Partnering with Purpose: Turning Expertise into Action
Our 2026 program is designed to empower professionals to practice to the full extent of their roles—ensuring our clients benefit from the high-quality, individualized instruction they deserve.
Date: February 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Central (11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Eastern)
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Program Highlights:
- Panel 1: Professional Ethics & Scope of Practice: A deep dive into accountability and the duty to hire experts. This session focuses on how practicing to our full scope removes barriers to independence.
- Panel 2: Collaborative Investment in Employment Outcomes: Featuring specialists from organizations like Goodwill, Tennessee School for the Blind, and the STAR Center, this panel explores the definition of “job readiness” and how we can better collaborate to improve outcomes for our customers.
- Panel 3: The Pathway to Success: A presentation on the hierarchy of skills for life and career. This session highlights a structured roadmap for instruction, focusing on how foundational skills and sensory development lead to total independence.
- Panel 4: Feature Matching (The SETT Framework): A look at partnering learners with appropriate AT tools. We will discuss how to anticipate the benefits of specific tools by focusing on the student’s environment and tasks rather than just providing a device.
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joshua Robinson, O.D., F.A.A.O., discussing the intersection of medical eye care and specialized instruction.
- Awards & Recognition: We will celebrate our achievement as the AER Outstanding Chapter through July 2026 and present scholarships to support continued professional growth.
Registration & Payment:
FULL PROGRAM including registration information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xF9sHD1eHOjL6Def-WQ92uqiv0Z-3vJz/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111880503536508905596&rtpof=true&sd=true
Cost: Free for AER Members / $25 for Non-Members
Credits: ACVREP and CRCC credits are available.