The mission of AER is to support professionals who provide education and rehabilitation services to people with visual impairments, offering professional development opportunities, publications, and public advocacy.

International in scope, AER’s membership consists of a very diverse group, including administrators, vision rehabilitation therapists (formerly known as rehabilitation teachers), 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 blind and visually impaired persons have unique needs which require specialized services delivered by trained individuals.