College of Education
Northern Illinois University
Graham Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: (815) 753-1948
Fax: (815) 753-2100
cedu@niu.edu
Dr. Gaylen Kapperman, coordinator of the College of Education's Visual Disabilities program, is no stranger to U.S. Department of Education grants. Although he has earned a steady stream of federal grants over the past 30 years, each new one is just as encouraging as the last. His latest application resulted in an $800,000 award ($200,000 for one year, renewable for three additional years) designated to improve services for blind and visually impaired children. The grant was made possible under the Combined Priority for Personnel Development Program.
The award represents a significant boon to the program as it will allow the College to completely fund the education of 10-15 students a year. These scholarships will be open to students studying to become teachers of learners with visual impairments as well as those interested in being certified orientation and mobility specialists. In exchange for five hours a week of work in Kapperman’s office, awardees will receive tuition, fees, insurance, and even a stipend every calendar year.
Kapperman sees these benefits as bonuses that make an already attractive program irresistible – particularly given the nature of the changing economy.
“We get a lot of inquiries from prospective students who are looking to change careers,” Kapperman asserted. “Students who complete our program have wonderful careers ahead of them. Research shows high employment for the field…they are virtually guaranteed employment.” In spite of the dwindling federal funds available with each passing year (NIU’s was one of only three vision programs to receive funds from this particular grant competition), Kapperman is optimistic about the impact the College’s outstanding program can have in the lives of his students and the children they will eventually teach.
“There are few programs like this in the U.S.,” he stated. “Perhaps 30 across the country. But many students aren’t even aware of the job market that is available to them.” With the arrival of this latest grant, Kapperman will have the opportunity to entice more students to his nationally renowned program and to a burgeoning field.
The College's vision program offers a variety of degrees to both certified and non-certified students. For more information about any of the degrees listed below, please visit the Visual Disabilities Program web site or contact Dr. Gaylen Kapperman at (815) 753-8453.
| Degree/Certification | Time to Graduate |
|---|---|
| B.S.Ed., Special Education (emphasis in Visual Impairments) Student is already a certified teacher |
16 months |
| B.S.Ed., Special Education (emphasis in Visual Impairments) No prior certification |
21 months |
| B.S.Ed., Special Education (Visual Impairments/Orientation & Mobility combination) | 21 months |
| B.S.Ed., Special Education (Visual Impairments/Orientation & Mobility combination) + certification | 24 months |
| M.S.Ed., Special Education (specialization in Orientation & Mobility) No prior certification |
16 months |
| M.S.Ed., Special Education (specialization in Orientation & Mobility) Summers only |
4 summer semesters |