Resources for Individuals with Disabilities

This is not an exhaustive or final list of resources. We are continually adding and improving the list, and we welcome any suggestions for additions, changes, and edits from the community. Please feel free to email Angelica Mishra, Assistant to the Chief Diversity Officer, at mishra@kutztown.edu with your thoughts.

• Disability Studies Minor

  This minor is offered by the Department of Special Education.  Contact the department for more information.

  Visit the program page here.

• Special Education Non-Certification

  Service to individuals with emotional, learning, intellectual, and physical disabilities is the focus of the opportunity presented by the Special Education – Educational Studies Track, which does not lead to Pennsylvania instructional certification program. Service to individuals with visual impairments is the focus of the opportunity presented by the Visual Impairment – Educational Studies Track, which does not lead to Pennsylvania instructional certification program. Whether you wish to work in a non-school setting like a community center, social services agency, hospital, camp, or group home this program provides the foundational understanding of how individuals with disabilities learn and interact with the world. These tracks may be complemented by adding a minor in one of the following areas of study: anthropology, business, crafts, music, psychology, sociology, social work, Spanish, or studio art.  A final internship at a school, agency, or residential or educational setting provides a capstone experience for this program.

  Visit the program website here.

• Special Education

  One of the areas of education consistently in high demand in special education.  Teacher candidates in this area must be creative, adaptable, and patient as they are tasked with the awesome responsibility of teaching those with emotional, learning, mental, and physical disabilities.  The program includes a broad range of courses that address the instruction of children and youth in both inclusive and special education settings.  Teacher candidates who wish to focus in special education work toward a special education major and Pennsylvania instructional certification in special education and either elementary or secondary education, becoming dual certified to teach in general education and special education settings for grades PreK-12.

  Visit the program website here.

• Special Education, Post-Baccalaureate Certification

  The post-baccalaureate Special Education Certification PreK-12 program at Kutztown University prepares individuals to earn Instructional I Special Education Certification in Pennsylvania. Teacher candidates enrolled will achieve all PDE and CEC competencies to teach students with disabilities, prekindergarten through grade 12 or up to 21 years of age and complete various courses that will benefit their focus in the field of special education. This certification does not require certification in an additional content area.

  With the addition of the thirty (30) credit Special Education Post-Baccalaureate PreK-12 Certification program, Kutztown University enhances the already robust and award-winning selection of graduate education programs and courses that are offered in a flexible format. This program may be completed in 18 months by taking winter and summer courses.

  Visit the program website here.

• Special Education: Visual Impairment

  Play an important role in students’ and families’ lives as a teacher of the visually impaired. You will learn how to help students – who otherwise may struggle with academic performance – build the necessary skills and find adaptations that enable them to have the richest possible educational experience.

  Visit the program website here.

• Visual Impairment Certification Preparation Program

  Kutztown University's College of Education/Special Education offers the Visual Impairment Certification Preparation as a post baccalaureate program. The program follows the required curriculum for the Pennsylvania Department of Education Educator Certification in Visual Impairment birth-21 online. Certification also requires successful completion of the Praxis II visual impairment examination and internship. 

  Visit the program website here.

• Autism Spectrum Disorders, Minor

  This program provides specialized training at the undergraduate level for pre-service teachers who aspire to support students with autism spectrum disorders. Candidates successfully completing this program are also eligible to receive the Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement Certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education after receiving a Level I instructional certificate.

  Visit the program website here.

• Autism Endorsement Certificate

  The Autism Endorsement Certification at Kutztown University provides specialized training at the graduate and undergraduate level for certified (graduate) and pre-service (undergraduate) teachers who support or aspire to support students with autism spectrum disorders. Candidates who successfully complete this program at the graduate level are eligible to receive the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement Certificate. Undergraduate candidates who successfully complete this program are also eligible to receive the Autism Spectrum Endorsement Certificate Disorders contingent upon receiving a Level I instructional certificate. 

  In order to apply for the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement Certificate, applicants must possess a valid PA Instructional I or II certificate. Non-baccalaureate candidates may apply to the Autism Endorsement Program at Kutztown University provided that they are enrolled in an area of study leading to an Instructional I or II certificate.

  Visit the program website here.