Specialist in Low Vision and Blindness

Join Braille Birds

Braille Birds is the Low Vision and Blindness Program Registered Student Organization. Annual events include marching in the Homecoming parade, participation in campus-wide festivals, connecting with established professionals in the field of visual impairments, and creating materials for students with visual impairments. Join today!

Teachers of children with visual impairments work with learners who are blind or who have low vision, from preschool through high school. There is a severe shortage of teachers in this area and many of our students do not have difficulty finding a job after they graduate.

The Illinois State Difference

The program at Illinois State is one of only 35 undergraduate and graduate programs nationwide. Teacher candidates progress through the program as a cohort group, developing friendships and professional partnerships that last beyond graduation.

There are many unique aspects of the program, including the opportunity to live for an entire semester at a residential school for learners with low vision and blindness.

Plans of Study for the Specialist in Low Vision and Blindness

Beginning Freshman

Downoad the recommended schedule of courses for freshmen (pdf) that leads to certification in the Low Vision and Blindness program.

Transfer Student

Download the recommended schedule of courses for transfer students to Illinois State (pdf) that leads to certification in the Low Vision and Blindness program.

Professional Development Partnerships

Professional Development Partnerships provide hands-on learning experiences for teacher candidates. All three undergraduate programs in the Special Education Department work with partnership schools to provide high-quality field experiences and student teaching. Participation with one of the partner schools is dependent on the teacher candidate's individual program.

Illinois School for the Visually Impaired

Jacksonville, Illinois

Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Indianapolis, Indiana

Springfield School District #186

Springfield, Illinois

Sangamon Area Special Education District

Sangamon, Menard, Macoupin and Cass Counties