Aging Interest Group
Statement of Purpose
The Division on Aging Interest Group exists to address the rapidly growing and under-recognized needs of older adults who are blind, have low vision, or experience combined vision and hearing loss. As the population ages, professionals across the fields of vision rehabilitation, education, social services, policy, and healthcare are increasingly called upon to support older individuals whose experiences, service pathways, and rehabilitation needs differ substantially from those of other age groups.
While several AER divisions and interest groups touch aspects of rehabilitation, none maintain a singular and sustained focus on aging, lifespan transitions, system navigation, age-related vision conditions, or the unique psychosocial, functional, and health-related challenges faced by older adults. This Interest Group fills that gap by creating a dedicated space for interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, research dissemination, and systems advocacy specific to the aging population.
The group will serve as a hub for members who provide direct services, administer programs, conduct research, or develop policy for older adults with vision loss. By uniting these professionals, the Interest Group strengthens capacity across the field, elevates evidence-based practice, and ensures that the unique needs of older adults remain prioritized within AER’s broader mission.
Statement of Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Strengthen Professional Knowledge and Skills Related to Aging and Vision Loss
Objectives:
- Provide regular professional development offerings—including webinars, discussion groups, and resource guides—on topics such as age-related vision conditions, psychosocial adjustment, suicide prevention, assistive technology, and independent living skills for older adults.
- Curate and disseminate emerging research, promising practices, assessment tools, and evidence-based interventions relevant to aging.
- Foster interdisciplinary learning by engaging experts from geriatrics, audiology, occupational therapy, mental health, and related fields.
Goal 2: Build a Collaborative Community of Practice Within AER
Objectives:
- Create opportunities for networking, shared problem-solving, and professional dialogue through virtual watercoolers, conference sessions, and special interest cohorts.
- Promote mentorship and peer support for professionals new to working with older adults or transitioning into aging-related roles.
- Encourage cross-division collaboration (e.g., with Low Vision Rehabilitation, Orientation & Mobility, Psychosocial Services) to highlight aging-specific considerations across service domains.
Goal 3: Advance Research, Data, and Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
Objectives:
- Support and promote member-led research related to aging, including studies on prevalence, service access, functional outcomes, and disparities.
- Develop position statements or white papers that synthesize current knowledge on aging and vision loss and guide future practice.
- Encourage data sharing and collaboration with national coalitions (e.g., AVLNC, VisionServe Alliance, NCOA) to strengthen the evidence base for system improvement.
Goal 4: Promote Advocacy, Systems Change, and Public Awareness
Objectives:
- Identify gaps in federal, state, and community services affecting older adults with vision loss and provide AER-informed recommendations.
- Educate policymakers, stakeholders, and partner organizations about the needs and rights of older adults with visual impairments.
- Elevate the voices and lived experiences of older adults through inclusive programming, storytelling, and engagement strategies.
Goal 5: Enhance AER Member Value and Engagement
Objectives:
- Offer practical tools, templates, and guidance that members can use immediately in their professional settings, including screening resources, referral pathways, and person-centered planning tools.
- Provide high-quality programming and leadership opportunities that increase member satisfaction, retention, and participation in AER activities.
- Ensure all Interest Group activities align with and strengthen AER’s mission to advance the education and rehabilitation of people with visual impairments.
To join the AER Aging Interest Group, please email [email protected] and indicate your request to participate.