AWARDS Ronnie Garrett, Steve Sullivan, Employer of the Year, Professional of the Year
HIGHLIGHTS Steve Sullivan, Lee Sonnenberg, Mayor Gary Fuller
Julie Brock Scholarship Chair presents the Billy Don Sims Scholarship to LaTonya R. Chatman
BDS SCHOLARSHIP
This year’s 2023 award represents our 21st year to present a scholarship. With this year's award the Alabama AER Chapter will have given $40,700 to support training the next generation of blind rehabilitation professionals. The BDS Scholarship recipient for 2023 is LaTonya R. Chatman. LaTonya began her career as a Social Worker with the Clay County Department of Human Resources. During this time she discovered how much she enjoyed working with families to help them find the resources to meet their goals. Her next career move was with a non-profit, Family Services Center of Calhoun County, where she provided in-home services for families including teaching parenting skills and household management. Her experience with individuals with disabilities began with working at AIDB in 2011 as a social worker with adults with learning disabilities and cognitive disabilities. She transitioned within AIDB to working with students who are deaf and/or blind and later to the Business Enterprise Program at Gentry. In this position she discovered her passion for working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. She has been a member of Alabama Chapter AER for three years and recently participated in the AER Leadership Training Institute. She is also a member of NFB and ACB. LaTonya is currently enrolled in the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s Degree Program through Auburn University and graduation is planned for Summer of 2024. She plans to continue her career working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Alabama. Congratulations LaTonya Best Wishes for future success!AWARDS
Grider Award - Charles B. (Busby) Grider was born November 28, 1901. Charles was a native of Wichita Falls, Texas and came to Stevenson, Alabama as a child. He was blinded in a shotgun accident when he was 16 years old. Two years later he came to Alabama School for Blind (ASB) and graduated in five years. Following graduation he was hired to manage the ASB shop were he taught woodworking and crafts for 25 years. In 1945 he was named placement specialists and supervisor for the department of adult blind and vocational rehabilitation now the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. At age 53 Mr. Gider a Talladegan and Marguerite McKinnon director of the home industry program headquartered in Montgomery were working in Selma when Mr. Grider collapsed with an apparent heart attack on October 12, 1954. He was rushed to the Selma Hospital but did not survive. He was survived by his wife Lavania and two brothers Ott and Matt. He was an active member of the Talladega Kiwanis Club and member of St. Peters Episcopal Church and rest in peace at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Talladega. Chales B. Grider was a highly respected professional in Alabama Blind Services and he touched the lives of many Alabamians in a highly positive manner. Alabama AER Chapter is honored to recognize persons in Alabama who have exemplified the pioneering spirit, dedication to service, and the provision of quality direct services to persons who are blind or visually impaired as shown by the life and reputation of Charles B. Grider. (Acknowledgement contributed by Joseph P. Helm)2023 Grider Award – RONALD GARRETT
Ronald Garrett was presented the Charles B. Grider Award for his legendary athletic, educational, and administrative accomplishments as an Alabama School for the Blind student athlete, a member of the Auburn University wrestling team, a graduate of Auburn University, the University of Alabama, and University of Alabama Birmingham. Your service as ASB teacher and coach for eleven years and your service as ASB Principal from 1980 until 1994 and 20 years of service as a member of the AIDB Board of Trustees represents a lifetime of service. Your service as Alabama AER Chapter President in 1991 exemplifies your pioneering spirit, dedication to service, and continued contributions to improving the lives of the Blind and Visually Impaired mirroring the life and reputation of Charles B. Grider.On behalf of the Alabama Chapter Board and the Chapter’s Membership we offer our sincere THANKS for your lifetime of service!
Joe Helm presents Mr. Garrett the Charles B. Grider Award
Hezz Cox Award is presented to an Alabama Chapter member with at least three years of membership and as demonstrated his or her commitment to the goals and principles of the Alabama Chapter and shall have aided persons who are blind or visually impaired in their quest for acceptance in their community.For her lifelong commitment to Alabama citizens who are blind or visually impaired in their quest for independence and employment.
Jack Harrison, AL AER Board Member and Membership Chair presents the 2023 Hezz Cox Award to Edith Cook Kelley.
Employer of the Blind Award
This award is presented to an employer who has given an individual who is blind the opportunity to work in business or industry, thereby showing that the employee who is blind has been accepted by his employer because of his ability. Other criteria include the employers willingness to modify or change existing equipment, schedules, or procedures to enable the employee to become competitive in today’s labor market. Nominees shall have exhibited a willingness to speak out positively to advocate and promote the hiring and employment of persons who are blind or visually impaired. Pete Blohme, Owner and Chef of Panini Pete’s, Squid Ink, and Sunset Grill was honored as the 2023 Employer of Year. For providing individuals who are blind the opportunity to work in your businesses demonstrating that the employee has been accepted because of his or her ability and for your advocacy and employment of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Employer of the Year Pete Blohme and his staff
AL AER Board Member Kellee Malinauskas presented the Employer of the Year Award to Pete Blohme.
Special Recognition Award
Dr. Stephen M. Sullivan was acknowledged for his dedication, commitment, and passion to see the ALABAMA CHAPTER OF AER succeed and be all it can be! Steve’s vision, leadership, and passionate efforts to push the chapter forward are appreciated by all. Your willingness to serve as Board Member, President Elect, President, and Immediate Past President for two terms 2017 to 2026 representing a ten-year commitment is well beyond the call of duty! On behalf of the Alabama Chapter Board and the Chapter’s Membership we offer our heartfelt THANKS!
Joe Helm, AER Treasurer, presents Special Recognition Award to Dr. Stephen M. Sullivan Alabama Chapter President
2023 CONFERENCE PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
Joe Helm, Steve Sullivan share humor with Dr. Dennis Gilliam newly appointed President of AIDB.
You know Donte is NOT LEAVING THAT DESSERT!
CONGRATS Edith K. Cook!!!
Dr. Gilliam, AIDB President, addresses Alabama AER for the FIRST TIME! WELCOME!
Joe & Steve welcome Lee Sonnenberg, Executive Director AER
Kelly Bond Conference Chair and President-Elect assist Joe Helm, Treasurer with the 2023 Treasurer’s Report.
Thanks Bill Adams & Travis for all the photos and videos!
Thanks Jason & Congrats on the new Job American Printing House (APH)
PACKED HOUSE!!
AWARDS Yevette Pearce, Caitlin Simpson, Savannah Wilson
HIGHLIGHTS Steve Sullivan, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jody Fuller
MEMORIAL Dr. Pamelia Mobley
BDS SCHOLARSHIP
At this year’s President’s Awards Luncheon, the 2022 Billy Don Sims Scholarship of $3,000 was awarded to Joseph M. Arnold. This year’s award represents our 20th year to present a scholarship. The 2022 award represents $37,200 the Alabama AER Chapter has provided in support of training the next generation of blind rehabilitation professionals. This year’s winner Joseph M. Arnold is from Talladega, Alabama, and teaches Adult Education at E. H. Gentry, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. Joseph is enrolled at the University of Alabama Huntsville pursing his second graduate degree Teacher of the Visually Impaired. Joseph, while legally blind his entire life has achieved a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy University, a Master of Science degree from Troy University. Prior to his current position he taught at Enterprise and Red Level High Schools and served as District I Representative for the Coffee County Board of Education. Joseph was named the Red Level High School Teacher of the Year in 2007 and in 2010. In April of 2012 he received the WSFA Class Act Award and in 2012 was named the Alabama District VI VFW Teacher of the Year. “The Alabama AER Chapter membership congratulates Joseph M. Arnold on his accomplishments to date and wishes him continued professional success!”AWARDS
Yevette Pearce was honored for her service as Alabama AER Chapter President for the past two years 2020-2022. Yevette was recognized for her special efforts during her presidency for providing “outstanding positive leadership through the challenges presented by COVID 19.” Her adeptness to ensure continued and steady progress of the Alabama AER Chapter was recognized. Caitlin Simpson an Orientation and Mobility Specialists with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) was honored for her fifteen years of service as Board Member, President-Elect, President, Past-President, and her three terms as Secretary. Her service in these positions serve as true evidence of her dedication to the Alabama AER Chapter’s mission and the AER association as an Orientation and Mobility professional. While unable to attend in person the AER Board stated, “Caitlin please know that you are truly valued for your commitment and support of blind and visually impaired persons in their quest for independence.” Caitlin attended the Chapter’s first Leadership Training Initiative held at Heritage Trails in 2008. In 2010 Caitlin took the lead with the assistance of her dad then Assistant Attorney General for ADRS Steve Simpson to update “Alabama’s Rights and Privileges of the Blind” as authorized by the Code of Alabama 1975 and Applicable State Administrative Code Rules. Savannah Wilson was recognized and selected as recipient of the AER Paraprofessional of the Year. Savannah is a Rehabilitation Assistant at the ADRS Talladega office, where she supports multiple staff members and the programs they administer. Savannah was described by one of her nominators as “meeting all of the minimum requirements for the award and highlighted that what makes her extraordinary is that she works extra hard on getting the details correct, organizing, initiating, and does it all with a smile that you can see and hear.” AER Treasurer Joe Helm stated “I met Savannah during an AER conference as a teenager helping her mother and former AER Board Member Shelia Pennington with conference registration. She was helpful, polite, and conscientious. These attributes have proven to be a part of her core values and we wish her all the best going forward.”HIGHLIGHTS
Congratulations! Steve Sullivan!!...All Your Hard Work Paid Off!!!!!!
Conference planners and attendees were reminded of many important tenets on the topic of Leadership & Sustainability: What You Can Do About It, presented byDr. Jack Hawkins, Chancellor, Troy State University.
Dr. Hawkins a native of Mobile was named Chancellor of the Troy State University System Sept. 1, 1989. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Montevallo and his doctorate from the University of Alabama. If my math is correct Dr. Hawkins is now in his 33rd year as Chancellor of Troy State University.
Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree in 1967, Jack was commissioned a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as platoon leader during the Vietnam War. For his combat duty, he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and a citation from the Korean Marine Corps. Over the decades that I (Joe Helm) have known Dr. Hawkins I have on many occasions personally called on him to support our Alabama AER Chapter by advertising in our conference program, supporting our ten years of golf tournaments to raise funds for our annually awarded Billy Don Sims Scholarship, and on special occasions supporting the retirements of ADRS personnel. Over these years of the many requests that I made of Dr. Hawkins “not one was denied”! The Alabama AER Board and attendees were honored to have Dr. Hawkins one of Alabama’s prominent leaders take time to be with us and share his thoughts!
SOLDIER, COMEDIAN, SPEAKER, STUTTER, AND FATHER JODY FULLER KEPT US IN STICHES WITH HIS HUMOR AND POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON LIFE….posing for a picture with AER Board Member Kellee Sanchez and Blair Cowan (Now Forsman….Congrats Blair!
MEMORIAL
Dr. Pamelia A. MobleyMarch 12, 1949 - October 28, 2022
Family has lost an icon!
Dr. Pamelia Alley Mobley of Bessemer passed away on Friday, October 28, surrounded by family after a brave fight with multiple myeloma. She was seventy-three. She is survived by her children, Dennis Roy Mobley, Jr. (Esta), Caroline Walker (Jerrod), grandchildren Jacob Mobley (Jordyn), Katherine Walker and Abigail Walker, partner David Barnett, brother Richard Scott (Bambi) Alley, and a host of nieces and nephews. Pamelia was predeceased by her parents Richard and Bonner Alley, and her loving husband of twenty-seven years, Dennis Roy Mobley, Sr.
Pamelia was a 1969 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College where she received a B.S. in Chemistry, before going on to receive her Masters in Counseling, and her Ph.D. in Vocational Rehabilitation at the University of Alabama. She had a 40-year career at the Alabama Department of Rehab Services, she served as an adjunct professor for the University of Alabama System in the School of Education’s Master of Arts in Counseling program. She was a surveyor for CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities). She was active in the Alabama Counseling Association, Alabama Rehabilitation Association and National Rehabilitation Association, and served on the boards of The United Way, Easter Seals, Ms. Wheelchair Alabama, and Ms. Wheelchair America. Pamelia had a lifelong love of learning, reading and trivia. She was a diehard Crimson Tide fan. In her free time, she enjoyed traveling, having visited all fifty states, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. Services will be held Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home with burial following at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Pamelia’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
MEMORIAL
ALABAMA CHAPTER Recognizes the Special Contributionsof
Pamelia A. Mobley, PhD.Presented this day November 17, 2022
“Pam every idea you shared, every opportunity you seized, every contribution you made over the years, helped the Alabama AER Chapter achieve new heights of success. We offer our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering dedication and commitment to Alabama AER.”
YOLANDA V. SMITH RECEIVES 2021 BDS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The 2021 BDS Scholarship in the amount of $3000 was awarded to Yolanda V. Smith. Yolanda is originally from Birmingham. Her Father Jesse Smith was an O&M at the VA Southeastern Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center. Yolanda states that she loves her chosen profession. She has worked in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi and has been working in the field of blindness since 2012. She is furthering her education at Auburn University by pursuing a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Clinical Counseling to become a stronger and more skilled professional and advocate for the blind community. She has completed a practicum with ADRS and an internship with the VA Southeast Blind Rehabilitation Center. She expects to complete her degree in Summer 2022.
Yolanda wrote in her application that her favorite quote was from the Dali Llama and simply says, “Our primary purpose in life is to help others, and if you can’t help them at least don’t hurt them.” And Yolanda states that she tries to live her personal life and her professional life by that simple truth.
In addition to the $3000 BDS Scholarship, Yolanda will receive a one-year student membership in AER. Yolanda, we wish you continued professional success. Congratulations on receiving the BDS scholarship for 2021!
2020 BILLY DON SIMS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO JENNIFER REEVES
The 2020 BDS Scholarship recipient is Jennifer Reeves. Jennifer earned the BSW in Social Work from Jacksonville State University. She is employed by Alabama Institute for Deaf Blind (AIDB) as Consumer Case Manager for the Blind. Jennifer states that she loves direct service work and is inspired to pursue a Masters Degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling to assist persons who are blind in achieving their optimal goals.
She is enrolled at Auburn University where she has completed three semesters toward the CRC Masters Degree and expects to complete requirements for the Masters Degree in August of 2021. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA.
Jennifer states that her short term goal is to work in Vocational Rehabilitation integrating case management services with employment and job placement. She further states that in her opinion employment has always been a huge barrier for persons who are blind. Her long term goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor as a means of helping individuals who are blind face the struggles and challenges they acquire in integrating into a sighted world.
As BDS recipient Jennifer received $3,000.00 dollars in BDS Scholarship funds and a one-year student membership in AER. Alabama Chapter is delighted to assist Jennifer in furthering her education in keeping with our goal of providing more qualified personnel in the field of blindness in Alabama. The Alabama AER Chapter membership congratulates Jennifer and wishes her continued professional success!
Congratulations! Dr. Derrick Smith has been elected to serve a two- year term as the AER International District 5 Representative. Derrick’s term will begin August 1, 2020 and will end July 31, 2022. Derrick stated that he is excited to serve the states in District 5 and hopefully support the entire organization during this time of transition. As the District 5 Representative Derrick will represent the states of AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, and TN. Derrick will become the third Alabama Chapter member to serve in this capacity. Joe Helm and Melody Brown both served two-year terms as well. For the past two-years Derrick has served on the Alabama Chapter Board of Directors. We are proud of Derrick for his willingness to serve in this leadership role at the international level!Dr. Smith is an associate professor and Associate Dean of the College of Education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Dr. Smith holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Faulkner University, an M.A.Ed. in Special Education-Visual Impairments from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and an Ed.D. in Special Education from Texas Tech University. He has an Alabama State Teaching Certificate in Secondary Mathematics (6-12) and Visual Impairments (N-21). He taught secondary mathematics at the Alabama School for the Blind. He is also a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) and National Library of Congress Braille Transcriptionist. For the past 13 years, Dr. Smith’s research agenda has focused on STEM education for students with visual impairments and blindness and he has written numerous book chapters, articles, and presentations on the topic.
2019 BILLY DON SIMS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO LISA BALLINGER GEIST
AER Scholarship Recipient Lisa B. Geist received the 2019 BDS Scholarship during the Alabama AER Chapter’s 36th Annual Conference. This year's scholarship was in the amount of $3,000 coupled with a one-year student membership in AER. Lisa was the seventeenth recipient of the AER Billy Don Sims Scholarship. Lisa is from Fayette, Alabama, and teaches in the Winfield City School System. There is a shortage of TVI’s in the Winfield area and in all Northwest Alabama. Lisa is enrolled at the University of Alabama Huntsville in the Master’s Degree Program to become a TVI. She expects to graduate in December 2020. She is excited to fill a need for students in Northwest Alabama and become an advocate for them for many years in the future. The Alabama AER Chapter membership congratulates Lisa B. Geist and wishes her continued professional success!
DOUG NIXON HONORED WITH THE CHARLES B. GRIDER AWARD
Dr. Derrick Smith, Awards Chair, presents Amber Madsen, HR Director with Wendy’s the Employer of the Blind Award for 2019.
AER Board Honors Lenore Dillon
At the recent AER Board of Directors meeting held at Easterseals Central Alabama in Montgomery the Alabama Chapter Board honored Lenore Dillion for her service and contributions as board member and Past President of the Alabama Chapter. Additionally, the Board presented Lenore with a cake and $100 gift card in celebration of her retirement from the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Congratulations Lenore!
BDS Scholarship Winners Updates!
BILLY DON SIMS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO MEREDITH GRACE KERR
Meredith Grace Kerr was awarded the 2018 BDS Scholarship during the Alabama AER Chapter Annual Conference. This year's scholarship was in the amount of $3,000 along with a one-year student membership in AER.
Meredith Grace was the sixteenth AER Billy Don Sims Scholarship Recipient. Meredith Grace is working toward her Master of Science in Visual Disabilities at Florida State University where she has a grade point average of 3.95. Upon graduation Meredith Grace will be both a TVI and an O&M. She previously graduated Magna Cum Laude from Birmingham Southern College with an undergraduate degree in Collaborative Education.
It was while studying at Birmingham Southern that Meredith Grace discovered her passion for teaching. She expresses that her passion for teaching and her childhood experience with amblyopia are her inspiration for pursuing the Master of Science at FSU. She believes that her experience with amblyopia will be very beneficial in her working with children who have vision loss.
Meredith Grace plans to complete her Master’s degree at FSU in December 2019. Meredith Grace is a native of Andalusia and after graduation she plans to pursue teaching in Alabama and to start a nonprofit, Site4Sight, benefitting children with vision loss which will support accommodations and resources for those children and their families. Alabama AER congratulates Meredith Grace and wishes her continued professional success!
Julie Brock BDS Scholarship Committee Chair presents Scholarship Certificate and $3,000 check to Meredith Grace’s mother Gina Kerr and grandmother Kay Bridges. Kay retired from ADRS in 1990 were she worked as a rehabilitation counselor in blind services. Meredith Grace was unable to attend due to a required meeting at Florida State University.
Hailey McManus 2012 Recipient and Nicholas Derzis 2007 Recipient
Hailey McManus, recipient of the 2012 AER BDS Scholarship, graduated from the University of Montevallo in December 2016. She earned her teaching certificate/degree in Deaf Education. She moved to Tallahassee Florida in January 2017 and worked while waiting for the Master's VI/O&M program to start a new class of graduate students in August 2017.
She is currently working part time in the Visual Disabilities Department at Florida State while she earns her Master’s degree. She is on track to graduate in December 2019. She is a 4.0 student in the Master's Program and loves what she is doing!
Click Here – Nicholas Derzis reprint from Keystone Magazine, College of Education, Auburn University.
BILLY DON SIMS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO VERONICA HARRINGTON
Veronica Harrington was awarded the 2017 BDS Scholarship during the AER Alabama Chapter Annual Conference. This year's scholarship was in the amount of $2,500 along with a one-year student membership in AER.
Veronica’s interest in blindness was influenced by spending lots of time with her cousin James Kelly who was born blind. James attended the Alabama School for the Blind in Talladega where he learned many skills to live independently. Veronica stated that she “was forever grateful to every instructor, student and peer that helped James live a successful life”.
Veronica’s career goal is to obtain a Master’s degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy and a Certificate in Low Vision Therapy from Salus University. Through her professional training she desires to help her blind and visually impaired clients learn the skills and strategies necessary to enable each individual reach their maximum independence and personal goals. She stated ”I want to do everything I can to be a successful VRT and LVT in the State of Alabama.”
Congratulations! – Veronica Harrington!
BDS 2016 Scholarship Recipient - Jessica E. Williams - Click here
"AER International Honors – Joe Helm, AER Treasurer, as the first recipient of the “Richard L. Welsh, Chapter Leadership Award" at the AER International Conference, Jacksonville, FL, on July 22, 2016.
Welsh Award - Click here
"AER International Honors – Dr. John Mascia, AIDB President, with the “John H. McAulay Award" at the AER International Conference, Jacksonville, FL, on July 22, 2016.
McAulay Award - Click here
"National Easter Seals Honors - Joe Helm, AER Treasurer"
Joe Helm - Click Here
"A Story worth Telling...A Heartfelt Thank You to Charlie Carroll and Alabama BEP Vendors"
"Charlie" Carroll - Click Here
Memorial - Greg Rowe
Memorial - Charles "Charlie" LeRoy Carroll