Through the teaching of specialized methods and adaptive techniques required for independent living and communication, the rehabilitation teacher helps individuals to achieve independent lifestyles. The rehabilitation instructor teaches specialized methods or adaptive techniques required for communication and coping with the demands of daily living. The broad sphere of communication includes Braille, computers, handwriting, listening and recording technology, low-vision technology, mathematical calculation, and keyboarding. Instruction in daily living skills includes food preparation, personal management, home management, home mechanics, leisure and recreation activities, and orientation and movement in familiar indoor environments.
Teachers work with individual students or small groups of consumers.
Rehabilitation teachers are part of the team rehabilitation process and help their students identify the kinds of program content that best suits their needs. Because they establish close working relationships with their clients, they often take on a guidance role. The curriculum Students preparing to be rehabilitation teachers enroll in blindness core courses and specialized courses in rehabilitation teaching. They total 39 credit hours of instruction, which include a professional field experience. The program can be completed in three to four semesters, after which the master s degree is awarded.