Kimberly Baker

The strategic plan for the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) outlines a five-year roadmap guided by ten core standards. Its primary mission is to prepare individuals to reach their limitless potential through superior staff, facilities, training, and programs. The plan focuses on key areas including Leadership and Governance, Instruction and Learning, Outreach and Expansion, Finances and Resources, Risk Management, Technology, Workforce Development and Management, Rights of Persons Served, Health and Safety, and Stakeholder Involvement and Input. The overarching vision is to be a recognized leader in diverse education, rehabilitation, and employment programs for individuals who are deaf, blind, deafblind, and multidisabled, enabling them to achieve their full potential in education, independence, and career.

The 2021-2026 Strategic Plan for Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) focuses on transforming the lives of those served by promoting ten core standards. The plan emphasizes preparing individuals to reach their limitless potential through superior staff, facilities, training, and programs. Key areas include leadership and governance, instruction and learning, outreach and expansion, finances and resources, risk management, technology, workforce development and management, rights of persons served, health and safety, and stakeholder involvement and input. The plan aims to enhance equity in community and school environments for individuals with vision and hearing loss, and to act as a valuable resource for all stakeholders.

The meeting addressed the authorization to award certificates or diplomas to 34 graduates. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the purchase of GRIN software, a database program needed to meet requirements of a multi-million dollar contract with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). The software will improve data management and reporting across various programs. A financial report was presented, showing the financial status of the Adult, AIB, and Children and Youth divisions. The report included details on cash, accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable, and net position. Discussion also included the completed demolition of Rogers Hall and the upcoming construction of a new building, renovations to Graves Hall, and water damage restoration at AIB. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting addressed key issues including authorization to award diplomas to graduating students, the purchase of GRIN software to improve data management and reporting to the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, review of financial and construction reports, and personnel matters discussed in an executive session. The software purchase was approved, along with the financial report. The construction report detailed the completion of Rogers Hall demolition, bids for new construction and renovations, and other ongoing projects. Personnel actions, including non-renewals, suspensions, and grant of non-probationary status for several employees, were approved during an executive session.