PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND LAUNCHES VIRTUAL ACADEMY TO BRIDGE SPECIAL EDUCATION TRAINING GAP

Reprint from ATB (Assistive Technology Blog) By Venkat

Key points:
– Virtual academy launching January 2024
– Initial focus on blind/low vision education, with plans to expand to other disabilities
– Addresses critical shortage of specialized teachers
– First program focuses on CVI, costs $500 per course
– Open to both educators and parents
– Aims to improve accessibility in general education classrooms

Perkins School for the Blind is launching Perkins Academy, a virtual platform that will provide online education for teachers working with students who have disabilities. Starting this January, the academy will initially focus on teaching methods for students who are blind or have low vision, with plans to expand to cover other disabilities. The CEO, Dave Power, envisions it becoming a “Khan Academy” for special education, offering bite-sized, practical lessons for educators.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as most students with disabilities now attend public schools rather than specialized institutions like Perkins. However, there’s a significant nationwide shortage of teachers trained to work with visually impaired students. For example, about 25 districts across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are currently waitlisted for specialized staff support. The challenge is particularly acute because standard K-12 education is heavily based on visual learning, creating barriers for blind students.

The first certificate program, starting January 15th, will focus on Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), the leading cause of childhood blindness and low vision. The program consists of four courses, each costing $500, and is open to both educators and parents. This focus is especially important as CVI is often underdiagnosed and misunderstood, presenting differently than other forms of visual impairment. For instance, some children with CVI can only see objects in motion, not at rest. The academy plans to expand its curriculum to include other topics like Braille and math education for visually impaired students.

Make sure to visit the source link to read more details on the Perkins Academy.

Source: WBUR