Psychosocial Interest Group
Statement of Purpose
The Psychosocial Services Interest Group supports the emotional, social, and psychological well-being of individuals who are blind, low vision, or deafblind by strengthening the professionals who serve them.
Aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), the group fosters a collaborative and interdisciplinary community. Participation is open to professionals across education, rehabilitation, therapy, counseling, and related service fields.
Research and practice show that emotional well-being, social connection, resilience, and life experiences significantly impact learning, independence, rehabilitation outcomes, and overall quality of life. The group promotes evidence-based and person-centered practices that support the whole person alongside functional skill development across the lifespan.
Through professional learning, resource sharing, peer connection, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the group strengthens holistic service delivery. It also supports professional well-being, sustainability, and growth within helping professions.
Statement of Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Strengthen Interdisciplinary Professional Learning
Support professionals across education, rehabilitation, therapy, counseling, and related fields in developing knowledge and skills that promote whole-person well-being for individuals who are blind, low vision, or deafblind.
- Objectives:
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- Provide interdisciplinary learning opportunities through webinars, presentations, discussion forums, or conference sessions focused on emotional well-being, life transitions, resilience, communication, and person-centered practices.
- Share practical, evidence-based resources and strategies that professionals can apply within their individual roles and service settings.
- Promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing across AER divisions and related professions to strengthen holistic service delivery.
Goal 2: Promote Whole-Person and Relationship-Centered Practices
Advance awareness and integration of practices that support emotional well-being, social connection, self-determination, and quality of life alongside functional skill development.
- Objectives:
- Increase awareness of the impact emotional well-being, social connection, and life experiences have on learning, independence, and rehabilitation outcomes.
- Encourage culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches across disciplines and age groups.
- Support professionals in recognizing and responding to the emotional and social needs of the individuals and families they serve.
Goal 3: Foster Professional Connection, Support, and Sustainability
Create a supportive interdisciplinary community that encourages collaboration, professional growth, and long-term sustainability within helping professions.
- Objectives:
- Provide opportunities for networking, peer connection, mentorship, and shared discussion among professionals across disciplines.
- Promote professional well-being through conversations and resources related to resilience, self-care, burnout prevention, and reflective practice.
- Cultivate a welcoming and collaborative environment where professionals can learn from one another, share experiences, and strengthen their capacity to serve others effectively.
To participate in the AER Psychosocial Interest Group, please update your profile and select the interest group you’d like to join.