Personnel Prep Professional Division
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the professional division is to assist in the promotion, development, and improvement of all phases of personnel preparation in education and rehabilitation of blind and low vision persons. Members include university faculty, adjunct professors, lecturers, graduate students, and other professionals concerned with the preparation of qualified personnel.
Statement of Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Advance quality in personnel preparation
Promote high-quality preparation of professionals serving individuals who are blind or have low vision by supporting the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of university and training programs in education and rehabilitation.
Goal 2: Foster collaboration among personnel preparation stakeholders
Facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among faculty, instructors, and professionals involved in personnel preparation in order to strengthen training practices, mentorship, and professional pathways.
Goal 3: Support research, innovation, and professional learning
Encourage research, scholarship, and professional dialogue that contribute to effective instructional practices, emerging competencies, and evidence-based approaches in the preparation of personnel working with individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Membership Criteria and Acceptable Documentation
Voting membership and leadership positions are for AER members who are engaged in or directly supporting personnel preparation within the last ten calendar years. This may include university faculty, adjunct instructors or lecturers, program coordinators or administrators, researchers or scholars whose work directly relates to personnel preparation, and professionals who supervise interns, practicum students, student teachers, or field placements in vision-related preparation programs. Acceptable documentation may include a CV, professional resume, or other verification that demonstrates direct involvement in personnel preparation.
Associate members may participate fully in division activities and professional development but do not hold voting privileges in division elections or on matters of division governance. The following groups are welcomed to join as associate members:
- Graduate students
- Vision professionals
- Retired members of personnel preparation programs
- Blindness organizations and their members
Members may participate in this Professional Division as either a Fellow or an Associate Member.
- Fellow: Fellows are voting members of the Professional Division. To be considered for Fellow status, members must submit acceptable documentation showing that they meet the approved membership criteria for this division.
- Associate Member: Associate Members are non-voting members of the Professional Division. Documentation is not required. Associate Members will receive division-specific communications and may be invited to division webinars, meetings, and events.
To join the Personnel Prep Professional Division, please email [email protected] and clearly indicate whether you are requesting to participate as a Fellow or as an Associate Member.
If requesting Fellow status, please attach acceptable documentation for review. Notification of review status will be provided within one week of email receipt.