About AVRT

Empowering Vision Rehabilitation Professionals

The Association of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (AVRT) is the leading. international organization dedicated to supporting professionals working in the field of vision rehabilitation. Whether you’re a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT), educator, or researcher, AVRT connects you with a community of like-minded professionals working to improve the lives of individuals with vision loss.

Through professional development conferences, scholarships, leadership awards, and collaboration opportunities, AVRT empowers VRTs and related professionals to grow, stay current, and expand their impact on those they serve. Our awards honor exceptional leaders and provides a platform for all voices to be recognized.

Our Mission: Advancing Rehabilitation Practices for a Better Future

AVRT’s core mission is to provide stellar professional development and networking opportunities for those working with blind and visually impaired individuals. By bringing together experts from across the country, we foster collaboration, share innovative practices, and build a supportive community.

Our goals are:

  • Promote and improve standards of practice for VRTs

  • Provide a collective body of knowledge for the profession

  • Foster training opportunities, collaboration, and ongoing education

  • Elevate the public image of rehabilitation professionals

  • Support professional growth through conferences, workshops, and peer recognition

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The History of AVRT 

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

The 1940s: A Humble Beginning

The roots of AVRT trace back to 1947, when the first gathering of the Mid-Western Conference of Home Teachers (MCHT) was held in Chicago, Illinois. The meeting addressed the urgent need for modern rehabilitation methods and materials to help blind and visually impaired individuals. Florence Horton presided as the first president, and the groundwork for what would become AVRT was laid.

In the years that followed, the organization grew steadily, and Miss Evelyn Kay, a key figure in the field, played a pivotal role in shaping the early direction of MCHT.

The 1950s: Early Expansion and Collaboration

As the profession evolved, so did MCHT. The 1950s saw significant strides in collaboration, including the joint meetings of regional Home Teacher Conferences sponsored by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).

1951 marked a historic meeting in Columbus, Ohio, with Marie Busch presiding. During this time, the first conference newsletter was published. The Charlyn Allen Award, named after a remarkable leader in rehabilitation teaching, was still in its infancy.

Key conferences in this decade focused on the importance of creative activities for the aged blind, independent living training, and expanding professional networks.

The 1960s: Defining a Profession

The 1960s was a defining decade for AVRT. It was during this time that the organization began to formalize its structure, with the introduction of the Cranmer Abacus and Braille updates. The 1965 conference saw the official change of the title from “Home Teacher” to “Rehabilitation Teacher” in line with national standards.

AVRT also witnessed its first significant leadership transition during this time, with Charlyn Allen presiding over several conferences, including the 1957 Topeka, Kansas conference where the importance of creative activities for the blind was discussed.

The 1970s: Organizational Rebranding and National Influence

The 1970s were pivotal for AVRT, as the organization underwent an official name change to the Mid-America Conference of Rehabilitation Teachers (MACRT). This decade saw AVRT begin to build a more national presence, and in 1974, the organization officially adopted the new name, MACRT, to reflect the national title change from home teacher to rehabilitation teacher.

During the 1970s, AVRT began to hold annual conferences and worked toward building collaborative networks with other professionals in the blindness and low-vision fields. Charlyn Allen, a key figure, continued her leadership through these years.

The 1980s: Growth, Recognition, and Scholarships

The 1980s marked a period of significant growth for AVRT. The introduction of scholarships for students and the Charlyn Allen Award for leadership in the field solidified AVRT’s reputation as a professional hub for rehabilitation teachers.

The 1983 conference was significant as it marked the establishment of the Charlyn Allen Award, with the first recipient being Alvin Roberts in 1984. The organization also began to make strides toward expanding its influence, moving from bi-annual to annual conferences.

The 1990s: Expansion and Professional Development

In the 1990s, AVRT’s conferences began to expand both in scope and size. The Charlyn Allen Award continued to recognize excellence, while workshops tackled cutting-edge topics like traumatic brain injury, low vision aids, and ethical practices in rehabilitation teaching.

During this time, AVRT solidified its role as a leader in professional development, offering practical tools for Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) through its conference sessions and growing community.

The 2000s: Embracing Technology and New Leadership

The early 2000s saw AVRT begin to embrace technology in new ways, with online resources, website management, and a continued focus on providing annual professional development conferences. Leadership shifts in the 2000s also led to the Emerging Leader Award, designed to recognize newer voices in the profession.

The 2001 conference in Mobile, Alabama, and the 2002 conference in Louisville, Kentucky, focused on topics like apple products and advancements in rehabilitation technology, helping to keep AVRT at the forefront of the field.

The 2010s: Strategic Partnerships and Continuing Innovation

The 2010s were defined by strategic partnerships and the continuing evolution of AVRT’s role in the vision rehabilitation therapy field. In 2013, the organization made the significant decision to change its name to the Association of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (AVRT), reflecting its growing national influence and broadening scope. This year also saw the Charlyn Allen Award presented to Charly Tipps, honoring his outstanding contributions to the field.

In 2014, the conference, held at the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs Hotel, focused on the theme “Rock Solid in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy”, emphasizing the importance of building strong foundational knowledge in the field. The Charlyn Allen Award was presented to B.J. LeJeune, recognizing his leadership and service to the VRT profession.

2015 and Beyond: Innovation, Leadership, and Expanding Recognition

The 2015 and beyond period marked a shift toward recognizing new leadership and innovative practices in vision rehabilitation. In 2016, AVRT held a pivotal conference in Birmingham, Alabama, at the Birmingham DoubleTree Hotel, under the theme “Celebrating the Magic of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy: Where We Have Been, Where We Are Now, and Where We Are Going.” The conference included tracks on Deaf-Blind Rehabilitation, Technology, and Braille Resources, with the Charlyn Allen Award presented to Julie Brantley.

In 2017, AVRT continued to strengthen its influence through collaboration with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) at the AFB Leadership Conference in Arlington, Virginia. The Charlyn Allen Award was presented to Lachelle Smith, and the Emerging Leader Award was presented to Amanda Sterly, highlighting the organization’s dedication to recognizing both established and emerging leaders.