OFFICIAL RESOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

The following information is used by permission of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER).

Resolution 2000-09

WHEREAS it is recognized as a fundamental truth that literacy is basic to successful education for all children; and

WHEREAS textbooks and instructional materials provide the foundation for education of all children, allowing them access to a world of information; and

WHEREAS technology has made the transfer of information into accessible formats a process that is easier and faster than ever before in history; and

WHEREAS in spite of technological advances, the reality is that many students with visual impairments do not receive accessible textbooks and learning materials at the same time as their classmates; and

WHEREAS instructional materials and textbooks must be available to all students on time and in the appropriate media;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, this 19th day of July, 2000, in the City of Denver, Colorado, that the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) supports cooperative efforts within our field and with the publishing industry to improve timely provision of braille, large-print and audio textbooks and instructional materials to students with visual impairments so they can compete on an equal basis with their peers.

Unanimously Approved