Professional Organizations

By Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated November 21, 2025
As a vision professional, joining organizations dedicated to supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired can significantly enhance your career and the quality of services you provide. Although membership typically requires a fee, the return on investment is substantial. Benefits often include:
  • Advocacy: Membership allows you to become part of a unified, national voice that advocates for equitable access, high-quality services, and improved policies for individuals with visual impairments. These organizations represent the field at legislative levels, ensuring that the needs of students and adults with visual impairments remain visible and prioritized.
  • Publications: Members receive access to professional newsletters, peer-reviewed journals, research updates, and event announcements. These publications keep you informed about emerging best practices, new technologies, federal guidance, instructional strategies, and current issues shaping the field.
  • Professional Development: Organizations offer specialized training designed specifically for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), and related professionals. This may include conferences, webinars, certification opportunities, workshops, and micro-credentials that deepen your skills within the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) and other essential areas.
  • Networking: Membership opens the door to connections with colleagues, mentors, and leaders at local, state, national, and international levels. These relationships promote collaboration, problem-solving, and ongoing professional support—especially valuable for itinerant professionals who often work in isolation.
  • Discounts: Members typically receive reduced rates for conferences, trainings, and resources, as well as access to member-only benefits. 
Ultimately, joining a professional organization strengthens your expertise, expands your professional community, and enhances your ability to advocate for the students and families you serve.

​Key Organizations to Consider

Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)

​Website: aerbvi.org
AER is the leading professional organization exclusively for vision professionals. It promotes evidence-based practices, offers in-person and virtual professional development, and provides mentoring, networking, awards, and scholarships. Membership includes access to a local chapter for community-based support. Non-members may still attend AER events.

Council for Exceptional Children/Division of Visual Impairment

Website: exceptionalchildren.org/​
This division of the Council for Exceptional Children supports professionals working with students who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind. It advances education, promotes research, and participates in broader CEC governance to advocate for learners with exceptionalities. 

International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment

Website: icevi.org
ICEVI is a global organization that champions equitable education for children and youth with visual impairments. It operates in seven regions worldwide and shares international best practices and region-specific initiatives to promote full educational access. 

American Rehabilitation Counseling Association

Website: ​arcaweb.org/
ARCA serves rehabilitation counselors, educators, and students focused on supporting individuals with disabilities throughout the lifespan. It promotes excellence in counseling practice, research, and leadership. 

National Rehabilitation Association

Website: nationalrehab.org/
The NRA is the oldest U.S. organization supporting professionals in the rehabilitation field. It advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities and emphasizes ethical, collaborative professional practices.
Involvement in professional organizations not only strengthens your expertise and advocacy but also connects you with a broader community committed to advancing the field. By participating in these networks, you gain access to shared knowledge, mentorship, and current best practices that enhance the quality of services provided to individuals with visual impairments. Professional organizations create a unified voice for inclusion, equitable access, and empowerment, ensuring that students and adults with visual impairments are supported by well-informed, collaborative professionals who are continually growing and advocating for meaningful change.

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