AIDB E. H. Gentry Facility

12/19/2025

✨Season's Greetings from the Staff and Students at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind✨

Since 1858, AIDB has been more than a place of learning; it has been a home where holiday traditions warm our hearts and connect generations. Like a family, we embrace traditions old and new, including a cherished addition: Our First Lady, Debbie Gilliam, selecting a Christmas story and creating a lesson plan for young and old. At the annual Christmas party at the President's Home, students receive their own copy of the book—precious keepsakes for many. Through music, laughter, and the joy of gathering together, we celebrate traditions that inspire learning and memories that continue to shape our future.
— Happy Holidays from our family to yours, Dennis and Debbie Gilliam, President and First Lady.

12/18/2025

The Christmas Program will be live-streamed starting at 12:45 p.m. today.

https://aidb.zoom.us/j/87515086449?pwd=dFZTuQIa6Xup7X0FCLJAl0b7fofaar.1

12/17/2025

Congratulations to Raymond Kelley for winning the Services for the Blind “Student of the Month” for November. The category for November was “Resilience”. Raymond is a prime example of a resilient individual. He has persevered through adversity, tragedy, medical issues as well as losing his sight during difficult times. Despite it all, Raymond has continued to stay positive, pursue his goals, be committed to his E.H. Gentry program and above all show kindness and support to others. Raymond shows us that you can have vision without sight and that with a little hope, faith and dedication, you can overcome and achieve great things.

photo descriptions: Raymond facing the camera against a white painted cinderblock wall and is smiling big. He is wearing glasses, a gray short-sleeved T-shirt, and a black lanyard around his neck. He holds a certificate with both hands at chest level. The certificate is blue/white and reads "Certificate- Student of the Month, awarded to Raymond Kelley".

12/16/2025

🌟 AIDB is getting into the Holiday Spirit! 🌟

On Sunday, students from ASB, ASD, E.H. Gentry, and Helen Keller gathered to enjoy sweet treats, hot chocolate, and "The Christmas Owl". 🦉

The students loved spending time with AIDB President, Dr. Dennis Gilliam and First Lady, Debbie Gilliam. They also enjoyed taking pictures, getting to meet the ‘Owl’, and some even ventured outside to hang up ornaments on a live tree. 🎄

Copies in braille and print were available for students to take home.📖

12/15/2025

https://www.annistonstar.com/the_daily_home/dh_news/brothers-build-entrepreneurial-skills-through-business-enterprise-program/article_24432987-a03d-4c50-ae4d-47a869a9fde2.html?utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

TALLADEGA — Brothers Mason, 29, and Marshall Smith, 27, of Jacksonville are building career skills and confidence at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind’s E.H. Gentry Campus in Talladega.

12/15/2025

E.H. Gentry Dual Enrollment Program would like to wish a hearty congratulations to our Fall 2025 graduates Christopher O'Neill and Hareem Averitte.

Mr. O'Neill is graduating this semester with his Associate of Science (A.S) Degree in General Studies from Central Alabama Community College (CACC) with a 3.588 GPA!. He will transfer to Jacksonville State University (JSU) in January of 2026 to continue his studies in Computer Data Science and Minoring in Entrepreneurship While enrolled at CACC, Mr. O'Neill was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Mr. Averitte will graduate on December 18, 2025 with his Associates of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in Marketing-Cum Laude from Gadsden State Community College (GSCC). He plans to use his new marketing degree to boost sales on his Vendor Route and with his Clothing Line, Blind Limitless Clothing. While enrolled, Mr. Averitte was enrolled as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Congratulations to both Chris and Hareem!

12/15/2025

🌟 Your Voice Matters! 🌟

At AIDB we’re shaping the future - and we want you to be part of it. As we develop our next Strategic Plan, your feedback will help guide our goals and priorities for the years ahead.

💬 Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us continue building a stronger, more inclusive AIDB community!

👉 Click here to take the survey: https://bit.ly/48vMsq2

Thank you for helping us make a difference for individuals who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, and those with multiple disabilities across Alabama and beyond.

12/03/2025

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day where we can celebrate the diverse abilities and contributions of individuals with disabilities worldwide. 🌎

We are reminded on this day that inclusion isn't just a goal; it's a fundamental human right. With the help of supporters like you, AIDB is breaking the barriers, amplifying voices, and creating a community where everyone can thrive, which can all be seen in this video.

📢 Let's champion accessibility, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusivity for all!

12/02/2025

📢 Today is the day -- it's Giving Tuesday! You can give now at https://www.aidb.org/donations

Your gift can be designated to a specific program or can be used to support the mission of AIDB.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue providing essential programs, resources, and limitless opportunities to our AIDB Family. There are so many ways to help! You can donate directly through our donation page, share this post to spread awareness, and encourage friends and family to join you in giving back. 🎁

Thank you for supporting and believing in the work done at AIDB.

Give today >>> https://www.aidb.org/donations

11/27/2025

11/26/2025

Get ready to hit the pavement for a powerful cause!
The Alabama Warriors adult goalball team is hosting our inaugural Warrior 5K Race Dash on January 31, 2026, in Talladega!
This fun fundraising event will help us cover the costs of travel, equipment, and other supplies so we can compete in our upcoming tournaments.
We'd love to have you join us! Lace up your shoes, enjoy a great run, and show your support for the team.
Ready to dash? Secure your spot by registering here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Talladega/WarriorDash5K (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Talladega/WarriorDash5K&source=gmail-imap&ust=1755698912000000&usg=AOvVaw20i6_WQFcQElhmUXjB7haB)

11/24/2025

Congratulations to Rickoy Johnson for being recognized as the Student of the Month in the Services for the Blind. The category was Innovation & Creativity. As a student at the Georgia Academy for the Blind, Rickoy played on the Goalball team. When he became a student at E.H. Gentry, he saw the potential of establishing a Gentry Goalball team. Through innovation, creativity and determination, he began to advocate and promote the benefits of forming a Goalball team. With administrative support and students/staff enthusiasm, the vision became a reality! The E.H. Gentry Goalball team has since played in tournaments in Atlanta and Colorado. Rickoy is a Dual Enrollment student who maintains good grades in all of his college classes. His friends refer to him as friendly and a good listener who is always encouraging and helping others. Congratulations!

Photo Description:
Rickoy is standing indoors in front of a colorful bulletin board. The board features bright artwork, including large multicolored flowers made from paper handprints and the words “We are each unique and beautiful, but together we are a masterpiece”. He is smiling warmly and wearing a gray jacket over white outfit and has a lanyard around his neck. Rickoy is holding a white cane and a certificate of recognition.