Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness

Teaching Blind Students Course Descriptions

Course Name: Braille I
Course Number: EDCI 436
Instructor: Ruby Ryles, PhD

Catalog Description
Preq., Admission to a teaching program or consent of instructor. Students develop proficiency in reading and writing the Braille literary code while developing an understanding of which visually impaired children benefit from Braille reading instruction. (G)

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Course Name: Adaptive Technology for the Visually Impaired
Course Number: EDCI 466
Instructor: Ruby Ryles, PhD

Catalog Description
Preq., Admission to a teaching program or consent of instructor. Through demonstrations, hands-on projects, and various guest lectures, students learn to use state of the art technology designed for the blind and/or visually impaired learner. (G)

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Course Name: Instructional Strategies and Materials for Teaching Blind Students
Course Number: EDCI 499
Instructor: Ruby Ryles, PhD

Catalog Description
Admission to a teaching program or consent of instructor. Methods and materials for teachers teaching blind children to read. Students will increase personal Braille reading speed, proficiency, and knowledge of the literary Braille code. (G)

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Course Name:  Braille II
Course Number: EDCI 578
Instructor: Ruby Ryles, PhD

Catalog Description
Introduces Nemeth (math), music, and computer Braille codes while increasing students' speed and accuracy in reading, Brailling, transcribing, and proofreading Braille materials.

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Course Name: Developmental Aspects of Blindness
Course Number: EDCI 579
Instructor: Ruby Ryles, PhD

Catalog Description
This course emphasizes knowledge of physical, social, and emotional development of blind children including acquisition of motor, language, and cognitive skills, birth through adulthood.

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Course Name: Visually Impaired Child in the PK-12 Classroom
Course Number: EDCI 581
Instructor: Ruby Ryles, PhD

Catalog Description
An overview course addressing the foundations of the education of visually impaired children. Educators will learn efficient practices relating to the inclusion of visually impaired children in public schools as well as the history and future trends of the field.

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Course Name: Normal and Impaired Visual Functioning
Course Number: EDCI 583
Instructor: Ruby Ryles, PhD

Catalog Description
Teaches basic eye anatomy, functional vision assessments, common eye diseases and their implications and intervention strategies for blind children and adults.

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Course Name: Orientation and Mobility for Teachers of Blind Students
Course Number: EDCI 584
Instructor: Ruby Ryles, PhD

Catalog Description
Teaches basics of efficient, independent, non-visual travel; movement for young blind children; multi-handicapped blind children and contemporary philosophical issues.

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Course Name: Internship in Education
Course Number: EDCI 575
Instructor: Ruby Ryles, PhD

Catalog Description
Advanced internship in area(s) of specialization. Minimum of 180 clock hours in direct teaching. May be repeated for up to 9 hours credit. (Pass/Fail).

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