Rebecca L. Renshaw, University of Pittsburgh Charlotte Fisher, Western PA School for Blind Children Jean May, Delaware Health and Social Services, Division for the Visually Impaired Penn-Del AER Membership Committee Survey: Demographics of Professionals

Introduction Penn-Del AER Membership Committee surveyed current members, lapsed members (individuals who allowed their membership to expire), and non-members (individuals who have not chosen to be members).

Background In order to increase membership, Penn-Del AER Membership Committee wanted to better understand the demographics of current, lapsed, and non- members.

Methods  Administered through an on-line survey tool  Current Members Survey:  219 survey requests sent, 86 completed  Lapsed and Non-Members Survey:  351 survey requests sent, 32 completed

Results: Current Members Survey  Introduced to AER: University Personnel (66.3%)  Number of years AER member: 6-10 (26.7%)  Joined AER: During university program or within first 5 years in profession (88.4%)  Number of years in field: 21 or more (33.7%)  Main Area of Focus: O&M (65%), TVI (62%)  Populations served: School-Aged (86%)  Reason for joining: Professional development opportunities (77%)

Results: Current Members Survey (cont.)  Like the best: Professional development and conferences (40%)  Like the least: Cost of membership (47%)  Membership ever lapse: No (72%)  What can AER do: Increase or change professional development / networking opportunities (51%)  Ways to increase membership: Decrease membership cost (20%)  Regional meetings: Yes (69%)

Results: Lapsed and Non-Member Survey  Number of years in field: 21 or more (25.6%)  Main Area of Focus: TVI (57%)  Populations served: School-Aged (81%)  Attended Spring Vision Conference: 6 or more times (41%)

Results: Lapsed Members Survey  Introduced to AER: University Personnel (46.7%)  Number of years AER member: 0-5 (73.3%)  Joined AER: During university program or within first 5 years in profession (86.7%)  Like the best: Publications (60%)  Like the least: Cost of membership (79%)  Reason have not renewed: Cost (60%)  Consider reinstatement: If lower cost of membership or had agency support (50%).

Results: Non-Members Survey  Perceived potential benefit: Professional development opportunities (56%)  Reason have not joined: Cost of membership (86%)  Consider joining: If lower cost or agency covered cost (79%)

Limitations  Addresses for lapsed members were not current so limited responses.  Low rate of response for lapsed members and non- members.  Separate surveys should have been administered for lapsed members and non-members.

Conclusions  Continue to target individuals in university preparation programs  Provide mentor program for individuals who are within the first 5 years in the profession  Increase number of professional development / networking opportunities  Decrease cost of membership or encourage agency support

Next Steps  Design a membership campaign  Create marketing materials that discuss the benefits of an AER membership  Communicate and collaborate with key persons  Determine number of potential members