VIDBE-Q Volume 69 Issue 3
Individuals from diverse language, cultural, ethnic, and disability
backgrounds are perceived and see themselves as
contributing members of society. They have high expectations for leading
fulfilling lives. (Mason et al., 2000, p. 11)
Evolution of the Different Tracks
The program began when the historic Orientation and Mobility program at
Boston College closed in 1990. The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
track was established in 2003 and the Vision Rehabilitation Therapy track in 2011.
In 2019, the Assistive Technology for People with Visual Impairment track began.
Also in 2019, the Graduate Certificate in Cerebral/Cortical began. In 2024, the first
cohort of students pursuing the Graduate Certificate in DeafBlindness began.
Inspired by the NPTP recommendations, the UMass Boston program began
with a regional structure to serve the six New England states. The regionally
accessible distance education program utilized liaisons in each state to connect
with students and promote networking. State and local resources joined with
federal grants to support tuition and connections while students progressed through
the program.
Unique Features
Collaboration and Partnerships
