Online Self-Paced Tutorials from Perkins for Individuals Working with Children Who are Blind or Visually Impaired (Fall 2019) Registration is open for Course #4
Description:
VSDB Outreach Services has purchased access to six more online, self-paced tutorials (90 minutes to 10 weeks), and is making four of them available this semester free of charge to professionals in Virginia who want to learn more about working with children who are blind or visually impaired.* These courses were developed at the Perkins School for the Blind. Those who register before the given deadline for each will be sent a code that will allow access for varying periods of time, depending on length of tutorial (dates are specified) to complete that tutorial at their convenience, 24/7. At the end of that tutorial, each participant will choose from “ACVREP” (includes their logo), “Continuing Education,” or “Professional Development.” People may take one course, or as many as they want.
Course #1 Accessible Literacy for Early Readers (20 Credits, ACVREP or CEU)
Registration for this course ends at 4:00 pm Oct. 7, 2019. Course access is Oct. 8 – Dec. 3, 2019.
Course Description: There are 6 sessions included in Accessible Literacy for Early Readers training module that demonstrate theories and best practices for teaching students with visual impairments and additional disabilities. Plan to spend 1 week working through each module. Participants will earn 20 ACVREP credits or 20 PDP/CE credits by viewing the video presentations and lectures, and completing the assignments. An audit (no-credit) version is also available. In addition to the credits, one can also earn the Early Literacy micro-credential (any questions should be directed to Perkins.) Required readings are provided through the learning platform. Additional suggested reading is optional.
Target Audience: Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) Orientation & Mobility Specialists, teachers of students with moderate/severe disabilities, teachers of deafblind students, families & related service personnel
Course #2 Building Strategies Around CVI Phases (1.5 Credits)
Registration for this course ends at 4:00 pm Oct. 7, 2019. Course access is Oct. 8 – Nov. 4, 2019.
Course Description: Presenter: Ellen Mazel. This tutorial presents careful assessment around the 10 characteristics of CVI to help staff and parents understand the unique learning needs for each CVI Phase. They can then build strategies, modifications to the environment, modifications to materials, and modifications to literacy that match the visual strengths and visual areas of need. Understanding the child’s CVI Phase can assist in the creation of learning methodologies to benefit children’s expected visual improvement. Additional research and resources about CVI will be identified and discussed .Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing Education credits by completing an online quiz. By registering for ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing Education credits, you will be provided with a self-paced tutorial using video clips and other resources related to this topic, as well as an online test to assess your knowledge.
Target Audience: TVIs, VRTs, O&Ms, Parents, Teachers of the Deafblind or Severely Impaired, and Rehabilitation Specialists
Course #3 Speech Pathologists and Cortical Visual Impairment: An Overview of the SLP’s Role in Working with Children with CVI (1.5 Credits)
Registration for this course ends at 4:00 pm Oct. 7, 2019. Course access is Oct. 8 – Dec. 3, 2019.
Course Description: This tutorial addresses Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) through the experience of a Speech and Language Pathologist by examining the characteristics of CVI that affect speech, language, and feeding. The tutorial also identifies modifications and supports for therapies and assessments when working with children who have CVI.
Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing Education credits by completing an online quiz. (ASHA credits are not available for this online tutorial.) You will be provided with a self-paced tutorial using video clips and other resources related to this topic.
Target Audience: SLPs, TVIs, O&Ms, Parents, Teachers of Students with Deaf-Blindness or with additional disabilities, and Rehabilitation Specialists.
REGISTER NOW for Course #4: Dual Media Learners: Instructional Strategies and Assessment (1.5 Cr.)
Registration for this course with VSDB Outreach ends Nov. 4, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Course access is Nov. 5 – Dec. 3, 2019.
Course Description: Dual Media Learners: Instructional Strategies and Assessment, presented by Anne Spitz. Teaching children with visual impairments who are dual media learners presents challenges, but offers incredible rewards as they develop the literacy tools needed for success. This tutorial provides an overview of the characteristics of dual media learners, considerations in programming, as well as strategies for instruction and assessment. Participants will earn 1.5 ACVREP, CTLE credits, or Continuing Education credits by completing an online quiz.
Target Audience: This is a web-based, self-guided professional development activity for TVIs, VRTs, O&Ms, Parents, Teachers of the Deafblind or Severely Impaired, and Rehabilitation Specialists.
After the registration period ends, you will receive a voucher (coupon) code, and can then take the course at your convenience from any location, within the time period allotted.
*If you do not need credit or certificates of completion toward licensure, these courses can be accessed for free through Perkins without going through VSDB Outreach Services.