VR sponsors summer transition programs around the state

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and its partners have had a busy summer conducting transition programs at colleges throughout the state to help students prepare for life after high school. These programs have provided hands-on lessons designed to develop and improve independent living skills for people with disabilities. The agenda differed from school to

Rehab engineering workshop under construction in Anniston

Construction is currently under way on a new rehabilitation engineering work and storage space for the Anniston area. The 864-square-foot workshop, which is being built behind the ADRS facility on Coleman Road in Anniston, will include a 24′ x 24′ workshop with work benches and a wash-out sink as well as a storage loft. The

SAIL, Carpenters for Christ partner to provide ramps to consumers

The brutal Alabama heat and humidity could not erase the smiles on the faces of the Carpenters for Christ volunteers as they worked on one of their most recent projects. The group, which operates through First Baptist Church of Tallassee, has assisted Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Independent Living Specialist Sharon Weaver in providing wheelchair

New board member Leah Patterson Lust ‘eager to serve’

For new Alabama Board of Rehabilitation Services member and Cullman native Leah Patterson Lust, the opportunity to represent Congressional District 4 is a duty she takes very seriously. Lust, who sustained a spinal cord injury at age 17 in a car accident and uses a wheelchair for mobility, will provide the board with a more-detailed

Guide Dogs for the Blind staff offer glimpse of the ‘guide dog lifestyle’ (photo gallery)

Staff from Guide Dogs for the Blind were in Alabama recently for a training and workshop for ADRS staff and consumers. The group’s stay began with a two-day training session for orientation and mobility specialists from ADRS and other entities, including the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, E.H. Gentry, and Birmingham-area school systems. Class

READI-Net offers medical aspects of disability training for employers (photo gallery)

More than 100 people, representing some 50 employers, recently attended the Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability in the Workplace mini-conference at the Trussville Civic Center. The daylong workshop featured a number of expert panels discussing orthopedic disorders, internal disorders, deafness/hearing loss, reasonable accommodations, mental illness and cognitive disorders, and trauma disorders. Participating employers included

New clinic ‘one-stop shop’ for youngsters with craniofacial disorders (photo gallery)

Homewood’s CRS office recently launched a clinic to specifically address the orthodontics needs of children with craniofacial disorders. The CRS Orthodontic Clinic for Craniofacial Disorders – first held this past summer – offers a one-stop shop for consumers with craniofacial anomalies. The new clinic is the only one of its kind in the state and

Employers weigh in on value of VR services at business roundtable (photo gallery)

  Representatives from 20 employers from around the state gathered recently for a business roundtable on disability in the workplace. Alabama was one of five states – California, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania being the others – to participate in the event as part of the Council for State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation’s strategic planning initiative, known

OASIS program marks 30th anniversary (photo gallery)

OASIS, the department’s program serving older Alabamians with vision loss, celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Oct. 17 meeting of the OASIS Advisory Council. The program began in 1987 with funding from a competitive grant and has served more than 30,000 people since its inception, 1,044 of them in FY16. The program is nationally recognized

VRS summer programs teach students skills for college, work life (photo gallery)

Dozens of transition students from throughout the state have gained exposure to work and college life through a number of programs sponsored and presented by Vocational Rehabilitation Service this summer. The programs, held at various locations around Alabama, are designed to prepare students to transition to work and/or post-secondary education.    

Board holds quarterly meeting at ADRS Lakeshore (photo gallery + video)

The Alabama Board of Rehabilitation Services held its recent quarterly meeting at the ADRS Lakeshore office. Paige Hebson, field supervisor at ADRS Lakeshore, spoke to the group about the services provided through her office. Also addressing the group was Beth Curry, who works at the nearby Lakeshore Foundation. Following the meeting, the board as well

JeffCo high schoolers begin Career Journey with stop at UAB (photo gallery)

More than 120 high school students from 30 Jefferson County schools are participating this week in “Money Express” at the Collat School of Business on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “Money Express” was developed by Stephanie Yates, an associate professor in the UAB School of Business and director of the Institute of

EI Update draws professionals, families (photo gallery)

  The 16th Annual Early Intervention Update was May 23 at University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa. The daylong event was sponsored by Three Rivers Early Intervention District VII Coordinating Council, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (for Alabama’s Early Intervention System), and Auburn University Montgomery. The morning began with Lauren Wilson, the parent of a child

Deaf Services celebrates 30th anniversary of annual training

VRS-Deaf Services recently marked the 30th anniversary of their annual training retreat at Alabama’s 4-H Center in Columbiana. Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw joined the group for day two of the three-day training, where she provided an update to staff on departmental activities and led a mock interview session for 33 juniors and seniors from the Alabama School for

Kids Wish Network honors Tuscaloosa CRS consumer (photo gallery)

Ashlyn Wilson, a CRS consumer from Tuscaloosa, was named April’s Hero of the Month by the Kids Wish Network. To celebrate the honor, staff in the Tuscaloosa CRS office sponsored a party for Ashlyn and her family, complete with pizza and cupcakes. Ashlyn, who has Down syndrome and bilateral hearing loss, loves cheerleaders and cheerleading,

Older Alabamians learn IL skills at Camp SAVI (photo gallery)

Seven seniors with visual impairments are attending Camp SAVI (seniors adjusting to visual impairments) at E.H. Gentry in Talladega this week. The camp, in its seventh year, teaches skills that help the participants remain independent in their homes. The program also features sessions to educate the relatives of the seniors about issues faced by people

ADRS staff re-locating to newly completed facility (photo gallery)

Earlier this week, the Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) and State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) offices in Tuscaloosa began moving to their new location at 1400 James I. Harrison Jr. Parkway E. When the move is complete, the 56,000-square-foot, three-story complex – owned and built by Easter Seals West Alabama – will house some 60

Business relations consultants gather for quarterly meeting (photo gallery)

Staff from the ADRS Business Relations Program held their quarterly meeting at Cheaha State Park earlier this week. The three-day retreat included sessions on important employment issues as well as updates on the RAVE program, business relations consultant specialty areas, and the U.S. Business Leadership Network.

EI conference draws 500 to Montgomery (photo gallery)

Some 500 parents and early intervention and preschool professionals are gathering in Montgomery this week for the Early Intervention and Preschool Conference. The theme of this year’s conference is “Once Upon a Time … Everyone Has a Story.” The opening session for the two-and-a-half-day conference featured the Harrison family of Tuscaloosa, who shared their personal story

Muscle Shoals office re-locates to new facility (photo gallery)

The Children’s Rehabilitation Service office and clinic in Muscle Shoals is in the process of moving to its new facility. The 5,000-square-foot building is newly renovated to include a spacious clinic, state-of-the-art audiology suite, and offices for the six-member staff. The office serves almost 400 children with special health care needs in the Muscle Shoals

New Tuscaloosa complex progressing on schedule (video, photo gallery)

Work continues on schedule on the new office complex for the ADRS offices in Tuscaloosa. The facility, which is owned and being built by Easter Seals West Alabama, is on James I. Harrison Jr. Parkway East, near the current location of the Tuscaloosa office for Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) and State of Alabama Independent Living

Summer hectic time as CRS offices host wheelchair washes (photo gallery)

Summer is a busy time for CRS offices around the state as they host events for their families. The events give staff an opportunity to interact with and get to know families in a fun, relaxed environment. Enjoy these snapshots from events held in Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and Muscle Shoals.

Commissioner visits Muscle Shoals offices, Blind Services staff retreat (photo gallery)

Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw visited the CRS and VRS offices in Muscle Shoals recently, introducing herself to and getting to know staff serving the northwest section of the state. While in the area, Burdeshaw also toured the new facility for Muscle Shoals CRS, which is currently being renovated. CRS staff are scheduled to re-locate to their new building Oct. 1.

Mississippi State-ADRS study examines efficacy of summer work program

VRS-Blind Services is partnering with Mississippi State University for a two-year study on the impact of job skills training on students with visual impairments who are participating in the department’s summer work experience program. The test group includes students age 16-22 who receive one-week job search skills training developed by Mississippi State University’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on

ICC honors retiring commissioner (photo gallery)

  The Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) for early intervention services honored ADRS Commissioner Cary Boswell at its June 8 meeting. The group presented Boswell, who is retiring June 30, with a signed and inscribed copy of the book ‘Sweet Dreams: 5-Minute Bedtime Stories.’ Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind President John Mascia, who serves on

Camp teaches IL skills to seniors with vision loss (video, photo gallery)

Eight seniors with visual impairments attended the sixth edition of Camp SAVI (seniors adjusting to visual impairments) at E.H. Gentry Technical Facility in Talladega last week. Held each spring, the camp teaches skills to help participants remain independent in their homes. The program also features sessions to educate the relatives of the seniors about issues faced

Construction continues on Tuscaloosa facility (photo gallery)

  Work is progressing on the 56,000-square-foot facility that will house the ADRS offices in Tuscaloosa. The complex, owned by Easter Seals West Alabama, will boast three floors, with Alabama’s Early Intervention System offices and Children’s Rehabilitation Service offices and clinic space occupying the first floor and office space for Vocational Rehabilitation Service and State of

VR supervisors gather for annual training retreat (photo gallery)

VRS supervisors gathered this week for their annual training retreat at the 4H Center in Columbiana. The three-day training included sessions on quality control, the legal implications of supervision, innovative approaches to management and supervision, and dealing with difficult people. The group also participated in group activities that were designed to foster a sense of cohesion

Teen Transition Career Fair draws crowd (photo gallery, video)

Students and teachers from schools throughout the Birmingham area gathered March 16 for Teen Transition Career Fair 2016. The half-day event was sponsored by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Exceptional Education Department and Career Technical Program of Bessemer City Schools. More than 300 students flocked to the Bessemer Civic Center to learn about

Birmingham CRS district office adds new administrative space

Seven members of the 11-person staff in CRS’ Birmingham district office are moving this week into a larger administrative space. The suites of offices is on Highland Avenue in Birmingham, less than two miles from the district’s clinic space at Children’s of Alabama. “The clinic area at Children’s is fine,” said Social Work Administrative/Office Coordinator

Conference offers ‘colorful’ training for parents, providers

Alabama’s Early Intervention System (EI) and the District II and District III councils of the Early Intervention Council collaborated to present the “Color Your World Early Intervention Conference” on Feb. 25 in Homewood. The one-day conference, which featured 11 distinct sessions, provided a training opportunity for early intervention professionals as well as parents. The conference

GATE Program paves way out of sheltered workshops

A program developed by ADRS-Supported Employment and the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) is preparing adults with significant disabilities for competitive employment. The GATE (gaining access to employment) Program is for individuals who have previously worked in sheltered workshops. Participants rotate through a series of jobs that provide real-world work experience designed to help them excel in a competitive work environment.

Students around state attend Smart Work Ethics training

Transition-age students around the state are participating in a new course that focuses on the development of the “soft” skills necessary to help them succeed in the workplace. The eight-part course – known as Smart Work Ethics – focuses on attitude and work ethic development; dress code, hygiene and grooming standards; interpersonal skills; problem solving and critical thinking; organizationals

ADRS Med Aspects conference offers training opportunity for staff

The ADRS Medical Aspects of Disability Conference attracted some 250 EI, CRS, VRS, and SAIL staff to the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham. The two-day conference featured 16 distinct concurrent sessions on such topics as diabetes, dementia, traumatic brain injury and vision, dysphagia, professional ethics, seizures and epilepsy, spasticity management, Parkinson’s disease, “hearing privilege,” and stroke.

Teen Transition Clinic important piece of ADRS ‘continuum of services’

The transition to adult life is difficult, but it can be especially complicated for teenagers with disabilities. There are a number of challenges to consider: postsecondary education, work, family life, adult health care, functional independence and mobility, independent living, and recreation. In terms of transition, one size does not fit all. Each individual faces unique

10th Technology Symposium for the Blind attracts 300 visitors

The 10th Technology Symposium for the Blind was held Jan. 7 at the E.H. Gentry Facility in Talladega. More than 300 people attended eight concurrent sessions, visited the 15+ exhibitors, and saw the ‘self-driving’ 2016 Honda Pilot. The new Pilot features Honda Sensing™ technology, a suite of technologies designed to expand the driver’s situational awareness while sensing and

Printer adds new dimension to rehab technology

A new gadget is giving the department’s rehabilitation technology specialists another way to create assistive technology devices for consumers. The new LulzBot TAZ 5 3D printer allows rehab tech specialists to design and then print assistive devices customized to meet the individual needs of consumers. 3D printers use plastic to generate successive layers and create an object. Different

Inaugural Fall Festival draws large crowd in Anniston

The Early Intervention and Children’s Rehabilitation Service staff in the Anniston office recently sponsored a Fall Festival for area consumers and their families. Spearheaded by CRS Social Work Administrator Stacie Rolf and CRS Nurse Coordinator Amy McQueen, the inaugural festival attracted some 200 children and families. The event featured games, face-painting, prizes, and treats. Local

Tuscaloosa SAIL staff collect household items for consumers and families

  Staff in the Tuscaloosa SAIL office recently collected household and personal hygiene items for SAIL consumers. The drive, which began Oct. 1 and wrapped up in early November, brought in enough items for 41 bags. Items collected include paper towels, laundry detergent, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, facial tissue, and deodorant. Donations were received from ADRS

Site prep begins for new Tuscaloosa facility

  Site preparation is underway at the location of the new ADRS facility in Tuscaloosa. The facility, which is owned and being built by Easter Seals West Alabama, will be on James I. Harrison Jr. Parkway East, a short distance from the current location of the Tuscaloosa VRS-SAIL office. The 56,000-square-foot complex will feature three floors,

31st EI and Preschool Conference ‘knocks it out of the park’

The 31st Early Intervention and Preschool Conference is being held this week in Montgomery. The two-and-a-half day conference includes sessions on positioning equipment for children with special needs, promoting positive behavior, child-guided assessment, transition to preschool, strategies for improving social-pragmatic communication skills, EI in child-care settings, assistive technology for children with complex communication needs, maternal

ADRS team assesses accessibility at Career Centers statewide

A team of ADRS staff members has begun the daunting task of reviewing the accessibility of all 48 of the Career Center’s main and satellite offices around the state. The group is comprised of Governor’s Office on Disability Executive Director Graham Sisson, Rehabilitation Technology Specialist Michael Papp, Rehabilitation Technology Specialist for the Deaf Daniel Lute, Blind Services

Wounded Warrior visits CRS Limb Deficiency Clinic

Children attending today’s Homewood CRS Limb Deficiency Clinic had the opportunity to visit with a soldier who lost a limb as a result of a service-related injury. The visit was part of a pilot program of the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2). If successful, the program will be expanded to sites in San Diego and

300 attend Muscle Shoals CRS carnival, wheelchair wash

Earlier this month, the CRS office in Muscle Shoals hosted the inaugural Carnival and Wheelchair Wash for children with special health care needs. The carnival, planned and coordinated by Muscle Shoals CRS staff, attracted 300 local children and adults, with 40 volunteers pitching in to wash 25 wheelchairs. The free event was held at Spring

Birmingham-area artist volunteers time at Homewood CRS clinic

A popular art program at the CRS office in Homewood is continuing, thanks to the generosity of a Birmingham-area artist and Homewood CRS staff. Since 2005, the program – funded through a grant to VSA Alabama – has given children attending clinics at the Homewood office an opportunity to explore their artistic side while waiting

Shelby County Career Prep program participants learn teamwork

The 2015 session of Shelby County Career Prep continues this week. The nine-day workshop, which began last June 2, prepares high school juniors and seniors with disabilities for the world of work. Last week, the students traveled to Camp McDowell in Winston County to participate in a number of fun activities designed to foster a

Parents, professionals gather for 14th Early Intervention Update

Parents and early intervention providers and other professionals gathered in Tuscaloosa today for the 14th Annual Early Intervention Update. The event was sponsored by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (for Alabama’s Early Intervention System) and the Three Rivers Early Intervention District VII Coordinating Council. Some 200 participants attended the one-day workshop, which featured sessions

Camp helps older Alabamians adapt to vision loss

  The fifth edition of Camp SAVI (Seniors Adapting to Vision Impairments) is being held this week in Talladega. The weeklong camp – sponsored by the department’s OASIS program, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, and E.H. Gentry Technical Facility – teaches independent living skills to older Alabamians with vision loss. This session’s eight

Students explore career options at Birmingham-area Transition Career Fair

Some 300 students with disabilities, parents, and educators attended today’s Teen Transition Career Fair held at Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham. Students and educators from Bessemer City, Birmingham, Fairfield, Homewood, Hoover, Jefferson County, Midfield, Mountain Brook, Tarrant, and Vestavia Hills school systems participated in the half-day event, which featured more than 75 exhibitors sharing information

North Alabama transition event prepares students for work world

More than 150 high school students from Limestone and Morgan counties recently participated in Transition Mentoring Day on the campus of Calhoun Community College in Tanner. The half-day event – sponsored by VRS and the North Alabama Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities – featured sessions on disability awareness, job interviewing skills, employment readiness,