This is the text file of the 2004 Summer AER Report. For each article, the page number is listed first, then the title of the article, then the author’s name when applicable.
Page 2 Full page ad for Eschenbach
Page 3 - 4 Table of Contents
Features
Page 6 Update Needed to AER’s Foundation Legal Documents
After 20 years, it’s time to update AER’s formal legal charter. Executive Director Mark Richert
gives an overview.
Page 7 AER’s Restated Articles of Consolidation
Read the text of AER’s Restated Articles of Consolidation in preparation of July‘s vote.
Page 9 Proxy Ballot
Use this ballot to vote your approval of AER’s Restated Articles of Consolidation.
Page10 AER Needs You!
AER treasurer Nora Griffin-Shirley explains how to make a bequest to AER.
Page 13 New Association Promotes Vision Rehabilitation
The launch of the National Vision Rehabilitation Association.
Page 14 Use Of RTC Being Discontinued
What’s in a name? Certified Rehabilitation Teachers need to decide on a new designation
for their expertise.
Page19 Should AER Hold Annual International Conferences?
Annual or biennial conferences? Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each,
then weigh in with your thoughts.
Page 20 Conferences: AER’s 2004 Biennial International Conference and NAPVI/FFCVI
Get the details about these two exciting, concurrent conferences to be held in Orlando in July.
Page 22 Division Days at AER’s International Conference
See what AER’s Divisions have planned for the upcoming AER International conference in Orlando.
Page 24 Council Reports
Updates from Council of Division Chairs, Council of Chapter Presidents and AER-Lift.
Page 27 And the Winner Is . . .
Announcing the winner of AER’s Special Membership Drive Contest.
Page 29 New Professional Recruitment Materials a Success!
KC Dignan debut’s AER’s new professional recruitment tools
Departments
Page 11 In Appreciation
We acknowledge the generous donation made by AER members.
Page 16 Highlights of the Board of Directors Meeting
Review major AER Board actions from its April meeting.
Page 23 Chapter News
Check in with AER’s Chapters.
Page 25 Canadian Corner
Wendy Nichols reports on advocacy efforts in Canada.
Page 26 Welcome New AER Members
Say hello to AER’s newest members.
Page 28 Division Docket
News from AER’s Divisions.
Page 28 AER’s 2004 Calendar of Events
Don’t miss these important dates.
Page 15 News & Notes
ACVREP Testing Site at AER’s International Conference
Page 31 Resources
New and popular products from AER and our partners.
Page 3 Masthead
AER President: Elaine Sveen
AER Executive Director: Mark D. Richert
AER Report is a forum for the discussion of diverse points of view. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of AER.
AER does not review or evaluate the publications or products advertised in this newsletter and their inclusion does not necessarily constitute an endorsement thereof.
AER Report is published quarterly as a membership service. Chapters, divisions, and individual members are encouraged to submit items for publication to:
Paula Kephart, Editor
AER Report
1703 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 440
Alexandria, VA 22311-1717
Phone: (877) 492-2708 or (703) 671-4500
Fax: (703) 671-6391
E-mail: aer@aerbvi.org
Website: www.aerbvi.org
© Copyright 2004 Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. All rights reserved.
Page 5 From the Editor
Dear AER Members,
Elections and conference registrations. AER members and staff have had a lot on their minds the last few weeks. On the election front, AER members are voting for president-elect, secretary, treasurer, board members at large, and the Canadian representative. The conference agenda offers a tantalizing array of educational sessions for registrants to choose from plus over 60 poster sessions and workshops and seminars sponsored by AER Divisions and other groups.
All this decision-making activity will culminate in mid-July with the AER Biennial International Conference. The new AER Board members will be installed at the conference.
But there’s one more important issue for AER members to consider—updates to our Articles of Consolidation, AER's formal legal charter. The restated Articles are included in this issue of AER Report as well as an explanation and a proxy ballot form members can use to indicate approval of the revisions. (See pages 6-9.) The formal vote will take place at the AER International conference in July.
What’s in a name—and its acronym? That question is of great importance to certified rehabilitation teachers as the field searches for a new designation. ACVREP asks for your help.
For over a year, KC Dignan has spearheaded the professional recruitment effort. In this issue she report on the successful debut of AER’s professional recruitment materials. See her report and accompanying photos on pages 29 and 30.
And, as always, you’ll find updates from Chapters and Divisions and Board and other news from the field.
If you have news to share with AER members or some feedback about the magazine, you can reach me at (877) 492-2708, ext. 202, or by e-mail at pkephart@aerbvi.org.
So put your thinking caps on and dive in. You’ve got decisions to make!
Paula Kephart, Editor
Page 6 Update to AER's Foundational Legal Documents Needed
Over the 20-year history of AER, our membership has adopted a variety of substantive and procedural changes in the way AER does its business. This process of growth and evolution reflects the intention of the AER membership to make AER the most responsive, member-driven professional association we can be.
As is quite common for membership organizations such as ours, it becomes necessary from time to time to amend foundational legal documents, such as an organization's articles of incorporation and/or bylaws, to ensure that all legal formalities have been satisfied.
It seems appropriate, therefore, on the twentieth anniversary of AER's founding, that we exercise our right and responsibility as a non-profit association to make necessary updates to our Articles of Consolidation, AER's formal legal charter.
As a legal entity recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia, AER is publicly accountable for fulfillment of our mission to promote professional excellence in our field. By taking a few minutes to participate in the business meetings of our association at the upcoming
Biennial International Conference in Orlando, or by casting a proxy vote if you cannot attend the conference, you can affirm this public accountability and, in a sense, join with our colleagues of 20 years ago who worked so hard to establish AER.
In this issue of AER Report, you will find the text of the "restated" Articles of Consolidation (see pages 7 and 8). This text, of which the AER Board of Directors recommends approval, will be placed before the AER membership this summer for the membership's consideration. You will see that the Articles reflect the requirements of Virginia law in that they provide for the basic minimal legal structure of our association while allowing maximum flexibility to the AER membership in charting our course for the future.
You are encouraged to review this material and, if you have any questions, to contact AER Executive Director Mark Richert in advance of this summer's conference.
AER members who will not be attending the International Conference in Orlando may nevertheless participate in the work of considering and approving our updated Articles of Consolidation by making use of the proxy ballot form also enclosed in this edition of AER Report (see page 9).
Once again, if you have questions about the proxy mechanism, contact Mark at the AER Central office.
Adoption of the amended Articles requires a two-thirds vote of members "present" in Orlando, and so we encourage you to avail yourself of your rights as an AER member to participate in this process.
If the membership approves the revised Articles this summer, they will be formally filed thereafter in Virginia, the final step necessary to make the membership's action official and effective.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Pages 7 and 8 RESTATED ARTICLES OF CONSOLIDATION OF ASSOCIATION FOR DUCATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
The undersigned corporation, pursuant to Title 13.1, Chapter 10, Article 10 of the Code of Virginia, hereby restates its Articles of Consolidation as follows:
FIRST: The name of the Corporation is: Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
SECOND: The Corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or corresponding Section of any future federal tax code. The Corporation shall have and may exercise all powers and authorities now or hereafter conferred upon nonstock corporations under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The specific purpose of the Corporation shall be to support professionals who provide educational, rehabilitative, and independent living services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired by:
(1) Promoting professional development through conferences, seminars, publications, leadership training experiences and any other means of providing professional growth and education;
(2) Promoting professionalism by encouraging university training, interdisciplinary co-operation, high quality standards for individuals and agencies, adherence to professional codes of ethics and professional credentials; and
(3) Working to improve and expand services for individuals who are blind or visual impaired by:
(a) Promoting research and innovative program development;
(b) Developing and advocating for public policy which benefits persons who are blind or visually impaired and the professionals who work with them; and
(c) Providing a forum for discussion of issues and opportunities related to the delivery and quality of services.
THIRD: The Corporation is to have such classes of members as shall be set forth in the Corporation's Bylaws, which shall provide for the classes and qualifications of members, the place, time, method, and manner of their meetings, and, generally, for their rights, powers, duties, privileges, and restrictions.
FOURTH: The voting members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be the individuals listed below and their manner of election or appointment shall be as set forth below.
A. President-Elect: The President-Elect shall be elected by all members with voting rights.
B. President: Upon conclusion of his/her service as President-Elect, the President-Elect shall assume the office of President.
C. Immediate Past President: Upon conclusion of his/her service as President, the President shall assume the office of Immediate Past President.
D. Secretary: The Secretary shall be elected by all members with voting rights.
E. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be elected by all members with voting rights.
F. Chairperson of the Council of Chapter Presidents: The Chairperson as chosen by the Council of Chapter Presidents shall serve ex officio.
G. One (1) Director representing Canada: The Director shall be elected only by the members with voting rights residing in Canada.
H. Directors representing geographic districts: One (1) Director shall be elected to represent each of the geographic districts established in the Bylaws, and each Director shall be elected only by the members with voting rights residing within the geographic district.
I. Directors representing categories of membership divisions: One (1) Director shall be appointed to represent each of the categories of membership divisions established in the Bylaws, and each Director shall be appointed by the Council of Division Chairpersons from among the people on the Council.
FIFTH: The name of the Corporation’s registered agent is: CT Corporation System. The registered agent is a domestic or foreign stock or nonstock corporation, limited liability company or registered limited liability partnership authorized to transact business in Virginia.
SIXTH: The Corporation’s registered office address, which is identical to the business office of the registered agent, is: 4701 Cox Road, Suite 301, Glen Allen, VA 23060. The registered office is physically located in the County of Henrico.
SEVENTH: No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article Second hereof.
No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Corporation shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publication or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this restatement, the Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code).
Upon the dissolution of the Corporation, assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of the Corporation shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code), or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
The undersigned President declares that the facts stated herein are true as of _________________, 2004.
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
By: _____________________
[NAME], President
ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Page 9 Proxy Ballot
I, the undersigned member of AER, do hereby authorize and appoint Mark Richert, AER Executive Director, with full power of substitution and with full power to appear and vote for me and in my name, and hereby revoke any other proxy heretofore given by me, and hereby instruct said proxy to vote as follows: _______ FOR _______ AGAINST the proposed Restated Articles of Consolidation.
Signed: __________________________________ Date: __________________
Print Name: ________________________________
This proxy ballot must be signed and the date and printed name must be legible.
I am a (please check the correct box):
__ Regular Member
__ Same Residential Household Member
__ Retired Member
__ Life Member
__ Support/Clerical Member
__ Student Member
__ Transition Member
This proxy ballot must be mailed to the AER Central Office and RECEIVED by AER no later than close of business, Friday, July 9, 2004.
Mail to : AER, 1703 North Beauregard Street, Suite 440, Alexandria, VA 22311-1717
Phone: (877) 492-2708 (toll-free) or (703) 671-4500 (local)
Pages 10 - 11 AER Needs You!
by Nora Griffin-Shirley
As treasurer of AER I am very aware of our financial status. During these difficult financial times an organization like ours needs to explore ways to increase its revenue. One way is to approach its membership for assistance. Have you ever thought of naming AER as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy or in your will? Now is the time to think about it or do it.
As many of you know, two years ago my husband, Mike Shirley, died. This event provided me with an opportunity to review what was important in my life as well as to get my financial affairs in order. Additionally, in 2003 at a New Mexico AER chapter conference, I sat on a panel with other AER members where we discussed what AER means to us.
While preparing for this panel discussion I realized what an important role AER really had played in both my professional and personal life. So I decided to identify AER as a beneficiary of one of my life insurance policies.
It was such an easy thing to do. I called my insurance company, completed some paperwork, and notified AER. That was all there was to it!
I would encourage you to think about this opportunity. Following are descriptions of the different kinds of bequests that can be made.
Bequests Can Take Many Forms
Specific bequests transfer a particular piece of property. If the specific property was disposed of before your death, however, no claim can be made to any other property.
For example, if you bequeath your 1965 Mustang to your grandson, but end up donating the car to a charity auction, your grandson can’t make a claim on your 2003 Lexus instead.
General bequests transfer a stated sum of money. If there’s insufficient cash in your estate to cover the bequest, other assets must be sold to meet the amount.
Contingent bequests require a certain event to occur before distribution. You could bequeath funds to an individual (such as a spouse) provided he or she survives you; if not, the funds would then go to the next beneficiary you name. Many people use contingent bequests to benefit charitable organizations, such as AER, once primary family members have been considered.
Residuary bequests transfer the “rest, residue, and remainder” of your estate, or a percentage of the residue, after all other bequests, debts and taxes have been paid. Residuary bequests allow the beneficiaries to use the assets in whatever way they see fit. These types of bequests are particularly helpful, since they allow us to determine the wisest and most pressing need for the funds at the time we receive them.
Restricted bequests allow you to specify how the funds are to be used. If you have a special purpose or project in mind, it’s best to consult us when you make your will to be certain your intent can be carried out.
Endowed bequests allow you to restrict the principal of your gift so that only the investment income generated by the principal can be used. Because the principal is never touched, the fund can last forever.
Honorary or memorial bequests are given to commemorate someone. The honoree might be named in a program or report, even on a room or a building. Grants, scholarships and prizes in your name or that of a family member are other common memorial gifts.
The First Step
The first step toward leaving your legacy is to make sure you have an up-to-date will and estate plan. Be sure to consult a qualified professional for help. Following is language that could be used when making a bequest:
“I give and bequeath to AER, _________ (written amount, percentage of estate or description of property) to be used as determined by the board of directors.”
Please let us know when you have named AER in your will, so we can thank you. While public recognition of your gift often inspires generosity in others, we also understand that anonymity may be your preference.
If you have any questions please contact Mark Richert, at the AER Central office, or me at n.griffin-shirley@ttu.edu.
Page 11 In Appreciation
Our warm thanks to these AER members for their generous contributions to AER’s special funds:
Lowenfeld Publications Project provides seed money for worthy publications. The following individuals made contributions to this fund:
Phillip D. Riffe
Sr. Bernadette J. Wynne
MacFarland Stipend Fund promotes professional development by providing stipends to eligible AER members to use for attendance at an AER Biennial International Conference. The following individuals made contributions to this fund:
Mr. Samuel J. Depiero
Ms. Cheryl H. Kasai
Phillip D. Riffe
Sr. Bernadette J. Wynne
The following individuals made contributions to the AER General Operating Fund:
Mrs. Carol Elaine Burrows
Ms. Roberta McCall
Ms. Barbara McCarthy
Ms. Martha Meaux Simmons
Page 12 Full page ad for American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
Page 13 New Association to Promote Vision Rehabilitation
The National Vision Rehabilitation Association (NVRA) was launched on April 15, 2004 to advance the independence and quality of life for people who are blind or partially sighted. Its goal is to expand access to quality vision rehabilitation services.
"The National Vision Rehabilitation Association is dedicated to ensuring the availability of vision rehabilitation services, provided by highly qualified professionals, to all Americans who need them," said Barbara Silverstone, DSW, Chair of the NVRA Board of Directors and President and CEO of Lighthouse International.
In announcing NVRA, Silverstone noted that the new entity aims to provide a vehicle for the common interests of vision rehabilitation service providers–vision rehabilitation agencies, ophthalmologists, optometrists, low vision clinics, hospital outpatient low vision services, and others–in promoting services, standards and public awareness. NVRA will advocate for health insurance and other types of funding, and for public policies that assist people with vision impairment.
“Vision impairment has been identified as one of the leading causes of lost independence among older people. By restoring functional ability and safety, vision rehabilitation prevents the personal tragedy and high medical costs of lost independence. As just one example, preventing vision-related falls that result in hip fractures could save hundreds of millions of dollars a year,” stated Lorraine Lidoff, who will serve as Executive Director. "We will work to increase access to high quality services and to increase public awareness."
Lidoff noted that NVRA’s importance is underscored by the caliber of its founding leaders:
Anita Shafer Aaron, Rose Resnick Lighthouse
Steve Barrett, Pittsburgh Vision Services
Donald LoGuidice, Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
June Mansfield, Community Services for the Blind and Partially Sighted
Linda Merrill, ENVISION
Lee Nasehi, CITE–The Lighthouse for Central Florida
Barbara Silverstone, Lighthouse International
George Theriault, New Hampshire Association for the Blind.
NVRA grew out of the National Vision Rehabilitation Cooperative, a coalition established in 1991 to strengthen the provision of vision rehabilitation services.
NVRA has established a national headquarters in the Washington, DC area and will hold its inaugural meeting in June. A nationwide membership recruitment effort has been launched.
For additional information about NVRA and membership, contact Lorraine Lidoff at (508) 240-6510 or by e-mail at llidoff250@comcast.net.
Page 13
Moving? Name Change?
Be sure to let us know!
Contact AER at:
Phone: (877) 492-2708 or (703) 671-4500, Ext. 200 or 202
Fax: (703) 671-6391
E-mail: aer@aerbvi.org
Page 14 - 15 Use Of RTC Being Discontinued
by Gina Palmer, ACVREP Board Member
“What’s in a name?” Juliet probably had no concept of the compelling question that she asked all those centuries ago.
The name “Rehabilitation Teacher” was established back in the 1940’s when the concept of a “home teacher” for the blind was no longer adequate to describe our scope of practice. As stated in Ponchillia and Ponchillia, AAWB held meetings to look at professional standards.
“In 1941, these meetings resulted in a national certification program for the purpose of monitoring the preparation of individuals who would enter rehabilitation teaching.”
In the 1960’s, after various studies were conducted, the duties and responsibilities of the rehabilitation teacher expanded to meet the diverse needs of the blind and visually impaired consumers.
Today those of us who hold ACVREP certification are proud when we sign our names followed by RTC. These credentials help to validate that a certified rehabilitation teacher ensures a certain quality and standard of care. Up to this point, the acronym RTC has signified those high standards.
However, we are now faced with a new challenge. We can no longer use RTC to designate our title. We were recently informed by the California Park & Recreation Society that we are in violation of Section 17505.2 of the California Business and Professions Code (a state statute). This code protects the Society’s use of RTC (Recreation Therapist Certified) in California.
All California rehabilitation teachers who currently hold ACVREP certification were notified that they must stop using the acronym RTC immediately or face a $1,500 fine. However, they can continue to use the term “Rehabilitation Teacher Certified” until a new acronym has been developed.
Additionally, we are in the midst of new and evolving Medicare legislation. The passing of the bill to include Medicare reimbursement for services we provide can and will have a great impact on the majority of us. The current language of this bill names us as rehabilitation teachers but it is not explanatory in nature. It is unclear to legislators and medical professionals what the exact scope of our services entail.
We must find a suitable name for our occupation that informs them as to what we do and whom we serve but at the same time builds upon the existing title.
However, Medicare might recognize the term ”teacher” as being educational in nature versus medical so we may want to consider a new title without “teacher” in it.
The bottom line is, we must find a name that aptly describes our services and takes into account the current language being used. Once we make a determination, we will register the name with the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office in order to protect it.
What Does This Mean to You?
As one of your representatives on the ACVREP Board, I am challenging you to help us find that a suitable name. Time is of the essence as we move to assist our California certificants and at the same time provide a strong and meaningful title for legislators to use. We must move to the forefront and be proactive in our search. We must act quickly and be decisive. Remember, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”.
Taking into account the California Code, as well as other nationally registered titles, there are many other designations that are unavailable as well. Following is a list of those designations that may not be used:
RTR
RTC
CTRS
RT
RTAR
CTRA
In response to needing a new acronym for our rehabilitation teachers, the following have already been suggested as potential new acronyms and names:
VRTC – Vision Rehabilitation Teacher Certified
RTBC – Rehabilitation Teacher for the Blind Certified
CRTB – Certified Rehabilitation Teacher for the Blind
RSC – Rehabilitation Specialist Certified
CRS – Certified Rehabilitation Specialist
VRSC - Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Certified
CBRS - Certified Blind Rehabilitation Specialist
CVRT - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
CVRS - Certified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist
VRTC - Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Certified
CILRS - Certified Independent Living Rehabilitation Specialist
ILRSC - Independent Living Rehabilitation Specialist Certified
CRIB - Certified Rehabilitation Instructor for the Blind
Your Imput Is Needed
What do you think a rehabilitation teacher’s new designation should be? Please forward any ideas you have to Sharon Mikrut, ACVREP’s President, or to one of the following ACVREP Rehabilitation Teaching Committee members:
Anita Arakawa, Chair, (310) 458-3501, ext. 138, or anitaa@low-vision.org
B.J. Le Jeune, (662) 323-4999 or (662) 325-2694; bjlejeune@colled.msstate.edu or care@careministries.org
Gina Palmer, (205) 933-8101, ext. 6992; Gina.Palmer@med.va.gov
Susan Ponchillia, (269) 387-3450; susan.ponchillia@wmich.edu
Diane Weiss, (212) 625-1616; hmtweiss@pipeline.com
Sharon Mikrut, ACVREP president, (520) 887-6816.; smikrut@acvrep.org.
Page 15 ACVREP Testing at AER International Conference
If you are interested in taking the ACVREP certification examination for Low Vision Therapy, Orientation & Mobility and/or Rehabilitation Teaching, you can take any of these exams at the hotel where the AER International Conference is being held in July.
The exam date is July 17th (Saturday). The start time is 2:00 p.m., although you have until 6:00 p.m. to complete the exam.
In order to take the exam, you must first complete and submit an eligibility application to ACVREP.
Eligibility applications can be downloaded from the ACVREP website at www.acvrep.org at the "Downloads" page.
For more information, please contact the ACVREP office at (520) 887-6816.
Page 16 - 17 Highlights of the Board of Directors Meeting April 22-24, 2004
Welcome once again to Highlights, our regular feature designed to keep AER members up to date about the work of our Board of Directors. President Elaine Sveen
Membership
The total numbers of AER membership is 3,957 as of April 2004. The Board expressed concern that the numbers of members have declined over the last few years. Membership does historically rise on the years of the international conference so the expectation is an increase will occur. The board requested the office staff to review membership numbers for the last 5 years to determine trends.
President Elaine Sveen reported on her efforts to pilot-test a payroll deduction plan offered to employees of the Maryland School for the Blind as an incentive to join AER. Twelve new members took advantage of the payroll deduction plan which makes the employer ultimately responsible for making quarterly payments to AER to cover member dues while allowing individual members the option of spreading out payment for membership in installments throughout the year.
Bylaws and Articles of Consolidation Revisions
As part of the process of reviewing and proposing amendments to our bylaws, our attorneys have advised us that we need to bring our association's founding document, AER's Articles of Consolidation, up to date.
This edition of AER Report provides additional information on the revised Articles and the process which will be used to allow the AER membership to formally approve this legal formality. (See article starting on page 6.) The Board-approved draft is included in this Report, and the membership will have an opportunity to vote to approve the document at this summer's Orlando conference and by proxy via mail. The official vote on the new Articles of Consolidation must be taken in Florida.
Following the adoption of the new Articles of Consolidation, it will be necessary to examine our bylaws for their legal sufficiency prior to any further proposal of revisions.
Publications Committee
On behalf of the AER Publications Committee, Dr. Bob Beadles reviewed the findings of a Board-requested committee report concerning the committee's assessment of costs involved in producing a peer-reviewed professional journal. The report also offered recommendations to the AER Board.
The Board affirmed AER's commitment to offer high quality, peer-reviewed professional journals as benefits of AER membership.
At the urging of the committee, and in light of AER's need to assess the continuing education needs of our membership and the field, the Board has initiated a survey designed to identify the needs and preferences of AER members regarding the scope, delivery and quality of publications, on-line offerings, and related professional development options. In this regard, AER is attempting to negotiate with the publisher of our journal, RE:view, to provide continuing education credit to readers.
Canadian Corner
The Canadian office recently re-opened in Brantford, Ontario, and has produced the first Canadian AER Newsletter for distribution. Mr. John Martin, resource consultant at the W Ross Macdonald School, is the AER Canadian Consultant. We have developed a strategic plan for the office and look forward to its implementation.
On another front, the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICASC) notified ACVREP of its determination that Mohawk College O&M graduates with three-year college diplomas will be considered to have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, thus ending the debate about eligibility for certification for these Canadian graduates.
Rick’s Brick
In February, the AER Board of Directors initiated a campaign to purchase a “Hall of Fame” Tile to honor our past president and founder Richard Welsh. Since Rick has inspired us all, the Board is encouraging all AER members to participate by donating to this cause. Chapters and Divisions are encouraged to participate as well.
Proceeds benefit the “Hall of Fame” honoring practitioners in our field located at APH in Louisville, Kentucky.
Please forward your donation to the AER office and be sure to make checks payable to Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends. Making your donation in this way will allow all of us in AER to honor Rick together.
Awards Committee
Board member Julie Hapeman shared the recommendations from the Awards Committee, chaired by Lou Tutt of Colorado. The recommendations were accepted by the Board and the following awards will be granted at the AER International Conference in Orlando, Florida in July:
Alfred Allen Award—Eugene Bourquin
John H. McAulay Award—Chuck Young
Mary K. Bauman Award—Kathleen M. Huebner
Ambrose M. Shotwell Award—Dr. William Wiener
BANA
Board Member Sandy Ruconich attended the recent BANA meeting in lieu of Dr. Alan Koenig, who could not attend as our AER representative. There were two motions regarding the vote on the Unified English Braille Code.
The first motion was that the work on the UEBC was sufficiently complete and could be sent on to the International Council on English Braille. The second motion was to move to refer the UEBC Code to each ICEB braille authority member country for its consideration. Both motions passed.
Memorable Moments from AER Board Meetings
by Sandy Ruconich, Council of Chapter Presidents, Chair
A host of serious issues have been discussed during recent AER board meetings. However, there have also been moments of lightness to balance all that seriousness! Below—in no particular order—are some such memorable moments.
Re the 2002 get-acquainted Board meeting following the International Conference awards banquet:
The first meeting beginning at 10 p.m. was a real eye-opener!
This presentation cuts to the bare bones; it takes 7-10 minutes, depending on how fast you talk.
Re the importance of recruiting young people into the field: Our goal is to have people in the field who don't have dyed hair.
[The] professional support services [pillar] should include a boss antidote for managers who don't know a ---- thing about the field.
Re the importance of licensure for vision professionals:
We need to keep growing our base of legislative support for licensure; we need to join the haircutters of the world!
I opened this can of worms; it always takes a bigger can to get the worms back in!
If we can harness the power of the rumor mill, we'll have perpetual energy!
I'm making a motion for a bathroom break.
If I die, send my soul to Texas and my money to AER!
Page 18 Full page ad for The Hadley School for the Blind
Page 19 Should AER Hold Annual International Conferences?
by Nora Griffin-Shirley, Sandy Ruconich, and Steve Frith (Oregon AER member)
Should the AER International conference be held every year instead of every two years?
In the next few months you will receive a survey asking, among other things, for your input on this question. To help you think through the idea, we offer the following list of advantages and disadvantages of annual conferences, generated by the three of us and the AER Chapter presidents who provided input via the Chapter presidents listserv.
The Debate
Many professional organizations hold annual conferences. Annual conferences would:
Advantages
1. Reflect the field's most current thinking and research, since proposed presentations would not have to be submitted a year in advance.
2. Facilitate networking and increased communication between and among all AER stakeholders: members, Chapters, Divisions, and the Board.
3. Encourage more timely discussion of important issues.
4. Encourage drafting and passage of important resolutions.
5. Provide more frequent opportunities to see the latest, greatest exhibits and products.
6. Allow members from the conference region to attend an international conference closer to home, reducing costs and increasing connectedness.
7. Facilitate rapid availability of conference proceedings.
8. Speed committee work, since committees would need to begin meeting immediately after the conference in order to complete their work before the next conference.
9. Provide a biennial venue for topical conferences such as the highly successful 2001 technology and 2003 O&M Division conferences.
10. Reduce the length of conferences, thereby decreasing attendance costs.
Disadvantages
1. Produce low attendance, primarily because of the increased cost of attending yearly.
2. Perhaps require members to choose between conferences: their Chapter conference, state and national conferences conducted by other organizations in the vision field, and the International conference. Employers are increasingly reluctant to support out-of-state conference travel.
3. Require too much time and effort to plan.
4. Change the way things have been done for the past several years.
If you'd like to discuss this issue further, feel free to contact us. We look forward to your comments!
Contact: Nina Glasner at nm.glasner@verizon.net or Sandy Ruconich at sruconich@sisna.com.
Page 20 Conferences
Join us for AER’s 2004 Biennial International Conference. AER — Where Dreams Come True! July 13–18, 2004 in Orlando, Florida. For more information or to register call AER at (877)-492-2708 or visit us online at www.aerbvi.org/conferences.
NAPVI/FFCVI Conference July 15-17, 2004
Hosted by AER at the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida
AER is hosting the NAPVI (National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments) and FFCVI (Florida Families of Children with Visual Impairments) conference at its biennial international conference in Orlando, Florida in July.
NAPVI and FFCVI have planned lots of workshops for the conference to help your dreams come true! The program includes keynotes by Mark Richert and Jim Gibbons, both role models and experts in the vision field.
Conference threads cover the needs of children and young adults from birth to employment, including those with additional impairments. There will be opportunities for families to network and share experiences, too.
And, of course, all the attractions of Disney World and nearby theme parks await. It will be an action-packed, intense two days! For more information about the NAPVI/FFCVI Conference, including costs and agenda, call NAPVI at (800) 562-6265 or FFCVI (386) 677-7760 or visit their websites at www.napvi.org or www.ffcvi.org.
Special opportunity available only to NAPVI/FFCVI conference attendees. For an additional $25, parents will be able to visit the AER exhibits and trade show on Thursday, July 15th, without registering for the full AER conference. This is a great opportunity to see the latest in technology available for children and adults with vision loss.
Page 21 Come to the 2004 AER International Conference (Our 20th Birthday Party)
Hey, AER Pros!
You've worked hard all year! It's time to take a refreshing and energizing professional development break! Come join your AER friends at Disney World! Your AER International Conference Committee, AER Host Committee and AER staff have combined forces to create the most exciting AER International Conference ever.
You can choose from many hours of professional development opportunities. Some conference highlights include:
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- An inspiring and motivational keynote address by world renowned speaker Kevin O’Connor.
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- Presentations and Poster Sessions by the brightest and best in our field!
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- The McFarland Seminar which showcases the latest in eye medical research and treatment!
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- The Career Express Job Fair where job seekers and employers connect!
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- A Special Awards Banquet honoring our heroes!
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- The Host Night Beach Birthday Party!
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- Dynamic Town Halls where you can hear and share opinions about Hot Topics in our field!
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- World Class Exhibits highlighting technology, products and services in our field. The long and prestigious list of exhibitors includes Hadley School for the Blind, Mississippi State University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Freedom Scientific,Seedlings, Enabling Technologies, View Plus, Lighthouse International, Inc., GW Micro, Pulsedata/Humanware and many more!
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- Division Days where professional peers network and learn in seminars and educational sessions designed to meet their specific professional needs!
You can even earn CEU's while you learn and enjoy. Many hours of CE opportunities will be available through ACVREP, CRCC, and other sources.
And don't forget...The conference hotel is across the street from Downtown Disney which features the Disney Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and Downtown Disney's West Side. There is complimentary continuous transportation to all Disney attractions from the hotel. You might even choose to make a vacation out of the conference by coming before or staying after to visit the many theme parks and attractions that Orlando offers. Let me share once again my favorite Walt Disney quote: "You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality."
We've put lots of effort into designing the perfect conference for all AER professionals; but it won't be a successful conference without you. Don't miss this opportunity. Come join your AER professional friends to learn, share, grow and celebrate together.
See you in Orlando...where dreams come true!
Billy T. Brookshire, Chair 2004 AER International Conference Committee
Page 22 Division Days at AER’s International Conference
DIVISION 1– Administration
Wednesday, July 14 9:00-Noon; no fee for members; $25 for non-members.
Leadership/management seminar by Dr. Michael Clark , private consultant affiliated with Florida State University's Center for Professional Development. This seminar is appropriate for anyone who is in a leadership/management position, or who wishes to be. For more information contact
Division chair Steve Sanford at steve_sanford@dbs.doe.state.fl.us or (386) 254-3828.
DIVISION 2– Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and Employment Services
Tuesday, July 13, 12:30-5:00 p.m.; includes three presentations: Policies, Services, and Service Delivery Models: Best Practices in Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, Serving Our Consumers Within Today’s Labor Markets and Building Self-Esteem through Relationships with Visually Impaired Workers. Also a forum: Division II: What Can We Do for You? For more information contact Division chair Timothy Hindman at (206) 436-2186 or thindman@seattlelh.com
DIVISION 3 – Multiple Disabilities & Deafblind
Tuesday, July 13, No fee for members; $25 fee for non-members. Presentations: Aligning Curriculum for Students with Multiple Disabilities: It Can Be Done and Considerations for Assessing Students with Multiple Disabilities That Relate to Statewide Standards for All Learners. For more information contact Division chair Marianne Riggio at
marianne.riggio@perkins.org or (617) 972-7264.
DIVISION 4– Psychosocial
Wednesday, July 14, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. No fee but box lunches will be available for purchase. Educational Session: The Road to Resilience Project - Rebound! For more information contact Division chair Nina Glasner at (301) 602-5484 or nm.glasner@verizon.net.
DIVISION 7 – Low Vision
Tuesday, July 13, 8:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Presentations: A to Z on AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration), What’s New In Low Vision Devices and Technology?, Foolproof Flashcard Method: Defining Scotomas, Identifying PRL”S, and Training Patients To Use Them, A New, Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Teaching Students the Use of Telescopes and Magnifiers, Professional Educational Issues in Low Vision for Special Educators and Rehabilitation Teachers, Why Students Don’t Use Optical Devices and How to Sabotage Their Coping Strategies, Optical Devices as Tools Supporting Copying and Note-taking Skills, The Implantable Miniature Telescope: New Frontiers in Telescope Training. The Division 7 Day closes with the Low Vision Rehabilitation Division #7 Awards Reception. For more information contact Division chair Jim Deremeik at (410) 502-643 or jim@lions.med.jhu.edu
ORIENTATION & MOBILITY DIVISION
Tuesday, July 13, Orientation & Mobility Division – $25; 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tentative agenda: O&M Division Committee Breakfast Discussions and workshops on Marketing the O & M Profession and the Medicare Bill. For more information contact Division chair Grace Ambrose Zaken at gambrose@hunter.cuny.edu
DIVISION 16 – Itinerant Personnel
Tuesday, July 13, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $10 members; $20 non-members. Presentation: Going the Distance with Division 16: Itinerant Personnel . . . Doing My Part to Help Achieve Goal 4 of the National Agenda. For more information contact Division chair Julie R. Prause at julprause@hotmail.com or 979-732-6478
Page 23 Chapter News
GEORGIA
Georgia AER Chapter will hold its conference on Adapted Physical Activities for All Ages, August 27-29, 2004 in Columbus Georgia. Contact Janet Barlow at jmbarlow@mindspring.com or (770)317-0611.
HAWAII
SHAER-State of Hawaii-AER, hosted a successful conference on April 16 & 17, 2004 at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki. Project PAVE presenters, Jennifer K. Bell and Cindy Bachofer, provided an outstanding presentation and resources for conference participants. Other sessions included a panel discussion of Ho’opono students from the state VR program and another panel comprised of eye care professionals. Outcomes of the conference include a stronger working relationship with area ophthalmologists and optometrists, the need to provide low vision clinic to younger students with visual impairments and a standard protocol for student transition plans.
ILLINOIS
At the 2004 Illinois AER Conference, "ShAER the Vision!", the following members received awards in recognition of their outstanding service to persons with visual impairments: Martha Wynn, Excellence in Education; Sharon McBride, Excellence in Rehabilitation; James Kesteloot,
Distinguished Service Award. We would also like to announce the 2004-06 Board of Illinois AER: President: Michelle Clyne; President Elect: Melinda Ely; Past President: Norma DeMario; Secretary: Pat Zeinstra; Treasurer: Danette Johnson; Members-at-Large: Pat Hall, Mae Michels, Jean Osterby, Anne Parker, Les Stevens and Denise Van Koevering.
KANSAS
The Kansas Chapter of AER will be holding its annual Fall conference in collaboration with the Kansas Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired (KABVI) on November 4 & 5, 2004 in Topeka. Highlights of the conference will be Dr. Karen Wolffe’s presentation on Transitional Issues and the full slate of speakers for KABVI's Mary T. Adams Seminar presenting on congenital blindness.
LOUISIANA
The Louisiana Chapter sadly reports the untimely death of its immediate past president, Sue Dupree. Sue was buried on April 7 in Alexandria, Louisiana, and is survived by her husband, Linnie, and daughters, Carol and Cynthia. Her co-workers and clients from Louisuana Rehabilitation Services and all of her friends in AER will certainly miss her.
SOUTH CAROLINA
During the 2004 annual conference: Low Vision Care for Pre-Schoolers, Students and Travelers, held in Charleston, SC, January 22 & 23, South Carolina AER recognized three exceptional members for their professional contributions and dedication to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. At the conference, Nancy K. Decker, SC AER's immediate past president, presented to: Elizabeth McKown, South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind (SCSDB) Director of Vision Outreach Services, with the SC AER Professional of the Year award; Jeanie Farmer, SCSDB Vision Coordinator, with the SC AER Spirit Award; and Jill Ischinger, Coordinator, SCSDB Instructional Resource Center, with the SC AER Excellance in Achievement Award.
Page 24 Council Reports
Council of Division Chairs Report
Division enthusiasm and interest are running high in preparation for this summer’s conference in Orlando, Florida. It is the first time in recent history that more than half of the Divisions have chosen to hold individual “Division Day” meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 13 and 14, before the official opening of the conference.
Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 16 will be hosting half and whole day meetings focusing on specific Division-related topics. These events offer a great chance to network with other members face-to-face. (See page 22 for more information.)
At the AER-Lift conference in April, Division representatives from the Low Vision (7), Rehab Teaching (11) and Itinerant Teaching (16) Divisions presented best practice techniques for dealing with continuing education, roles and responsibilities of Division leadership and communication skills. In preparation for the transition to the new Division leadership that will take place after elections at the summer conference, Division bylaws are being reviewed to insure continuing understanding and compliance into the next biennium.
Council of Chapter Presidents (CCP) Report
Since the last Board meeting, Executive Director Mark Richert and CCP Chair Sandy Ruconich have spoken to the presidents of the Oregon, Alaska, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Alabama, Colorado, and New Jersey chapters. All chapters are struggling to retain membership, particularly among rehabilitation professionals. However, the Alaska chapter reported that they have approximately equal numbers of education and rehabilitation members and that rehabilitation members continue to renew their memberships.
The Chapter treasurer's manual, originally written in 1987, has been revised and now includes information on computer finance programs and their use. The manual is available to Chapter presidents and treasurers.
AER-Lift 2004
The 2004 AER-Lift Conference at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, April 24-27 was a great success. Chapter and Division leaders came together to gain leadership skills and information about AER to support their role in AER.
Saturday and Sunday featured sessions on leadership, professional development, communication tools, and special breakouts for Chapters and Divisions.
On Monday morning AER members prepared for the “Hill Visits” and then proceeded to the Capitol to advocate for issues important to AER members.
AER’s visits to the Hill over the past year have helped ensure progress and enactment of significant legislation including Medicare, IDEA, and reauthorization of the Rehab Act. This April’s visit was designed to help ensure that legislation contains language that will be of benefit to professionals serving blind and visually impaired children and adults.
Page 25 Canadian Corner
by Wendy Nichols, Canadian Representative
As I welcome the arrival of my flowers this year, I revel in their beauty and new growth, while feeling a bit sad at the prospect of their new owners having that pleasure next year. Even as the Canadian office settles into its new home in Brantford, I find myself looking at new houses (and mounds of boxes) as we prepare to move to Sault Ste. Marie, my home town, at the end of June.
I don’t know where the decades went since I transferred from Ottawa to Toronto, but I am so thankful that I was able to move into my O&M position and the world of AER all those years ago. The opportunities for professional and personal growth have been phenomenal, and I look forward to continuing involvement thanks to e-mail, distance learning, the world wide web and John’s capable hands running the Canadian office.
Please be sure to give him a call at the toll-free number, (877) 993-0991, or e-mail AERCanada@sympatico.ca if you have any questions about AER and our Canadian initiatives.
I am thrilled to report that ACVREP was notified by the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICASC) that Mohawk College O&M graduates with three-year college diplomas will be considered to have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. This is good news for those graduates seeking certification. This has been such a long debate, and I am one proud Canadian supporter of this effort from way back.
I recently attended AER-Lift, and, as always, return with a renewed commitment to AER, thanks to the inspiration of the energy and enthusiasm of our leadership gathered together.
I also attended the recent Vision Teachers/O&M workshops in Aurora, Canada (north of Toronto), where we addressed some of the funding issues for students with visual impairments in Ontario with a representative from the Ministry of Education.
The government is still in transition here, but we are hoping that our advocacy efforts in this province will start to show some results, which we can then apply in other provinces on behalf of our members and their students/clients.
Ellen Goodman has been our dedicated MACSE representative, and I want to thank her for her persistence and patience in representing blind and visually impaired students on our behalf.
I look forward to an upcoming meeting with a Ministry of Education representative on June 9, and hope we can move forward on some of the long-standing inequity issues for visually impaired pre-schoolers and those in the school system in Ontario.
We’ll keep you posted and hope you will become involved in our advocacy efforts on behalf of those people with whom we work.
Page 26 - 27 Welcome New AER Members!
Alabama Chapter
Meridith Carpenter
Arkansas Chapter
John Ed Chiles
Marsha Clark
Lyn Cossey
Mary Ellen Craig
Bill Johson
Cindy Lester
Minnie Rasberry
Arizona Chapter
Mervat Badawi
Sharon Mikrut
Nancy Louise Miller
Leanne Taylor
Karen Jamison
Marsha Roberson
DC/Maryland Chapter
Genevieve Beares
Eldre Palas Boggs
Marjorie Cernitz
Ann Cleckley
Angie Holden
Allison Jackson
Lauren Kreisberg
Carol Lease
Mary Anne Lewis
Mary Frances McAndrews
Dennis McGough
Kathy Nora Helen Pongor
Kenneth Pyles
Eileen Wagner
Linda Wright
Florida Chapter
Lighthouse of Broward County
Independence for the Blind of West Florida
Herbert Coard III
Kathleen Gent
Jennifer Hadsell
Jennifer Roop
Theresa “Tracy” Swanson
Georgia Chapter
Lisa Brown
Anne Currie
Yvette Mann
Linda Williams
Hawaii Chapter
Moonset Yu
Illinois Chapter
Marie Ellis
Andreas Heim
Gina Hill
Sharon Jackson-Swiercz
Lee Johnson
Diana McMenemy
Michelle Peterson
Ginni Rothrock
Kentucky Chapter
Melissa Brockman
Teresa George
Cathy Hicks
David Hume
Katherine Jones
Michigan Chapter
Sheralyn Beattie
Ava Carruth
Angela Castillo
Kimberly Davis-Annis
Christine DiEnno
Karen Firos
Jessica Gause
Ruth Hall
Jennifer Krueger
Marlyn Lawrence
Nancy Mackenzie
Kwame McShan
Cheryl Nametz
Felicia Rachel Nichols
William Patrick Noll
Kristen Reinhart
Nebraska Chapter
Teresa Coonts
New Jersey Chapter
John DeWitt
Laura Edwards
New Mexico Chapter
Dianna Jennings
New York Chapter
Karen Dutkowsky
Stephanie Karpouzes
Joyce Mahoney
Lauren Sutera
Northeast Chapter
Kathleen Decampos
Troy LaPlante
Leslie McIver-Hauquitz
Christina Nawn
Kenneth Paruti
Kathleen Rooney
Northern California Ch
