Professional Ethics in the Vision FieldBy: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated June 12, 2025 As in any profession, educators and specialists in the field of visual impairments will encounter ethical dilemmas that require thoughtful reflection and action. While individual beliefs guide personal conduct, vision professionals must adhere to established codes of ethics that protect the rights and dignity of students and uphold the standards of our field.
Ethical Principles in Special Education (CEC)The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) provides a Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Standards for educators of individuals with exceptionalities. These ethical principles help ensure quality, equity, and professionalism:
AER Code of EthicsThe Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) adopted a profession-specific Code of Ethics in 1992. This applies to:
Key Ethical ResponsibilitiesAER standards outline specific areas of ethical consideration for certified VI professionals. These include:
Facing Ethical DilemmasEthical challenges are inevitable. When they arise, use the strategies shared by Kay Holbrook and Alan Koenig in Foundations of Education, Vol. 1:
“Following a carefully defined professional code of ethics and applying it throughout one’s professional life helps to ensure that the education offered to children and youths with disabilities is of the highest quality and that improvements are continually sought.” |
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"Following a carefully defined professional code of ethics and applying it throughout one’s professional life helps to ensure that the education offered to children and youths with disabilities is of the highest quality and that improvements are continually sought.” |