Stay up-to-date with current issues and best practices.
The 15 credit hour graduate level program in Deafblindness provides in-depth knowledge of the needs and supports for children with combined hearing-vision loss (also known as Deafblindness) and is aligned with CEC standards for Deafblindness. It emphasizes current issues and trends, communication, evaluation, teaching strategies, and future planning for these students.
Flexible and fast.
The program is designed to be completed in one year (Fall-Spring-Summer) and will be delivered online through Blackboard. Most coursework is asynchronous with some virtual meetings each semester. Each course is three (3) semester hours and eight weeks in length.
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2025
Application deadline is July 15, 2025. Students will be notified of acceptance by August 1.
Learn More:
For more information fill out the form below or contact Kelli Smith at ksmith3@shawnee.edu
Course Sequence:
Fall 2024
- EDDB 6501 Characteristics, Issues and Trends in Education of Learners with Deafblindness
- EDDB 6502 Communication and Sensory Needs for Learners with Deafblindness
Spring 2025
- EDDB 6503 Assessment and Educational Planning for Learners with Deafblindness
- EDDB 6504 Academic, Social-emotional and Behavioral Needs of Learners with Deafblindness
Summer 2025
- EDDB 6505 Collaboration, Transition and Futures Planning for Learners with Deafblindness
Program Highlights:
Tuition Support
Provided by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Office for Exceptional Children.
Priority applicants:
Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), Teachers of the Deaf (ToDs), Intervention Specialists (IS) in the areas of moderate-intensive educational needs, mild-moderate educational needs, and primary; related services personnel, and general education teachers.
The first cohort will be accepted for a Fall 2024 start date.
How to Apply
We are accepting applications for Fall 2025. Application deadline is July 15, 2025.
The program is a selective admission program and acceptance is not guaranteed. Students will be notified of acceptance by August 1.
Application requirements
- Complete an Application for Graduate Admission
- Evidence of a B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited institution.
- Evidence of an overall GPA of 2.75 or greater
- Professional statement including career goals (1-2 pages)
What to include in your personal statement:
- Provide a brief description of your educational background.
- Provide a brief description of your current employment.
- Explain any experiences working with an individual with visual and/or hearing impairments.
- Provide reasons why you believe that you would be an excellent candidate for the program.
- Explain your goals and what you hope to gain from the program.
For questions about the admission process, please contact:
Bobbi Madden
Graduate School Administrator
(740) 351-3177
bmadden@shawnee.edu
For questions about the Certificate in Deafblindness Education, please contact:
Kelli Smith
Low Incidence Sensory Disabilities Lead Officer
(740) 351-3571
ksmith3@shawnee.edu
Download FAQ’s
For more information about the program, download the FAQ (PDF) or contact Kelli Smith at (740) 351-3571 or email at ksmith3@shawnee.edu.