Hello everyone! As you know, I have been the Canadian representative to the AER Board of Directors for the past 2.5 years. Initially I was asked to step in when the previous representative could not complete their responsibilities on the board. I agreed to this, and then I put my name on the ballot the following year (2014), was formally elected to the position, and began two wonderful years of serving you. My accomplishments in that time included: * An active (instigating) role bringing in the AER Code of Ethics, through my participation on the Code of Ethics Task Force * Improved communication amongst Canadian AER members through regional telecom town halls held 2014-15 * Establishment of this Canadian AER listserve so that announcements and discussions could take place (please use it!) * The creation of the Canadian newsletter through a Board motion to establish an Editor position with an attached honorarium * Ongoing promotion of and education about Canadian concerns and issues at the Board of Directors level * Actively sought Board support for a more international approach to conferences and to building AER awareness and involvement in other countries * When the Canadian dollar began to weaken, I worked with the AER office to develop a suitable special incentive/reward for Canadians joining AER * No meeting missed from January 2014 to March 2016 I am pleased to inform you that I would like the opportunity to continue this good work. When you open the AER voting ballot you will see my name and a brief description there of my current position at CNIB and my future position as Executive Director of Balance for Blind Adults, which I assume on April 13, 2016. I realize there is another candidate who is asking for your support through the write-in option on the ballot. I think it is excellent that such competition is occurring this year, indicating an increased interest in AER within Canada. I wanted you to be able to make your choice knowing a bit more about my achievements as your representative over the past 2.5 years. All the very best to you, and...remember to vote! The ballots appeared in your email yesterday, and the voting is open until March 30. Take good care, Deborah Deborah Gold National Director, Research and Program Development CNIB (416) 486-2500, ext. 7209 (416) 802-6845 (mobile) deborah.gold@cnib.ca www.cnib.ca Privacy Disclaimer - Fran?ais ? suivre This e-mail message (including attachments, if any) is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, proprietary, and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copy of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and erase this e-mail message immediately. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- D?claration de confidentialit? Le pr?sent courrier ?lectronique (y compris les pi?ces qui y sont annex?es, le cas ?ch?ant) s'adresse au destinataire indiqu? et peut contenir des renseignements de caract?re priv? ou confidentiel. Si vous n'?tes pas le destinataire de ce document, nous vous signalons qu'il est strictement interdit de le diffuser, de le distribuer ou de le reproduire. Si ce message vous a ?t? transmis par erreur, veuillez en informer l'exp?diteur et le supprimer imm?diatement.