2. What is AER?   The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, known as AER, is THE one organization that provides support to the professionals who work with those who are visually impaired.   With roots going back to the mid-1800s, AER began in 1984 with the consolidation of the American Association of Workers for the Blind (AAWB) and the Association of Education of the Visually Handicapped (AEVH).

3.   International in scope, AER's 4,000 members consist of a very diverse group, including teachers of the visually impaired, administrators, vision rehabilitation therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, low vision therapists, educators, optometrists, and others 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.   AER is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia. Who is AER?

4.   Continuing Education   Networking   Camaraderie   Volunteerism   Career Advancement Why Join?

5. AER helps you to…   Build professional relationships, providing a sense of security and trust that helps you reach professional goals   Convey to an employer that you are dedicated to your field   Meet and brainstorm with others who are looking to share and learn new information   Learn about breaking news and best practices in the field   Give back to your profession   Enhance your communication skills, business etiquette, and sense of self-worth through volunteering Why Join?

6.   AER is an international organization with local roots   All North American AER members are automatically members of a local chapter   Chapter members provide: -Access to key local leaders in the field -Resources for finding answers Why Join?

7. In-Person   Biennial International Conferences -July 20-24, 2016 – AER Int’l. Conference, Jacksonville, Fla. -July 25-29, 2018 – AER Int’l. Conference, Reno, Nev.   Interest specific events -Nov. 4-6, 2015 – AER Conference on Vision Loss in Older Adults & Veterans, Norfolk, Va. -July 19-22, 2017 – AER Int’l. Orientation & Mobility Conference, Pittsburgh, Pa.   Chapter Conferences Continuing Education & Professional Development

8.   AER Knowledge Center (Recorded sessions from international conferences)   AER Mangold Webinar Series   AER/AFB Webinars   AER LIFT Leadership Training Online Continuing Education

9.   AER Listservs for member discussion on interest-specific topics and issues. Recent AERNet discussions: -UEB implementation -Mountbatten help -Eye patching -Testing for a learning disability in math   Publications -Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness – bi-monthly journal -AER Report - quarterly newsletter -AER Viewpoint – weekly email -Books   Affordable liability insurance coverage for educators   AER Job Exchange for vision professional jobs in the U.S. and Canada Benefits & Resources

10. More Information www.aerbvi.org www.aerbvi.org