About the Program

UMass Boston’s School for Global Inclusion and Social Development is New England’s only academic center for preparing teachers of students with visual impairment, orientation and mobility specialists, and visual rehabilitation therapists. These are three key specialties that assist people with visual impairment to achieve their goals of high-quality education, fulfilling employment, and safe independent travel.

This degree track offers matriculated students a specialized 37-credit sequence of coursework, including 100 hours of monitored prepracticum, field-based experiences, and a practicum (300 clock-hours minimum), leading to initial licensure as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. To receive initial licensure, K-12, students must meet additional Department of Education requirements, as described in the section titled “State Licensure Requirements” below.