Click . . . Learn . . . Grow
Through the Western Regional Graduate Program in Blindness and Visual Impairment
At the University of Northern Colorado

18 States
90 Students
13 Classes
6 Faculty
1 Degree
8 Delivery Systems & Media
$1.1 Million, 3-year Grant

1 Mission

The Mission
The UNC Severe Needs: Vision program is based on a firm and continuing commitment to the rights of all students with visual and other disabilities to receive equal educational opportunities, including equal access to the curriculum. The faculty believes that each learner should be provided educational opportunities that maximize potential for whatever level of independence is possible in order to be productive in society and to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The Program
Students participate in classes using the Internet, compressed video, and other distance formats. As a Western Regional Graduate Program recognized by the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, students who reside in Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming may register for classes at Colorado's in-state tuition rate.
During the three-year period covered by a federal grant, tuition assistance is also available to students. Students are able to pursue a master's degree at home, with summers at the University of Northern Colorado, and at a greatly reduced expense. During fall and spring semesters, students complete online courses that are supple-mented with videos, print materials, compressed video, and audio-conferencing. Feel free to tour the virtual Vision Campus at http://vision.unco.edu.

The Growth
Since the inception of the distance education component, enrollment in the Special Needs: Vision program at UNC has increased dramatically. Whereas total enrollments in 1991-92 academic year topped out at 10, enrollment by the end of the decade neared the 90 mark. In addition, graduation rates noticeably increased, in some years more than double the graduation rates prior to the distance education program. These increases benefit not only the university but also the entire field of those working with visually impaired students and children, a field needing more professionals.



For more information, please contact us at 1-800-395-2693!

Dr. Kay Ferrell, Project & Special Education Division Director
kferrell@bentley.unco.edu
Chuck Wright, Project Coordinator
cwright@vision.unco.edu
Dr. Kay A. Persichitte, Department Chair, Educational Technology
persi@edtech.unco.edu

Western Regional Graduate Program
Severe Needs: Vision
University of Northern Colorado
Department of Special Education
Greeley, CO 80639