Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Professional Division
Statement of Purpose
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy is one of the founding professions within the field of Blindness and Low Vision Rehabilitation Services. For over one hundred years, the profession has evolved and continues to meet the ever changing needs of the population we serve. As stated on the ACVREP website, “Vision rehabilitation therapists instruct persons with vision impairments in the use of compensatory skills and assistive technology that will enable them to live safe, productive, and interdependent lives. Vision rehabilitation therapists work in areas that enhance vocational opportunities, independent living, and the educational development of persons with vision loss, and may include working in center based or itinerant settings. Vision Rehabilitation Therapists teach within 17 unique domains of the ACVREP CVRT Body of Knowledge to help their clients live independent lives and reach their personal, educational and vocational aspirations at all stages of life.
In this role, the VRT Division will stand at the crossroads of adult and children’s services as well as the Independent living and Vocational services available to our clients of all ages. The VRT Division will be uniquely positioned to advise the AER Board relative to matters affecting our profession and clientele. The VRT Division will stand alongside and collaborate with other Professional AER Divisions to advocate for holistic services to be available for all individuals with vision loss, regardless of where they live, and at what stage of life they may be. The VRT Division will aim to assist AER in advocating that employers follow best practice procedures, to employ uniquely trained, and highly qualified Vision Rehabilitation Professionals, to deliver the specific services required by our clients.
The VRT Division will not only advocate for best practice hiring procedures, but seek to provide practicing VRTs with the latest information related to the field with continuing education opportunities. The VRT Division will do this individually, and also collaborate with other Professional Divisions and Interest Groups to achieve this goal. By providing CE development the Professional Division will help to maintain the integrity of our profession, allowing VRTs to maintain their certification and keep abreast of the latest trends and changes. This will help VRTs be attractive to employers and provide the most up-to-date and useful instruction for clients.
Statement of Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Complete the joint AER/AVRT VRT strategic plan which has been developed to increase numbers of VRTs, promote professional growth and development opportunities, and encourage membership in AER.
Goal 2: Provide a minimum of 2 eLearning seminars singly or in collaboration with other professional divisions.
Goal 3: Host quarterly meetings to engage the VRT community and support AER membership and engagement.
Goal 4: Provide newsletters (at minimum twice per year)
Goal 5: Engage with VRTs internationally. Coordination of collaboration events through virtual meetings and presentations.
Membership Criteria and Acceptable Documentation
An individual shall be eligible to become a Fellow of the AER Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Professional Division, one (1) of the following pathways are required to meet membership criteria:
Pathway 1: Successful completion of a university degree or certificate program in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy or Rehabilitation Teaching as evidenced by diploma, graduate certificate, or transcript (official/unofficial)
Pathway 2: Current or past certification as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist through ACVREP as evidenced by CVRT certificate or credential number
Pathway 3: A minimum of ten (10) years of professional practice in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, as demonstrated by a current resume or curriculum vitae and, if requested, verification from an employer or supervisor.
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 Vision Rehabilitation Therapy 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.