The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation (AIDB) was created in 1980 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to encourage private support for AIDB’s charitable, educational, research and training programs. The Foundation provides funding for a vast array of programs and projects at AIDB including major construction and renovation of facilities, development of new and expanding programs, and experiences in academics, student life, outreach, and the arts, that otherwise cannot be offered.
Since 1980, the AIDB Foundation has raised private funds to support the mission for AIDB. AIDB does not charge tuition or room and board, nor does it benefit from local tax support. Foundation funds provide students with the most innovative technology and deliver on the promise of limitless opportunities. More importantly, AIDB is able to make the seemingly impossible possible by delivering hope, building self-esteem and fostering confidence and independence within every individual, regardless of their challenges. Across AIDB’s campuses in Talladega, 10 Regional Centers throughout the state, including one in Birmingham that is currently being renovated, Alabama Industries for the Blind, Outreach Program, AIDB Foundation-funded projects such as the Hawkins Chapel, Marianna Greene Henry (MGH) Special Equestrian Arena and Joe Tom Armbrester Agricultural Center have changed the lives of countless students and adults.
Endowment opportunities exist in seven major areas including Presidential Endowment, Academic, Student Life, Learning Resources, Institute Outreach, Human Resources, and Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program.
Mission Statement
To encourage private support for charitable, educational, and training programs at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.
Highlights
The Foundation constructed a fully accessible playground at the Helen Keller School of Alabama – only one of two in the State of Alabama (2022).
The Foundation purchased new band uniforms and instruments for the Alabama School for the Blind students and helped facilitate their trip to Boston to play in the Lions Club International Parade of Nations (2023).
The Foundation renovated the Alabama School for the Deaf Student Recreation Center (2023).
The Foundation purchased two fully accessible vans for the Talladega Regional Center to transport individuals in the community with hearing and vision loss to and from medical appointments.
The Foundation provides field trips to the Birmingham Zoo, McWane Center, Children’s Theatre, and other cultural activities for AIDB students throughout the school year.
The Foundation equipped the Alabama School for the Blind’s Piano Lab with Mac Studios and Displays (2023).
The Foundation purchased two therapy horses for MGH Special Equestrian Program (2023).
In 2023, the Foundation provided $17,000 in college scholarships to graduating seniors.
AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation
205 South Street East, Talladega, AL 35160
(256) 761-3318 • aidb.org/foundation
