AER Presents Dr. Sandra Lewis with Association’s Highest Education Award

(Alexandria, Va.) The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired presented Dr. Sandra Lewis of Florida State University with the Mary K. Bauman Award, the association’s highest honor in education, on July 23, 2010, during the association’s international conference in Little Rock, Ark.

AER established the Mary K. Bauman Award to honor an individual who has made significant and outstanding contributions to the education of children and youth who are blind or visually impaired. Bauman is remembered for her leadership roles in professional organizations in the blindness field along with her work as a psychologist.

Dr. Lewis, associate professor and coordinator of FSU’s Program in Visual Impairment in Tallahassee, Fla., was recognized for her outstanding professional experiences, innovative practices, unique and extraordinary contributions, professional presentations, publications, research, and involvement in AER. Award nominators said, “Without a doubt, services to individuals with visual impairments and their families are much more progressive, more innovative, and more comprehensive as a result of Dr. Lewis’ efforts.”

Other award winners were Dr. Michael Bina, Maryland School for the Blind, receiving the Ambrose H. Shotwell Award, AER’s highest honor in rehabilitation; Natalie Hilzen, American Foundation for the Blind, the C. Warren Bledsoe Award acknowledging contributions to literature related to blindness; Eileen Siffermann of Tucson, Ariz., the Douglas C. MacFarland Award for contributions to the education or rehabilitation of people who are visually impaired and is retired from the field; and Stephen Barrett, now deceased, for special recognition in leadership in the rehabilitation for adults with visual impairment.

AER also praised the accomplishments of three outstanding chapters in Illinois, Pennsylvania/Delaware, and Ohio for their dedication, commitment, excellence and strong professionalism.

AER is an international association supporting professionals who provide education and rehabilitation services to people with visual impairments, offering professional development opportunities, publications, and public advocacy.