Special Education (Visual Impairment)
The Bachelor of Arts in Education in Special Education (Visual Impairment) prepares you to work with blind and partially sighted students across educational settings. You'll focus on diagnostic assessment, orientation and mobility skills, and specific teaching methodologies for students with visual impairments. You'll learn to work collaboratively with parents, classroom teachers and service personnel to meet the needs of visually impaired students. This program also provides extensive experiences integrating technology into teaching, as well as professional experience before you graduate.
Program locations
- Tempe
- West
Credentials
This degree qualifies you for two certificates offered by the Arizona Department of Education:
- Visually Impaired Special Education, Birth–12
- Mild-Moderate Disabilities Special Education, K–12
This degree also offers a full structured English immersion endorsement (Structured English Immersion, Pre-K–12) to work with English language learners.
This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more
Careers
Teachers for the Visually Impaired are in high demand. You'll have the option to work with babies, children, teens or adults in:
- School classrooms
- Health care facilities
- Homes
- And other nonschool settings
Professional experiences
MLFTC Professional Pathways provides internships and residencies that expose you to more ways of teaching and learning.
As you prepare to become a Teacher for the Visually Impaired, you'll complete internships and residencies at both the Foundation for Blind Children and within a local school district, providing experiences that will prepare you to teach in self-contained and inclusive settings. You'll work with the support of an ASU faculty member called a site lead, introducing you to more modes of professional collaboration and problem-solving while offering you as much support as possible.
Jillian Salasek, an educator at the Foundation for Blind Children, describes what a typical day looks like as a teacher for the visually impaired.
Paying for college
The cost of attendance varies widely. To get an idea of what you can expect to pay, view ASU’s standard cost of attendance.
There are many ways to reduce your costs, including scholarships and grants just for education students. Explore your options
Admission requirements
Students are required to meet all applicable ASU admission requirements for first-year students, transfer students or international students.
As a transfer student, you can ensure a positive experience by signing up for an ASU transfer pathway program. Find your path to ASU
Professional licensure
ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check the professional licensure list for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Contact our enrollment team for more information: ASUeducation@asu.edu
