In memory of Mr. J. Kenneth Cozier, this award was established in 1975 and is the highest honor presented by the AERO organization. Candidates must be active or recently retired professionals with at least five (5) years of experience in the field of education or rehabilitation of people who are blind or visually impaired. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, exemplary character, and dedication that epitomize the spirit and quality of service to people who are blind or visually impaired. They must have made an outstanding contribution to the field as a result of leadership and support. They must maintain the goals and objectives of the AERO professional organization and maintain membership within the organization.

This award will be given at the AERO fall conference in even-numbered years.

In honor and memory of Mrs. Judy Cernkovich, this award was established in 2007 to honor an Ohio educator who has proved to be outstanding in the field of Special Education for Students who are Visually Impaired. Candidates must be active or recently retired professionals in the field and must have made an outstanding contribution to the field as a result of leadership and teachings. Candidates should demonstrate integrity and dedication to the field of education. Candidates must be members in good standing of AERO.

This award will be given at the AERO fall conference in even-numbered years.

This award was created to recognize an outstanding high school or college student who is blind or visually impaired from the state of Ohio. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to achieving educational, personal, and social goals. Nominated by their teachers, rehabilitation specialists, families, or community, these students should be well-rounded examples of individuals who have overcome personal obstacles to achieve success.

This is an annual award.

This award was established to acknowledge either an individual or a group who has shown exemplary service to the field of blindness and visual impairment. It encompasses a variety of possible nominees that include, but are not limited to, volunteers, employers, and groups that focus on the needs of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Some examples of possible nominees may include teacher aides, volunteers, local interest groups, employers, and local community groups. Consider people and groups who have assisted with fundraising, transcribing, transportation, reading, or administrative support. Consider employers who have hired significant numbers of individuals with visual impairments, made major adaptations to a work site, been deeply involved in rehabilitation efforts, or, in some way, have risen above the norm. This is a unique recognition award that can honor anyone throughout the state of Ohio who has had a positive influence on our field.

This is an annual award.