By Jamal Thomas
Montgomery, AL- The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB) has been providing education to individuals who are deaf and blind. AIDB serves more than 24,000 individuals of all ages with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Founded in 1858, AIDB is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program.
“We work to help those in our program get employment” said AIDB Job Developer Cassandra Stephens. “We assist them and help them to become independent. We help build their self-esteem.”
Through partnerships with various organizations like the Alabama Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Easter Seals, AIDB can help individuals in the program who desire to be employed. In addition, AIDB provides in-house training for basic job skills like interviewing and resume writing.
With various forms of technology, many individuals who are deaf and blind are capable of working. “Technology has been phenomenal” Stephens said. “We are excited to have videophones for our deaf clients.”
AIDB was established in 1858 and provides comprehensive education and rehabilitation services in all 67 counties of Alabama. AIDB operates five campuses in Talladega, and eight regional centers located in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Tuscumbia.
Stephens says that AIDB is looking to develop more partnerships to help create more job opportunities for the deaf and blind. “It takes all of us to make Montgomery grow”.
The mission of AIDB is to provide comprehensive education and service programs of superior quality to children and adults who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multi-disabled and their families. For more information call (334)262-0824 or visit www.aidb.org
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