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Welcome to the AER

Multiple Disabilities and DeafBlind Division

Here you will find information on our Mission Statement, Newsletters, Resources, and Awards.

About

We fulfill the mission of Division 3 through collaboration with other AERBVI divisions and partnerships with organizations sharing similar goals. Members assist in the development of professional standards, and support of legislative and educational initiatives at the state and national levels, and we promote the understanding of the impact of multiple disabilities/DeafBlindness upon all aspects of life. Our division shares and encourages members to engage in meaningful professional development opportunities and to add to the breadth and depth of knowledge in our field through research and writing.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Division promotes communication and exchange of ideas among its membership and fosters a sense of unity within the field and cooperation with regions and chapters; promotes and publicizes specialized services to persons with disabilities and their families; compiles and dispenses information about professional training opportunities; promote in-service training opportunities; fosters research and writing in the field; assists in developing professional standards; promotes community acceptance and integration of affected individuals; promotes and advocates for legislative issues impacting the quality of life of affected persons and promotes the development of assistive and instructional technology needed by affected persons.

Awards

Congratulations to the 2018 Division 3 award winners. Congratulations and thank you both for your wonderful contributions and support to our field and individuals with visual impairments and multiple disabilities, including DeafBlindness.

Samuel Gridley Howe Award

In 1994 the Psychosocial Services Division of AER established the Robert M. Lambert, Ph.D., Memorial Award as a tribute to the late Robert M. Lambert, Ph.D., of Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The award is presented every two years during the AER International Conference.

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Virginia Sowell Award

The Virginia Sowell Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Field is presented to Dr. Lauren Lieberman for her work that has supported professional practice through her work in the field.

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All recipients of Division Awards must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a longitudinal record of work in services to children youth and/or adults with DeafBlindness/multiple disabilities.
  • Have gained the respect of peers, professionals from other disciplines, and the families and individuals served.
  • Be a member of a discipline (e.g., education, rehabilitation, medicine, social work, health-related professions, etc.) that has a direct impact on individuals with DeafBlindness/multiple disabilities.

The qualities we seek in nominees are:

  • Demonstrated competence in the field.
  • Development or implementation of innovative approaches in the field.
  • Recognized contribution to the theory or practice of working with individuals with DeafBlindness/multiple disabilities.
  • Willingness to share knowledge with others.

These awards present a rare opportunity to honor some of the most dedicated people in our field.