Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired

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Alexandria, VA
Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired

AER is the voice of specialized education and rehabilitation professionals who provide services to people who are blind or who have low vision.

We advocate for the field and foster connections that support, inform, and empower our members’ work. International in scope, AER is a membership organization. Consisting of a very diverse group, members include administrators, vision rehabilitation therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, low vision therapists, itinerant teachers, and support personnel, who work with infants, children and teens, adults, seniors, and veterans. Whatever the specialty, all AER members are committed to the principle that persons who are blind and visually impaired have unique needs, which require specialized services delivered by trained individuals. The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired is a 501 (c)(3) organization. AER is governed by an 18-member board of directors who represent members geographically and by special interests (AER has 15 interest-specific divisions). For a list of the AER Board of Directors, visit http://aerbvi.org/?page_id=78.

09/30/2025

Don't miss the O&M Foundations upcoming AER webinar: Chapter 18 Teaching Orientation and Mobility to Learners Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired and Have Cognitive Impairments

As part of the Foundations of Orientation & Mobility Chapter Author Webinar Series, join Dr. Grace Ambrose-Zaken, President/CEO of Safe Toddles, for an in-depth session on teaching O&M to learners with visual impairments and cognitive disabilities, based on Chapter 18 of Volume 2 from the newly released Foundations of Orientation & Mobility.

Dr. Ambrose-Zaken will explore:
Key brain structures and impairments that impact O&M instruction
The critical role of mobility devices in supporting cognitive development
Why consistent access to tactile cane arc is essential for daily learning and movement

October 2, 2025
Register now: https://zurl.co/bL6gP

This session is a must for O&M specialists and educators working with students who have complex learning needs. Learn how to ensure every child has the tools to move, learn, and grow.

09/29/2025

Meet Angie Matthews!
Angie joined AER in October 2024 as our Communications and Marketing Specialist. From crafting impactful messaging to managing digital content, Angie brings creativity, strategy, and heart to everything she does.

She works closely with the AER team to boost member engagement, promote programs, and make sure our brand voice is clear, consistent, and community-focused. Whether it's updating the website or brainstorming new ways to connect, Angie is passionate about making resources accessible and engaging.

Angie lives in northern Indiana with her family.

09/27/2025

Fuel what matters most—when it matters most.
The Alliance Fund allows the AER Board of Directors to respond to emerging needs, support strategic initiatives, and strengthen our work across the field.

Your general gift gives AER the flexibility to act where the need is greatest. Whether that’s launching a new program, supporting a scholarship, or expanding our reach with this fund.

Make your contribution today: https://zurl.co/mDPOz

09/24/2025

The New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is now hiring: Physical Therapist

The New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI) is seeking a full-time Physical Therapist to join the educational team and provide services to children who are blind or visually impaired and many with additional disabilities.

This is a 9-month position, available immediately and open until filled.
Salary will be determined upon hire.

Join a collaborative team dedicated to supporting student growth, mobility, and independence.

Apply today: https://zurl.co/KhJDO

09/22/2025

Meet Jennifer Burke!
Jennifer joined AER in July 2025 as our Memberships and Operations Manager. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit and volunteer leadership, she brings a heart for service and a head for logistics to the team.

From coordinating Operation Christmas Child to directing operations at Milestones Development and Play Park, Jennifer’s career has been rooted in building strong communities and impactful programs. She holds a B.A. in Russian Language and Area Studies from Texas Tech University.

When she’s not working, Jennifer is at home with her husband, two adult sons, and their five beloved dogs.

09/18/2025

State of Colorado, Dept of Labor & Employment, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is now hiring: Orientation & Mobility Specialist / Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (Dual Role)

Join the Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS) Unit as a Rehabilitation Counselor I in a dual role providing Orientation & Mobility (O&M) and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
In this role, you will:
🔹 Conduct assessments and develop personalized training plans
🔹 Provide O&M and daily living skills instruction in home, work, and community settings
🔹 Teach cane techniques, assistive tech, communication alternatives, and travel skills
🔹 Offer adjustment counseling and connect individuals to community resources
🔹 Collaborate with rehab teams and stay current on best practices and AT

Make a lasting impact by empowering individuals to live and work independently.
Apply now and be part of a dynamic team transforming lives: https://zurl.co/LndnU

09/15/2025

Meet Dr. Elly du Pré!
Since 2020, Elly has led the AER Accreditation Program, bringing decades of experience in orientation and mobility, assistive technology, and nonprofit leadership to the role. From directing Lighthouse of Broward to serving on national boards like ACVREP and committees for VisionServe Alliance, she’s spent her career building quality services for people who are blind or have low vision.

Now in “retirement,” she’s still shaping the field and avoiding becoming just the cat lady.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Elly loves being outdoors and staying active in the community she’s served for years.

09/10/2025

URGENT: Braille Training Grants Eliminated

For the first time in decades, there will be no federal support for braille training in the U.S. The Department of Education has cut all three national Braille Training Grants, This will impact children, adults, and the professionals who serve them.

This decision means:
❌ No new resources for TVIs to teach braille literacy
❌ No additional training for Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
❌ No professional development or innovation to address the braille literacy crisis

We need you to act NOW.
Call your U.S. Senators, especially if you live in WV, FL, NC, SC, OH, PA, or TX. Ask to speak with a senior staffer and make it clear: braille is literacy.

This is not about budgets, it’s a policy choice erasing national braille training.

Every state benefits from these programs.

Calls matter. Emails won’t be enough. Share this message widely and make sure braille remains a national priority.

09/10/2025

Alphapointe is Now Hiring: Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Join Alphapointe, a mission-driven nonprofit empowering individuals with vision loss to reach their goals. We’re seeking an Orientation & Mobility Specialist to help clients gain safe, confident, and independent travel skills in both familiar and new environments.

In this role, you will:
🔹 Provide O&M instruction to individuals with visual impairments
🔹 Support safe and efficient travel in home, community, and public spaces
🔹 Help clients build confidence and independence

Why Alphapointe?
✔ Mission-driven, supportive work environment
✔ Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
✔ Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays
✔ Short & long-term disability
✔ Generous 401(k) and flexible spending options

Apply today: https://zurl.co/AshQQ

09/05/2025

Register today for the upcoming AER Webinar: Understanding Su***de in the Blind and Visually Impaired Community

In recognition of Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, the Division on Aging and Psychosocial Services Division are partnering to host a meaningful and much-needed two-hour webinar focused on su***de prevention in the B/VI community.

Join Dr. Carlie Rhoads and Dr. Henry Tyszka as they lead a powerful session to:
Dispel common myths about su***de and reduce stigma
Examine current data and lived experiences within the B/VI population
Share actionable prevention strategies and supportive resources

Whether you're a professional, researcher, advocate, or family member, this session is a valuable opportunity to better understand and address a critical issue that too often goes unspoken.

📅 September 11, 2025 6:00 Pm EDT
🕑 Two-Hour Session with CRCC credits
📍 https://zurl.co/nNgT2

Let’s come together as a community to learn, reflect, and support one another.

***dePrevention ***deAwarenessMonth

09/04/2025

Congratulations to the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB) for earning Full AER Accreditation for their exceptional programs supporting students who are blind or visually impaired!

Founded in 1837 as the first public school in the U.S. for blind students, OSSB continues its proud legacy by providing individualized, standards-based instruction grounded in the Expanded Core Curriculum. With over 100 students annually, OSSB fosters academic growth, emotional development, and community engagement.

The review panel commended OSSB for its:

Strategic focus on academic standards and instructional quality.
Robust community engagement through forums and partnerships.
Thoughtful enhancements in accessibility and campus safety.
Strong collaboration with agencies like Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

OSSB’s commitment to continuous improvement and student-centered planning reflects the very best of our field. Well done, OSSB!

09/01/2025

New Webinar Series: Foundations of O&M Chapter 1: Understanding Research in Orientation & Mobility

Kick off our new O&M Foundations webinar series with a powerful session that explores how research strengthens the field of Orientation and Mobility. In this first chapter, we’ll dive into the value of research, how O&M specialists can get involved, and how good research leads to better instructional decisions.

Whether you're curious about how to answer big instructional questions or ready to contribute to the growing body of O&M knowledge, this session is for you.

You’ll learn:
🔹 Why research is essential to the O&M field
🔹 Key methodological considerations in research
🔹 How to choose the right study design for your question

Let’s strengthen the future of O&M together.
Register here: https://zurl.co/9p6tW

Address

Alexandria, VA
22315

Website

http://www.aerbvi.org/

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