Upcoming courses

a student looks at a magnified screen while the teacher works at the whiteboard
Instructor-led
Introductory June 19, 2023 – August 13, 2023

Multimedia Accessibility in the Digital Classroom: Strategies for Students with Visual Impairments

Expand your knowledge of current tools to access multimedia content, along with ways to integrate technology into a student’s workflow in the classroom.

Instructor-led
Introductory June 26, 2023 – August 13, 2023

Autism and Visual Impairment: The Better Together Curriculum

Course participants will learn theoretical and practical information for teaching social communication skills to students with autism and visual impairment.

A boy swings on a sensory swing as his mom watches
Instructor-led
Introductory June 26, 2023 – August 13, 2023

Teaching Strategies for Students Who are Blind/VI with Multiple Disabilities in the Sensorimotor Stage of Development

Practical teaching strategies for students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities in the sensorimotor stage of development. Learn about the Sensorimotor Stage of Development, the Van Dijk Approach, levels of learning in the Sensory Learning Kit and more.

a boy holds a red object
Instructor-led
Advanced July 10, 2023 – August 27, 2023

CVI and the Ever-Changing Brain

Explore the structure of the brain, the early visual pathways, the dorsal and ventral streams and the integration between the two, and the importance of neuroplasticity (our brains are ever-changing).

a young child wearing headphones
Instructor-led
Intermediate July 10, 2023 – July 30, 2023

Assistive Technology for Learners with CVI

An approach to assistive technology evaluation using the SETT framework and unique considerations for students with CVI.

a teacher works with a girl on a smart board table
Instructor-led
Introductory July 17, 2023 – September 10, 2023

Essential Assessments for Students with Visual Impairments

Gain understanding of the three assessments included in the essential assessments (EA): functional vision assessment (FVA), learning media assessment (LMA), and screening and assessment in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) content areas.

A city intersection, with blurred edges and confusing sight lines
Instructor-led
Intermediate September 25, 2023 – November 12, 2023

Orientation & Mobility Through the CVI Lens

Workshop participants will learn about dorsal and ventral stream dysfunctions and how the whole brain is used to map space and complete tasks relevant to O&M.

A teacher is sitting next to a girl, shining a flashlight on her desk.
Instructor-led
Intermediate September 25, 2023 – November 19, 2023

Understanding the Whole Learner: An Occupational Therapy Approach to Supporting Individuals with CVI for Clinicians and Educational Team Members

Review the neurological foundations of visual perception and sensory basis of vision and development, as well as delve into occupational therapy evaluation and intervention procedures for learners with CVI

Instructor-led
Introductory September 25, 2023 – November 19, 2023

Making Assistive Technology Solutions Across the Life Span

Create low tech solutions with everyday objects and the power of creative problem solving

Instructor-led
Intermediate October 2, 2023 – November 19, 2023

Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Students with Visual Impairments and Multiple Disabilities

Identify and practice ABA approaches that will support students who are visually impaired, blind, Deafblind or multiply disabled.

a young boy with CVI looks at colorful 3D shapes on a lightbox
Instructor-led
Introductory

Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment: A Foundational Overview and Understanding

An inclusive overview of cortical/cerebral visual impairment describing the condition, its causes and associated medical conditions, and the educational and development impacts of brain-based visual impairment.

Boy works with female teacher during speech class.
Instructor-led
Intermediate

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)

Review the purpose of AAC, the visual behaviors of CVI, and considerations around assessment, design, implementation, data collection, and collaboration. Design and implement an augmentative and alternative communication system (AAC) for individuals with Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI).

Teaching resources for the classroom and home

Paths to Literacy

Explore activities and resources designed to teach literacy to children and youth with visual impairments, including those who are deafblind and/or have multiple disabilities. Designed for teachers and families.

Paths to Technology

Educators, families, and students can share information about technology for students with visual impairments and blindness.

Flame

Accessible Science

Explore activities and resources to make science accessible to students who are blind or visually impaired. Browse lessons in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Earth & Space, and Engineering & Technology.

The knowledge you need to teach kids of all abilities

A mother crouches down, hugging her young, smiling son outside in front of a building entrance.

CVI

CVI (Cortical / Cerebral Visual Impairment) is the leading cause of visual impairment of children in the U.S. Learn the basics, discover the tools and find new resources from our experts.

A visually impaired woman with headphones on that is talking on the phone.
As a Perkins student, Maggie’s educational curriculum has been bolstered with a focus on transitional skill building.

Transition

By working together, parents, children and professionals can build a transition planning roadmap to a happier, fulfilling adult life.

A boy uses a smart brailler alongside his teacher.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology plays a huge role in how students learn, communicate, read and play. Learn what assistive technology means for thousands of people with disabilities.

A mother smiling with her child in a wheelchair

Multiple disabilities & deafblindness

Children with multiple disabilities have the right to learn and thrive, yet they are often invisible and excluded from school and community life. Learn how to create innovative and engaging programs for children.

Girl sitting a a table, leaning forward, to paint the top of a large white piece of paper in front of her.
Grace

Expanded Core Curriculum

The Expanded Core Curriculum empowers students with disabilities to access their education and make their own choices throughout life.

Watch and learn

Whether you’re a parent of a child who is visually impaired or a teacher of students with multiple disabilities, our free video presentations will inspire and inform you.

From short-teachable moments to recorded live broadcasts, you can learn from experts on a variety of specific topics related to blindness and visual impairment. All videos are fully captioned and accompanied by a transcript.

Courses for credit

A woman talks to a group of people

Instructor-led

Our instructor-led courses are a collaborative learning experience with a cohort of professionals with similar needs and interests.

Person sitting in front of laptop screen showing virtual meeting

Self-paced

Our self-paced courses allow you to learn on your own schedule. Course topics include communication, visual impairment, and curriculum. Professional development credits are available for purchase.

Two women working on the computer together.

Earning credits

Many of our professional development options include the opportunity to earn different types of professional development credits.

We offer customized trainings for school districts and professionals

Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of visual impairment in school-age children. To best serve your students, you need CVI expertise in your schools. 

For a cost-effective professional development program for your staff, turn to Perkins eLearning’s customizable training packages, which can meet the needs of school districts of every size. Fill out the form below to learn more about how Perkins can tailor our CVI training for you.

You can expect the following—and more—from a Perkins’ CVI customized training:

  • An inclusive, evidence-based approach.
  • Courses led by world-renowned leading theorists, including expertise from Perkins.
  • A wide range of course curriculums from a foundational overview of CVI to advanced topics like assessments, interventions, and teaching strategies.

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Hear from our participants.

Lauri

“The discussion forums were valuable. Classmates came from the different professional fields and shared a variety of points of view. The assignments were meaningful and worth spending the time on. They definitely contributed to the learning on the topic.”

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227 coursesPerkins offers 227 (and counting!) courses and self-paced tutorials.

Explore more classroom ideas in our resource center today.

If you are an educator or family member interested in the education of students who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or have multiple disabilities, we invite you to sign up and receive notifications when new posts are published. Additionally, we encourage you to share your own activities and ideas with our community.