Program Overview
Throughout our program, we integrate evidence-based practices, provide scholars with field experiences across age and ability levels, involve students in unique research-to-practice projects with their academic advisors (professional development opportunities), and focus on research-based practices and policies that increase access to the general curriculum.
There are two tracks within the Low Incidence Program:
- The Severe Disabilities track prepares master's level scholars to teach children and young adults with autism, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, and other developmental disabilities. Our goal is to prepare future special education teachers with evidence-based strategies to enhance the learning and outcomes of students with severe disabilities.
- The Visual Disabilities track prepares master's level scholars to teach children and young adults with visual impairments, including students with additional disabilities or deafblindness. Our goal is to prepare future teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) who are active collaborators with families and school teams. TVIs teach the expanded core curriculum for students with visual impairments and help ensure students' access to the visual environment in schools.
Program Facts
Program Director: Alexandra Da Fonte
Admissions Coordinator: Kelly Limina
Admission Term: Fall
Credit Hours: 30-60
Application Dates
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Application Deadline 1
Jan 3, 2024
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Application Deadline 2
Feb 3, 2024
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Rolling Admissions
After Feb 3, 2024*
*Applications received after the Feb 3rd second deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted as space and funds allow.
Funding and Scholarships
Generous funding for this training is provided by personnel preparation grants from the Office of Special Education Programs. No additional application is needed. All scholars will be considered for these funds during the admissions application review. For more information about this grant, contact Dr. Alexandra Da Fonte.
Funding is also available for students seeking initial licensure or an additional teaching endorsement. Through college scholarships, training grants, or research grants, students may receive (full or partial) tuition remission, as well as stipend support.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Throughout our courses, we highlight the importance of advocating and promoting equity among students with special needs. We focus on including all students no matter their background, needs, or skills level. We do this by teaching our scholars to be strong team members and collaborators, by having high expectations while developing their professional dispositions, and by providing field experiences in high-need schools with diverse learners.