VIDBE-Q Volume 68 Issue 3
43
Renae Bjorg
University of North Dakota
renae.bjorg@und.edu
Brief History of Program
The University of North Dakota (UND) has proudly offered coursework
towards teacher licensure/endorsement in the specialization area of Visual
Impairment (VI) since the 1980's. In the first years, the courses in VI were offered
at the undergraduate level for students double-majoring in general education and
special education. Classes were offered on the North Dakota School for the Blind
campus (renamed North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind). The content
was delivered through lecture, hands-on activities such as dissection of a cow's eye
and experiences under blindfold, and independent study. The courses met during
the summer semester in an eight-week format. Financial resources to support the
VI specialization were allocated via legislative approval. The success of the VI
University of North Dakota
Visual Impairment: Specialization