procedures, and major visual disorders. The medical component of this course provides the foundation to the remainder of the course, as it looks at the functional implications of individual eye conditions on educational and vocational services. Note: There are no face to face classes in this course.
In this fully on-line course, the sessions are designed to provide a basic understanding of the physical structures of the eye and their functions, an understanding of pathologies that affect the visual system and how they impact visual functioning. Topics include: structures of the eye, ocular optics, basic brain anatomy and development of vision, and functional implications of common eye diseases.