The Mission of AER is to serve and empower professionals to deliver standards-based practices that lead to improved educational and rehabilitative outcomes for individuals with visual impairment and blindness.
The Vision of AER is to be a dynamic and thriving professional membership community with innovative practices and standards that result in responsiveness, recognized leadership, and improved outcomes for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
Our work is guided by four Core Values:
COMPASSION
AER deeply and actively cares about the success of its members and those who are served and provides resources and support to help them exceed their own expectations.
DIVERSITY
AER respects the worth and uniqueness of each individual and embodies a culture where diverse backgrounds, experiences, approaches, and ideas are revered.
INDEPENDENCE
AER is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstances will achieve the greatest level of independence and success.
INTEGRITY
AER adheres to the highest ethical standards and promotes an environment complete with honesty and transparency.
With a rich history, the Association was formed in 1984 as the result of a consolidation between the American Association of Workers for the Blind and the Association for Education of the Visually Handicapped. The AER Bylaws and Policies and Procedures Manual detail AER’s purpose, structure, and procedures. The AER Board of Directors approved an AER Code of Ethics in 2015, which is part of the Policies and Procedures Manual. The Association uses a number of standing committees and ad hoc committees to design and carry out its many programs and services. Resolutions passed by the association’s membership provide insight on where the association stands on specific issues.
AER Bylaws Document
Policies & Procedures Manual
AER Code of Ethics Document
AER is committed to serving our members, affiliated chapters, and divisions through effective strategic planning conducted at all levels within the organization. AER’s Strategic Plan guides the association into the future and is periodically updated to ensure we are meeting the members’ and association’s needs.
Professional Support
Communication and networking on a local level are achieved through automatic membership in Chapters.
Division memberships
Enable members to focus on specific topics of expertise, including Administration and Leadership; Rehabilitation Counseling and Employment; Multiple Disabilities & Deafblind; Psychosocial Services; Information & Technology; Low Vision Rehabilitation; Infant & Preschool; Orientation & Mobility; Education Curriculum; Vision Rehabilitation Therapy; Division on Aging; Itinerant Personnel, Personnel Preparation, International Services & Global Issues, and Physical Activity & Recreation.
Publications
We provide our members with opportunities for professional growth and development through continuing education, regional, national, and international conferences, and several publications.
AER The Voice is a monthly e-newsletter with timely information about AER and the field of blindness and vision impairment.
AER’s newest Journal, the New RE:view…..
AER provides qualified members with a subscription to the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness. It is an essential professional resource for information about visual impairment and blindness and is now the official journal of AER. The international peer-reviewed journal delivers current research and best practice information, and commentary from authoritative experts on critical topics.
AER also publishes books utilized in classrooms and offers others related to the field.
Professional Development
Continuing Education is an important part of professional development. AER is continually developing ongoing educational opportunities for members, either online or at conferences.
Awards
Professional recognition through biennial awards including the C. Warren Bledsoe Award, the Alfred Allen Award, Mary K. Bauman Award, John H. McAulay Award, the Ambrose M. Shotwell Award, the Douglas C. MacFarland Award, and the AER Outstanding Chapter Award. These awards are given to the recipients during the AER International Conference held every other year, on the even-numbered years.
Accreditation
The AER Accreditation Program involves a process under which services and operations are evaluated by an external team to determine if standards that are deemed indicators of quality performance, measures of sound practices, and that generate the best results are met.
Recent Comments