The Canadian Association of Educational Resource Centres for Alternate Format Materials (CAER)

CAER was founded in 1993 and currently has a membership which reflects all regions/provinces of Canada.

A. Objectives

The production, acquisition and provision of alternate format material such as braille, audiotape, large print and e-texts and the provision of professional resources, specialized equipment and kits are important factors in the quality of education of all Canadian elementary, secondary and post-secondary students who require alternate format materials. The Canadian Educational Resource Centre Managers who provide a coordinating educational service for their region/province meet to:

1. promote the sharing of resources through Inter Library Loans.
2. encourage the use of new technology, particularly in relation to alternate format production.
3. extend and share this knowledge with all CAER members.
4. provide the opportunity to discuss and study points of common interest, in particular: provincial, regional, Canadian and international issues; significant developments in members' centres; and information on policy, procedures, statistical data, etc.
5. discuss and adopt common procedures and practices in such areas as production quality standards and interlibrary lending.
6. advise and provide input to educational ministries on evolving issues and trends.
7. establish and maintain linkages and to speak as a unified voice to such associated organizations as the Canadian Braille Authority, the Canadian Braille Literacy Foundation, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Library and Archives Canada and the US Library of Congress.
8. communicate with publishers, vendors, suppliers and individuals to develop positive relationships and to publicize members' services.
9. to provide the opportunity for participation in learning activities or professional development.

B. Membership

There are currently 11 centres and membership will consist of the Manager or equivalent of each Canadian Educational Resource Centre which has a mandate to provide a coordinated educational service within a province or region. Member listings from West to East Canada:

British Columbia

• Crane Resource Centre and Library, UBC
• Langara College, BC College and Institute Library Services (CILS)
• Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI)

Alberta

· Alberta Education, Learning Resources Centre - Materials Resource Unit (MRU)

Saskatchewan

• Saskatchewan Education, Resource Centre

Manitoba

• Blind/Visually Impaired Education, Special Materials Services

Ontario

• Ontario Education, W. Ross MacDonald School - Resource Services Library

Quebec

• Braille Production Service, Commission Scolaire des Premieres-Seigneuries
• Montreal Association for the Blind

Atlantic Provinces

• Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA)
• The Ferguson Library of Print-Handicapped Students