Access and Technology Professional Division
Membership Criteria
Proposed eligibility for the Access and Technology Professional Division requires that individuals meet at least one of the following criteria:
- A university degree or graduate certificate in AT for people who are blind, deafblind, or who have low vision;
- Certification by an appropriate certifying body in the area of AT for people who are blind, deafblind, or who have low vision, including CATIS or NCATB;
- Actively employed in a professional role teaching AT to people who are blind, deafblind, or who have low vision, as demonstrated by a resume, CV, or signed letter from an employer.
Statement of Purpose
The Access and Technology division (Division 5) builds a community to promote collective action towards low vision and non-visual accessibility of information, media, digital tools, and computing technology. We exchange resources to support the professional development of division members. Our community of practice supports and empowers members in providing innovative assistive technology and accessibility solutions that foster independence, inclusion, and equity in education, employment, and daily life.
Statement of Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Advance Professional Competence in Access and Technology
Objectives:
Disseminate professional resources, research opportunities, and best practices for access and technology service delivery.
Offer continuing education, webinars, and conference programming aligned with ACVREP, and other credentials.
Promote best practices in access and technology in all areas of the expanded core curriculum and lifespan.
Goal 2: Enhance Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Objective:
Create collaborations across AER divisions on issues of intersecting access and technology needs.
Goal 3: Promote Student, Trainee, and Emerging Professional Engagement
Objectives:
Provide networking spaces, leadership opportunities, and opportunities for students to be engaged in webinars and conference programming.
Encourage university programs to engage with the division for curriculum relevance and fieldwork placement opportunities.
Develop a scholarship for university or vocational students who are enrolled in assistive technology programs focused on preparing incoming professionals for careers in teaching AT to people who are blind or who have low vision.