Alabama Council of the Blind

2024 Online Program

Alabama Council of the Blind 2024 Convention

Leading with Vision Through Advocacy, Leadership & Collaboration

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Decorative cover for the Alabama Council of the Blind 2024 Convention features a large red and blue circular logo with the text “Alabama Council of the Blind 2024 CONVENTION” prominently displayed. Inside the circle, there is an image of two hands cradling a lit light bulb, symbolizing ideas, innovation, or inspiration. Below the circle, additional text reads “THROUGH ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION,” which likely represents the themes or values of the convention. The background is blurred with shades of blue and purple, focusing attention on the central logo and its message.

Intro

Welcome Letter

Dear ALCB Members, Friends, and Partners,

On behalf of The Alabama Council of the Blind, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 2024 Conference and Convention! We are thrilled to have you join us for this exciting event, where we will gather to share knowledge, foster connections, and celebrate our achievements.

This year’s convention promises to be one of our most engaging and dynamic yet, with a diverse lineup of speakers and networking opportunities designed to inspire and empower each of you. Our theme, “Leading with Vision: Through Advocacy, Leadership and Collaboration” reflects our commitment to create a world without barriers for the blind and visually impaired community, and we are excited to work together with you on this important mission over the next few days.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated planning committee, volunteers, sponsors, and partners, whose hard work and support have been instrumental in bringing this convention to life. Their contributions ensure that we can provide a high-quality experience for all attendees.

Throughout the convention, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities available to you. Engage with our esteemed speakers, participate in the interactive sessions, and connect with your fellow attendees. These interactions are the heart of our convention, and they foster the collaboration and innovation that drive our organization forward.

We are also proud to showcase the accomplishments of our members and highlight the advancements within our field. I hope you leave this convention feeling inspired, informed, and motivated to apply what you’ve learned in your respective roles.

Thank you for being a part of the Alabama Council of the Blind community and for joining us at this year’s conference and convention. Your presence and participation are what make this event truly special.

Enjoy the convention!

Warm regards,
Michael Talley, President

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2023-2024 Board

  • Executive Board of Directors
    • President – Michael Talley
    • 1st Vice President – Rod Skene
    • 2nd Vice President – Nancy Pendegraph
    • Treasurer – Donovan Beitel
    • Secretary – Penny Moss
  • Board Members
    • Birmingham – Ken Osbourn
    • Huntsville – Debbie Drylie
    • Talladega – Rhonda Trott
    • Virtual – Bill Adams
  • Board of Publications
    • Chair – David Trott
    • Kim Carmichael
    • Debbie Culver
    • Jimmie Smith
    • Angela Talley

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Special Thanks

  • Alabama Council of the Blind Conference Planning Committee
    • Convention Chair – Joan Garrett
    • Debbie Culver
    • Penny Moss
    • Jennifer Reeves
    • Valerie Sherbert
    • Courtney Smith
    • Michael Talley
  • Program Book
    • Angela Talley
    • Jonathan Sherbert
    • Valerie Sherbert
    • Jane Ogal
    • Teresa Lacy
  • Registration
    • Donovan Beitel
    • Bill Adams
  • ALCB Website
    • Bill Adams

Thank you to our Volunteers, Presenters and Exhibitors!

A HUGE thanks to Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind for their continued support to ALCB!

A diverse group of cartoon hands holding colorful puzzle pieces forming a circle.

“Working Together for a Brighter Future”

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Agenda

Alabama Council of the Blind

A black and white circular logo with the words Alabama Council of the Blind on the outside, on the with the text and two curved lines connecting the words in black. the inside is black with the leters ACB in print and Braille over the shape of Alabama in white.

2024 State Conference and Convention
August 16th – 18th, 2024
Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham/Hoover
2960 John Hopkins Parkway
Birmingham, Al 35244

“Leading with Vision: Through Advocacy, Leadership and Collaboration”

Friday, August 16th

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    • Pre-Registration Pick Up
  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Preconference – Leadership Presentation
    • Scott Thornhill Executive Director, American Council of the Blind
  • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Exhibits Open
  • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    • Lunch on your own
  • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    • Onsite Registration and Pre-Registration Pick Up
  • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
    • Columbia, South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind
    • Scott Falcone, Director Statewide Outreach Services
  • 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    • Sereniti Sanders, ASB student performance
    • Legislative forum, Senator Lance Bell
    • AIDB Update, Dr. Dennis Gilliam, AIDB President
    • ADRS Update, Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw, ADRS Commissioner
    • Ability One Panel – Scott Thornhill and Jeff Papalia
  • 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
    • Nominating, Credentials, and Auditing/Budget Committee Meetings
  • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    • State ACB Board Meeting
  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    • Dinner on your own

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: General Session

  • 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM
    • Welcome – Michael Talley, ALCB President
    • Remarks – Joan Garrett, Conference and Convention Chairperson
    • Invocation – Ken Osbourne
    • National Anthem and Presentation of Colors
    • Sereniti Sanders, ASB student performance
  • 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Keynote Speaker – Lorenzo Brown
    • Executive Director, The Is-Able Center
  • 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM
    • Cheryl McNeil Fisher, Blind Author
  • 8:45 PM – 9:00 PM
    • American Council of the Blind National update, Scott Thornhill
    • Roll Call of Delegates, Penny Moss, State Secretary
  • 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
    • Exhibitor Reception with Ice Cream Bar
  • 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    • Bingo

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Saturday, August 17th

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    • Registration – Onsite and Pre-Registration Pick Up
  • 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Exhibits Open

8:45 AM – 12:00 PM: General Session

  • 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
    • Opening Remarks & Announcements
    • Michael Talley, ALCB President
    • Joan Garrett, Conference and Convention Chairperson
  • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • Speakers – Ophthalmologists
    • Dr. Jack Parker, Corneal Research and Techniques
    • Dr. Cary Baxter, Retina Research and Innovation
  • 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
    • ADRS update, Ashley Townsend, MA, CRC,
    • Assistant Commissioner, Deaf and Blind Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  • 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
    • AIDB & ADRS Direct service panel
      • Moderator Jennifer Reeves M.Ed., CRC, Case Manager for the Blind, E.H. Gentry
    • Russell Craig, Outreach Vocational Evaluator Services for the Blind E. H. Gentry Facility
    • Courtney Pettway, MS, CRC Case Manager for the Blind Montgomery Regional Center
    • Marquita Mansfield, Ed.S., LPC Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind at Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
    • AFCB Representative, TBD
  • 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Audience Q&A
  • 12:30 AM – 1:30 PM
    • Awards/Scholarship Luncheon
      • Awards Presentation: Michael Talley, State ACB President
      • Remarks: 2024 Byrd Bryant Scholarship Award Recipient
      • AIDB & ADRS Successful Outcome Panel
  • 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
    • ALCB Business Meeting
  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    • Mixer – Heavy hors d’oeuvres and Karaoke

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Sunday, August 18th

  • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • Devotion
    • Installation of Officers
    • Concluding Remarks – Michael Talley, ALCB President

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ADRS logo a blue square with the letters ADRS above a sun outline all in white

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is co-sponsoring this event and pending approval from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) to sponsor continuing education credits for counselors

Presenter Profiles

Scott Thornhill Executive Director – American Council of the Blind, Alexandria, Virginia

A middle-aged man with short, gray hair. He has a light complexion and is smiling gently. He is wearing a dark blazer over a plaid shirt. The background is a solid, dark maroon color. The man appears to be sitting in an office chair.

Scott Thornhill took office as the new Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) on March 18, 2024. Thornhill was voted in by the ACB Board to lead the 62-year-old organization.

Thornhill holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, as well as a post baccalaureate Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to lead an organization with such a rich history,” said Thornhill. “The strength of ACB is a combination of our members, our supporters, and the larger blindness community that we serve. I look forward to us achieving even more impactful results in the years to come.” For the past five years, Thornhill served as the Director of Public
Policy for Alphapointe, a non-profit organization with the mission to empower people who are blind through opportunities for employment and personal development. In that role, he was responsible for issues such as government
relations, successful employment, innovation, event fundraising in New York and more.

Thornhill also has a background in real estate brokerage. Despite a flourishing career in that field, he felt compelled to join the effort to help make the playing field level for people who are blind and visually impaired. Thornhill is blind himself, losing his vision due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) after being
diagnosed at the age of eight and told at 15 he would be blind by 40.

Thornhill brings experience from the non-profit world as well as corporate management to his new position. In addition to his business ownership and employment, Thornhill has served on multiple non-profit boards, including Industries of the Blind in Greensboro, NC. He has been active with the National Association for the Employment of People who are Blind, as well as VisionServe Alliance.

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Lorenzo Brown Executive Director – The Is-Able Center, Homewood, Alabama

A man in a wheelchair. He is wearing a light blue button-up shirt and has a gentle smile on his face. His hands are resting on a tray attached to the wheelchair, and he appears to be wearing wrist supports. The background features an indoor setting with a few pieces of furniture, such as chairs and tables, and some framed pictures on the walls. The lighting is warm and the environment looks like an office or a classroom.

Lorenzo Brown was shot in the neck, at the age of 17, and paralyzed from his chest down. The first time he opened his eyes after being gunned down, he woke to find that he was permanently paralyzed, on life support, and his chances of making it out of the hospital alive were slim.

Now age 47, Brown is executive director of the Is-Able Center, which he opened in 2017 and operates with five payroll employees and three volunteers, who serve as employment specialists, including his wife of 17 years, Amy Brown. All services provided by The IS-Able Center are free.
The center is dedicated to empowering, educating and encouraging people in the disability community. “We took the d’s out of disabled, and we are The Is-Able Center. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of individuals with
disabilities, their loved ones, and their caregivers. Our aim is to equip them with tools, resources, and information so that they can live more independent lives.

The IS-Able Center, located in Homewood at 244 West Valley Ave., Suite 206, operates five days a week and provides job readiness, computer and self-advocacy training, life skills, and depression and grief support groups. The center also does outreach programming in Birmingham-area high schools. The IS-Able Center also has job placement partnerships with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital Services and Sodexo, a food and facilities management company, with which Brown has had contracts with for years.

The Is-Able Center has come a long way. Nearly 20 years after the ADR moved Brown to Birmingham and helped him get his own apartment and a vehicle, he could operate himself, the IS Able nonprofit formed a partnership with Alabama Department of Rehabilitation (ADR) in 2017. “It came full circle, I went from being a client to being one of their service providers.” said Brown.

Future plans for the IS-Able organization include opening a transitional living facility similar to the one that changed Brown’s life. “That facility was a game-changer in my life,” he said. “With a transitional living facility, we would bring in people who are injured, train them, and give them the same services offered at our center.” “People in other states or rural communities would live at the facility for 30 to 90 days, and we’d provide them with those services, as well as physical therapy and occupational therapy to equip them to live an
independent life,” said Brown, adding that strategic plans are underway to open the transitional living facility, which he hopes to open in two years.

The Marion, Alabama, native never attended high school but earned a General Education Development (GED) diploma in 1998 and then went on to attend UAB, where he studied business finance for two years before leaving in 2000 to pursue his call in the ministry. In 2002, he began apprenticing under Bishop Steve Franklin of Covenant Heirs International Church in Birmingham and was ordained as a minister in 2004. On the spiritual side, Brown has authored several books, including “31 Principles for Daily Living: 31-Day Devotional and Journal” and “Moments of Inspiration: 52-Week Devotional and Journal.” He also speaks and works with various organizations, programs, and services to serve people with disabilities. Brown especially has a heart for those suffering from depression and grief and would often host support group meetings because of what he had been through.

Brown, a father of four—daughter, Marilyn, 29, twin sons, Isaac and Isaiah, 13; and his youngest son, Jeremiah, 6—looks back on his life before he found resources and says the memories have not faded. He considers being shot “a
blessing.” “If someone can say that being shot and becoming paralyzed is a blessing, that goes to show you they had a pretty rough life before that,” said Brown. “This led to me having a better life and becoming a better man. When I look in the mirror now, I like the man that I see. This was a blessing in disguise. He added, “If I had to go back and live my journey all over again, even becoming paralyzed, if it’s going to lead to being the man I am today and living the purpose I live now, I’d do it all over again.”

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Cheryl McNeil Fisher – Author, Motivational Speaker & Creator & Co-Host of Award-Winning Podcast

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, smiling warmly at the camera. She is wearing a light-colored, sleeveless top. The background is a solid, deep red color. The lighting is bright, giving the image a cheerful and vibrant feel.

Cheryl is the creator and co-host of the Award Winning podcast, Writing Works Wonders, a podcast and website that provides information, resources, and support for writers of all levels and abilities, as well as unforgettable interviews with Beginning authors and #1 NY Times Bestsellers. With over 25 years of experience as an author, speaker, life-coach and counselor, Cheryl brings a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to her listeners and clients. She is passionate about helping people discover and express their unique voice
and vision through writing and other creative outlets. Cheryl inspires audiences and readers to discover their strengths to face setbacks and reach their dreams. In her career and volunteer work, Cheryl advocates for children and adults with a full spectrum of unique traits. She co-hosts the widely popular podcast Writing Works Wonders with Kathy. She initiated Writing Works Wonders as a Zoom call through the American Council of the Blind. In the spring of 2021 she invited Kathy to join her as co-host on Writing Works Wonders. Part of the success of the series is the complementary nature of their personalities and skills, along with the dynamic team they have created. Her publications range from fiction to nonfiction. Her creative children’s books
nurture imagination, goodness, kindness, and thankfulness while introducing the lifestyles of differently abled people. Audiences benefit from Cheryl’s counseling background through her positive, supportive perspective. She uses technology extensively in marketing her book and author brand. Since childhood, Cheryl has experienced low vision but with contact lenses, had 20/30 vision. Then, in her early thirties, she experienced a sudden change that left her legally blind. This began Cheryl’s speaking career. “When life turns upside down, we grab on and make it the ride of our life!”

After losing most of her eyesight, she learned to adapt to her new reality. She has spoken to various audiences across the country, from schools and organizations to conferences and retreats, on topics such as overcoming challenges, living fully, and using a guide dog. She also offers spiritual counseling and coaching for individuals and groups who seek guidance
and empowerment. Cheryl’s motto is “Don’t give up. We are all differently abled. Let’s live in the solution.”

Cheryl lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband, retired guide dog, Sanka and current guide Raven.

Contact: [email protected]
www.CherylMcNeilFisher.com
www.WritingWorksWonders.com
[email protected]

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Scott Falcone – Director Statewide Outreach Services, South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind

A man with short, dark hair and glasses. He is smiling broadly, showing his teeth. He is wearing a dark suit, a white shirt, and a dark tie. The background is somewhat blurred, but it appears to be an indoor setting with other people present. The lighting is soft and warm.

Scott Falcone is a Division Director, The of Outreach Services at South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Previously, Scott was a Board Member at the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) and held positions at State of South Carolina.

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Cary Baxter, MD – Ophthalmologist / Retina Specialist

A young man with short, dark brown hair and a light complexion. He is wearing a dark blue suit, a white dress shirt, and a light green tie. He is smiling slightly and standing in front of a background that includes some greenery and a brick wall. The lighting suggests it is taken outdoors, possibly in a garden or park setting.

Cary Baxter, MD, was born in North Carolina, but spent most of his life in Birmingham, AL. He attended undergraduate school at The University of Alabama and was a member of the baseball team during his time at the university. Dr. Baxter received his medical degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) prior to completing ophthalmology residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he served as chief resident during the 2022-23 academic year. Dr. Baxter is currently in his final year of surgical retinal fellowship at Retina Specialists of Alabama. His particular areas of interest include prevention and treatment of retinal detachment, and treatment of macular diseases. He currently lives in Birmingham with his wife, Allie, and 9-month-old daughter, Ruth.

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Jack S. Parker, MD – Cornea Specialist/Surgeon

A man standing and smiling at the camera. He is wearing blue medical scrubs and glasses. The background appears to be a medical or clinical setting, with equipment that looks like it could be used for eye examinations or surgeries. The man has short, light brown hair and a friendly expression.

Dr. Jack S. Parker is the highest volume corneal transplant surgeon in the world. He is the only American ever trained directly by the inventor of partial corneal transplantation, Dr. Gerrit Melles, who he spent 10 years working with in Rotterdam, Holland. He is the author of hundreds of scientific articles and books dedicated to complicated cornea, and practices locally at Parker Cornea, a high-volume referral-based practice with seven locations (and counting) in Alabama and Mississippi.

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Dennis Gilliam, Ed.D., – President of AIDB

A middle-aged man with short brown hair and a light complexion. He is wearing a gray suit jacket, a light blue dress shirt, and a patterned tie. He has a slight smile on his face and is standing indoors, with a blurred background that includes a doorway and some natural light coming through windows.

Dr. Dennis Gilliam, Ed.D. assumed the role of eighteenth President of AIDB on September 1, 2023. Prior to this position, Dr. Gilliam served as AIDB’s Vice President of Instructional Programs. Dr. Gilliam is a veteran educator with over 30 years of classroom and administrative experience in special education programs and outreach. In addition to his role as Vice President of Instructional Programs, Dr. Gilliam has also served as Executive Director of Special Projects, Special Education Coordinator for AIDB, Middle/High School Academic Director at Alabama School for the Deaf and High School Mathematics Teacher at Alabama School for the Blind.

“It is my distinct honor to be named the next President of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. I have spent nearly all of my life in commitment to AIDB and am dedicated to an expectation of excellence, ensuring the level of service we have come to expect from AIDB statewide and throughout the nation,” said Gilliam. “It is a humbling realization that the AIDB Board of Trustees is entrusting me to lead this amazing institution that has provided me, and my family, limitless opportunities to grow, learn and succeed.”

Dr. Gilliam earned a Doctor of Education, Deaf Studies Deaf Education; Educational Administration Certification; Visual Impairment Education Certification; and a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Secondary Education, Mathematics. Dr. Gilliam also completed the STAR/CAEBER/AEBPD Schools on Bi-Lingual/Bi-Cultural (Deaf) Education program.

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Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw – Commissioner, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

A professional headshot of a woman. She has light skin, shoulder-length light brown hair, and is smiling. She is wearing a black blazer over a white top and a necklace with large, round beads. The background is a blurred mix of soft colors, giving a neutral and professional appearance.

Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw is the ADRS Commissioner. She began her career with ADRS in 1998 as a rehabilitation counselor for SAIL, and then for Vocational Rehab Service. She served as a Rehab Specialist from 2001 to 2009 coordinating staff training and development. She was promoted in 2009 to serve as the Director of the Human Resources Department until her appointment as Commissioner in 2016. Her academic credentials included an undergraduate degree in psychology and a graduate degree in counseling and human development.

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Ashley Townsend – Assistant Commissioner and Director of Special Programs, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

A man with short, light brown hair and fair skin. He is wearing a blue and white checkered button-up shirt. The background appears to be an office setting with a window on the left side, letting in some natural light. There are some office items visible, such as a desk, a computer monitor, and some papers. The man has a neutral expression on his face.

Ashley Townsend has worked for ADRS since 2009. He served as a field supervisor from 2009 to 2014. In 2014 he was promoted to Director of Special Programs. In 2022 he was named as the Assistant Commissioner of Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. His academic credentials include an undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation from Troy University and a graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Alabama Birmingham.

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Senator Lance Bell – Alabama Senate, District 11

A middle-aged man with short, light brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He is wearing a dark blue suit, a white dress shirt, and a patterned tie with shades of gold and blue. The background is a textured, muted greenish-gray color. The man is smiling slightly and looking directly at the camera.

Lance Bell is the Senator for Alabama Senate, District 11 serving Shelby, St. Clair and Talladega Counties. Lance is a life-long St. Clair County resident. Lance practices law throughout the State of Alabama handling both plaintiff and civil matters as well as providing criminal defense services to his clients.
Lance worked for the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office while obtaining his bachelor and law degree. Lance has been recognized by the Director of the FBI for his dedication and contributions to law enforcement involving a joint Federal and State kidnapping case. Lance was Chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Party for six years and is currently the Chairman of the 3rd Congressional District Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee.

Lance has served/serves on several committees including Judiciary; State Governmental Affairs; Healthcare; Children and Youth Health; Tourism; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety; Shelby County Legislation and Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment. Lance has been active in politics for many years, even writing local legislation for St. Clair County.

Lance serves as the municipal judge for Ashville, Riverside, Childersburg, Ragland, and Ohatchee while prosecuting for the City of Pell City. Lance and his wife Holly have two boys, Hudson and Holden.

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Thank you to all our Presenters/Speakers for being part of the 2024 Alabama Conference and Convention.

Conference Exhibits

Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APTAT) (Formerly STAR program)

Jessica McKay
Email: [email protected]
236 Goodwin Crest Drive
Homewood, Alabama 35209
Phone: (205) 290-4300

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ADRS VRT & O&M Information

Marge Lebrick
Email: [email protected]
236 Goodwin Crest Drive
Homewood, Alabama 35209
Phone: (205) 290-4308

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AIDB AIRA-Gentry

Doug Nixon
Email: [email protected]
1105 Fort Lashley Avenue
Talladega, Alabama 35160
Phone: (256) 761-3684

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AIDB – Assistive Technology (AT)

Kerry Dean
Email: [email protected]
220 34th Street South
Birmingham, Alabama 35222
Phone: (205) 328-3989

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AIDB Birmingham Regional Center

Stephanie Sims
Email: [email protected]
3420 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35222
Business phone: (205) 328-3989,
(256) 589-5468 (Stephanie Sims)

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AIDB Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT)

Mary “Katy” Reid
Email: [email protected]
Physical address:
205 South Street East
Talladega, AL 35160
Mailing address:
P O BOX 698
Talladega, Alabama 35161
Business phone: (256) 589-1835
(Director of CATT Stephanie Pizza)
Contact Phone: (256) 589-8421 (Katy Reid)

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AIDB Huntsville Consumer Store

Crystal Minter
Email: [email protected]
4092 Memorial Parkway SW Suite 105
Huntsville, Alabama 35803
Phone: (256) 539-7881

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AIDB iCanConnect

Sybil Garrett
Email: [email protected]
1105 Fort Lashley Avenue
Talladega, Alabama 35160
Phone: (256) 761-3500

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Alabama Association for the Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, (AERBVI)

Steve Sullivan
Email: [email protected]
6429 Pinehurst Run
Mobile, Alabama 36608
Phone: (251) 599-2808

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Alabama Business Enterprise Program (BEP)

Deborah Myrick
Email: [email protected]
602 South Lawrence Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Phone: (334) 293-7253

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Alabama Council of the Blind – Huntsville Chapter

Jenny Lux
Email: [email protected]
2075 Fisher Street SW Apt A4
Huntsville, Alabama 35803
Phone: (256) 425-7559 (Jenny Lux) or
(256) 603-8937 (Nancy Pendegraph)

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Alabama Industries for the Blind

Jeff Papalia
Email: [email protected]
1209 Fort Lashley Avenue
Talladega, Alabama 35160
Phone: (256) 761-3512

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Alabama Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled

Rhonda Napier
Email: [email protected]
6030 Monticello Drive
Montgomery, Alabama 36117
Phone: (334) 213-3906

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A T Guys

Damashe Thomas
Email: [email protected]
219 Old Orchard Place
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49306
Business phone: (269) 216-4798
Cell: (470) 535-2338 (Damashe Thomas)

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Blind Girl Designs

Tricia Waechter
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.blindgirldesigns.com
Houston, Texas
Phone: (862) 448-1011

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Blind Limitless Clothing LLC

Haarem Averitte
Email: [email protected]
P.O. BOX 1281
Talladega, Alabama 35160
Phone: (470) 726-7648

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Emerald Coast Vision Aids

Adam Suitor
Email: [email protected]
163 East Burgess Road
Pensacola, Florida 32503
Phone: (850) 473-8081

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JW.ORG

Patrick Pegues
Email: [email protected]
861 Cody Circle
Fultondale, Alabama 35068
Phone: (205) 901-0548

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Lakeshore Foundation

Chris Thomason
Email: [email protected]
4000 Ridgeway Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Phone: (205) 313-7400

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OrCam Inc.

Andrew Planchard
Email [email protected]
1115 Broadway, 11th Floor
New York, New York 10010
Phone: (225) 210-3776

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Tactile Engineering

Wunji Lau
Email: [email protected]
3601 Sagamore Parkway North, Suite C
Lafayette, Indiana 47904
Business phone: (317) 201-5335
(765) 532-4534 (Dave Schleppenbach, cell)

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UAB Department of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Jason Vice and Mrs. Sarah Beth Spraberry
Email: [email protected]
UAB School of Health Professions
1720 University Blvd., SHP 342
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
Phone: (205) 996-9497

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United Way Area Agency On Aging (UWAAA)

Ashley Lemsky
Email: [email protected]
3600 8th Avenue South
Birmingham, Alabama 35232
Phone: (800) 243-5463

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Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Services, Birmingham VA Health Care System

Venita Beaty
Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST) Coordinator)
Email: [email protected]
700 19th Street South
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Phone: (205) 933-4389

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2024 Alabama Conference and Convention.
Have a safe trip home!