You will take only one course per semester, giving you time to keep up with family and work obligations.
Beginning in Fall 2026, students entering the Low Vision Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate will complete six courses (18 credits) instead of five (15 credits). Foundations in Blind Rehabilitation, formerly an elective, is now a required course, reflecting the increasing relevance of these skills in occupational therapy practice.
All course materials are available through the Internet and required texts. A high-speed Internet connection is strongly encouraged.
Students are required to come to campus one time during their final semester. Held in the summer, all students attend an intensive 2-day seminar in preparation for graduation.
OT 677 - Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation I (3 credit hours)
Introduces the field of low vision rehabilitation and addresses core knowledge required for the subsequent courses. Topics include: demographics of low vision; settings and reimbursement; anatomy of the eye and visual system; medical conditions causing low vision; psychosocial adjustment to vision impairment; communication and health literacy; administration and interpretation of low vision exams and environmental assessment and modification.
OT 679 - Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation II (3 credit hours)
Focuses on intervention strategies to improve occupational performance. Students learn to use information from evaluations to design appropriate interventions. Topics include: optics and prescribed optical devices, visual skills training, assistive technology, computer modification, reading, writing.
OT 690 - Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation III (3 credit hours)
Focuses on intervention strategies to improve occupational performance. Students learn to use information from evaluations to design appropriate interventions. Topics include: Activities of daily living with and without vision, functional mobility, diabetes self-management and driving.
OT 680 - Foundations in Blind Rehabilitation (3 credit hours)
Introduces the field of blindness rehabilitation and strategies for implementing non-visual interventions. Topics include occupational therapy approach to blind rehabilitation; influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on occupational participation; intervention strategies; non-visual strategies for environmental adaptation; development of professional interactions; and evaluation of occupational performance to support safe, effective participation in daily activities.
OT 689 - Foundations in Treatment of Visual Impairment from Brain Injury (3 credit hours)
Focuses on adults experiencing occupational limitations due to visual processing impairment from acquired brain injury. Topics include: visual system neuroanatomy; evaluation and intervention for deficits in visual acuity and focusing; hemianopsia; oculomotor impairment; hemi-inattention and neglect.
OT 691- Foundations in Low Vision Rehabilitation IV (3 credit hours)
Focuses on ensuring the student is prepared for practice. Students must attend an intensive 2-day seminar on campus to review/demonstrate competence in evaluation and intervention.