Rebecca L. Renshaw, University of PittsburghCharlotte 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