To our shared grief, the developer of this class, Julie Smith, has passed away. To honor her work, SESA will continue holding this course in Braille.

Are you interested in learning Braille?

Then this is for you!
Braille Codes and Calculations

The Special Education Service Agency will be offering a braille class throughout the course of the school year. It will be self-directed at your own pace with information available covering topics such as braille literacy, resources for braille books, and the history of braille development. A video introduction to the course will be available on the SESA website.
This class will be available for credit through UAA’s continuing education department. It is 3 credits and the cost is $114. You will register directly with UAA and registration should be available by early October. The course number is EDSE 535Q. You may register for credit at almost any time — the class will run through mid-May so there is ample opportunity for you to decide.

We will be using Braille Codes and Calculations by Mary Ellen Pesavento, MA. The SESA library has a limited number available for checkout. If you wish to purchase your own copy, it is available from Exceptional Teaching Inc. (http://store.exceptionalteaching.net/bcc1.html) for $79.95. Braillers are available for checkout through the SESA library and consumable Braille paper will be provided as well. To check out materials from the SESA library you or your district must have a Library User Agreement on file: please contact Anne Freitag, SESA librarian, at afreitag@sesa.org or 334-1301 or click on the library section at www.sesa.org for more information about using the SESA library.

More information is posted on SESA’s website (www.sesa.org) including the syllabus, monthly reading topics, and an on-line class sign-up form. You can also contact SESA Visual Impairment Program at bjager@sesa.org or 334-1325.

To sign up, download and fill out the registration flyer and fax it to the VI Program at 562-0545.

Are you interested in taking on-line coursework leading to a degree as a teacher of students with visual impairment (VI)? Or maybe you would just like to receive college credit by taking an on-line course in braille or in methods of teaching students with VI? Many Colleges and Universities around the United States are offering courses via distance delivery (Internet or videotapes). Many of the degree programs offer extensive financial support. Single course options are sometimes available at instate college credit rates. The link below will take you to a listing of states and the college programs in the area of visual impairment. At each college link you will find an email address and name that you can contact for more information.

http://aerbvi.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=105

Programs are listed alphabetically within each category. Each program listing includes information about:

* Area(s) of Study

* Orientation and Mobility

* Multiple Disability

* Visually Impaired

* Deafblind

* Rehabilitation Teaching

* Rehabilitation Counseling

* Rehabilitation Education

* Travel Instruction

Degree level(s)

* Undergraduate

* Graduate – Certification/licensure-only

* Graduate – Master’s level

* Graduate – Doctoral level

Instructional option(s)

* Summer

* Academic Year

* Distance Education

Information about financial support available through traineeships, scholarships, or other financial aid is indicated by *.