Alabama AER Awards
Awards may be presented at the annual training conference as recommended by the Awards Committee. The awards are as follows:
Grider Award
The Grider Award is presented to a person who has made a significant contribution in working for persons who are blind or visually impaired to promote an understanding of blindness and visual impairment in the mainstream of society. The recipient of this award must be or have been actively involved in helping persons who are blind or visually impaired have fuller, more meaningful, productive, and independent lives. He or she shall have exemplified the pioneer spirit, dedication to service, and quality of direct services to persons who are blind or visually impaired as shown by the life and reputation of Charles B. Grider.
Cox Award
The Cox Award is presented to a member of the Alabama Chapter. This person must have been a member for at least three years and must have shown, in the judgment of the Awards Committee, his or her commitment to the goals and principles of this chapter. The recipient shall have aided persons who are blind or visually impaired in their quest for acceptance in their community..
Paraprofessional/Worker of the Year Award
This award will honor a full-time paraprofessional or worker who is a member of this chapter. The award will be presented to a paraprofessional/worker who has been employed at least three years, has performed duties conscientiously, has taken pride in the work performed, has shown initiative, has assumed additional responsibility when called upon, and has demonstrated a good working relationship with supervisors, co-workers, and the public. The recipient shall have promoted an understanding of blindness and acceptance of persons who are blind or visually impaired by the public.
Employer of the Blind Award
This award will be presented to an employer who has given an individual who is blind the opportunity to work in business or industry, thereby showing that the employee who is blind has been accepted by his employer because of his ability. Other criteria include willingness to modify or change existing equipment, schedules or procedures to enable the employee to become more competitive in today’s labor market. Nominees shall have exhibited a willingness to speak out positively to advocate and promote the hiring and employment of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Other Awards
Other awards may be established and presented by the membership.