Overview of Visual Impairments

In most professional preparation programs, evaluation professionals take a single course about evaluating individuals in low-incidence disability populations. Typically, a single semester will provide only an introduction to students with sensory impairments, multiple disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. In such a timeframe, only surface-level information is covered, and the emphasis is mostly on broad categories within these areas. For example, the topic of evaluating students with visual impairments tends to focus primarily on students with no vision. Additionally, there is often minimal information on the collaborative evaluation process, (i.e., using a multidisciplinary team to complete the evaluation and interpret results). This course is self-paced and will include checks for understanding. At the conclusion of the course, everyone will be presented with a certificate of completion (i.e., badge).