Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired

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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 an

d 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.

04/23/2026

New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI) is now hiring: Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)

The New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI) is seeking a COMS to support young learners (ages 3–6) in the Early Childhood Program in Albuquerque.

In this role, you’ll help students, many with additional disabilities, build early mobility, safety, and independence skills through developmentally appropriate instruction.

Make a lasting impact at the very beginning of a child’s journey.
Apply today: https://zurl.co/IsTIW

04/22/2026

Beyond the Page is back! Join us for Session 2 of our TNR author series and this one is not to be missed.

Dr. Amy T. Parker and colleagues will dive into the role of IDEA and the U.S. Department of Education in supporting students who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind. This is a timely and important conversation for every professional in our field.

Go beyond the article. Hear directly from the authors, ask your questions, and explore the full journey behind their research from conceptualization to publication.

Monday, April 27, 2026
7:00–8:00 PM EST
Hosted by Dr. Adam Wilton, Associate Editor for The New RE:view

Register today and come ready to engage: https://zurl.co/pOw8l

04/21/2026

Upcoming AER Foundations of Orientation and Mobility Webinar: Volume 2, Chapter 16: Teaching Orientation and Mobility to Learners with Vision and Hearing Loss

Join Dona Sauerburger and Gene Bourquin for this practical and interactive session in the Foundations of Orientation & Mobility Chapter Author Webinar Series, based on Volume 2, Chapter 16: Teaching O&M to Learners with Vision and Hearing Loss.

This webinar is designed to help you turn knowledge into action when working with students who are deafblind. Come ready to think, discuss, and learn, this session includes scenario-based learning and collaborative problem-solving.

Submit questions in advance: eLearning@aerbvi.org

Join us April 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM EDT
Register Now: https://zurl.co/Nh3Yy

04/20/2026

Congratulations to Université de Montréal for earning AER Accreditation for its Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) program!

This distinction recognizes that the program is in full compliance with the rigorous standards set forth by the AER Accreditation Program. Université de Montréal continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to preparing highly qualified professionals who support individuals who are blind or have low vision in achieving independence and quality of life.

04/16/2026

New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is now hiring: ELA Teacher of the Visually Impaired (Grades 6–12)

The New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI) is seeking an ELA TVI to provide a comprehensive educational program for students with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities.

Make an impact through literacy, access, and individualized instruction.

Apply today: https://zurl.co/ocZ4k

04/14/2026

Catholic Charities Maine is now hiring: Teacher of the Visually Impaired (2 Openings)

Looking for a rewarding role in a supportive, close-knit community? Maine is hiring itinerant TVIs to serve students birth–21 across homes, schools, and community settings, focusing on all areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).

Make a meaningful impact while enjoying all that Maine has to offer.
Apply Today: https://zurl.co/7vRuK

04/13/2026

Celebrating Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Week

This week, we recognize the incredible impact of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) who empower individuals who are blind or have low vision to live, work, and thrive independently.

From building daily living skills to supporting career readiness, VRTs play a vital role in helping individuals reach their goals with confidence and dignity.

Join us in celebrating these dedicated professionals and the life-changing work they do every day!

04/10/2026

Early Registration is Now Open for the AER International Conference 2026!

Join us July 29–August 2, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky, for an inspiring gathering of professionals dedicated to Sharing Our Stories – Impacting the Future.

Take advantage of early registration rates and secure your spot today. This is your opportunity to:
- Connect with colleagues from around the world
- Explore innovative research and best practices
- Discover new tools and strategies to strengthen your work
- Be part of a community shaping the future of our field

Register now and start planning your AER 2026 experience.

04/07/2026

Upcoming AER O&M Series Webinar: Teaching Travel in Adverse Weather Conditions

Weather can significantly impact safe and efficient travel for individuals who are blind or have low vision. In this Foundations of Orientation & Mobility series session, explore how adverse conditions especially snow, ice, and extreme temperatures require thoughtful adaptations to O&M instruction and techniques.

This webinar will focus on practical strategies to support travelers across a variety of environments and conditions, helping O&M specialists prepare learners for real-world challenges year-round.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
🔹 Adapt instruction for winter conditions like ice, snow, and extreme cold
🔹 Address additional challenges such as heat and other environmental factors
🔹 Apply strategies for diverse learners, including older adults and individuals with low vision

Join us April 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM EDT
Register now: https://zurl.co/BkoId

04/06/2026

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC (ABVI) is now hiring: COMS or Dual COMS/TVI

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC (ABVI) is seeking a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) or Dual COMS/TVI to serve individuals across a regional service area in South Carolina. Preference is given to candidates who reside within these counties.

This itinerant role supports school-aged students and adults with low vision or blindness by:
🔹 Providing instruction to promote mobility, education, and independence
🔹 Conducting assessments in vision, development, literacy, cognition, and adaptive skills
🔹 Developing IEPs or individualized treatment plans
🔹 Delivering services in natural environments: home, school, and community

Make a meaningful impact while enjoying affordability and community connection.

Learn more and apply: https://zurl.co/BJyAk

04/02/2026

The Carroll Center for the Blind is now hiring: Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Join a collaborative, mission-driven team supporting students ages 3–21 in building confidence, safety, and independence.

We welcome both experienced COMS and those currently enrolled in an O&M Master’s program!

🔹 Conduct assessments and develop individualized goals
🔹 Provide direct O&M instruction (indoor/outdoor, travel skills, public transit)
🔹 Collaborate with families, educators, and service teams
🔹 Track progress and recommend supports and adaptations

Make a meaningful impact, apply today: https://zurl.co/hrROm

03/27/2026

Advocate for Students Who Are Blind, Low Vision, or Deafblind

You can take an important step today to ensure students have access to the tools they need to learn and thrive. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) provides accessible textbooks, instructional materials, and innovative technologies but Congress is deciding funding levels now.

Here’s the challenge:
-The number of students eligible for APH support has grown nearly 40% in the past two years
-Funding has not increased in three years
-Meanwhile, production and material costs continue to rise

Without increased funding, access to essential learning tools is at risk.

Take action in just 30 seconds:
Through AER’s Speak4 Advocacy Center, you can quickly send a message to your Members of Congress.
✔️ A message is already drafted for you
✔️ Simply enter your address to connect with your representatives
✔️ Add a short story or example to make your message even more powerful

Your voice can help ensure every student has access to accessible education. Take action today and share this message: https://zurl.co/IqSi3

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Alexandria, VA
22315

Website

http://www.aerbvi.org/

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