At AIDB, we understand that each
child here is growing spiritually as well as physically and emotionally.
We have been meeting these spiritual needs throughout our history. From
the late 1800s until 1911, students met for worship and Bible study in
the AIDB chapel, located in the old main building. When that building
was torn down to make room for more modern facilities, the chapel was
not replaced. Instead, students met in auditoriums and classrooms to
study and worship.
It became obvious in the 1980s that
this arrangement was not fully addressing the spiritual needs of our
students. But by law, state funds may not be used for religious
purposes. The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation stepped in
to fill the gap.
The Foundation worked tirelessly to
raise funds for the construction of Hawkins Chapel, planned as the
Institute's center for prayer, worship, study and spiritual counseling.
The chapel also serves as a meeting place for religious organizations,
like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The Foundation continues to manage
the chapel's business affairs. The continuing cost of spiritual care for
our students is generously provided by support from churches,
synagogues and individuals across Alabama.
AIDB's Chaplain and a host of
volunteers offer a rich and varied non denominational spiritual
development and education program that reaches beyond communication
barriers. Braille and large print bibles and materials are available and
the Chaplain is fluent in American Sign Language. Students are
encouraged to develop leadership skills in the Chapel program.
Sunday mornings, Alabama School for
the Deaf students have "Jump Start", an energetic, exciting Sunday
School class conducted in American Sign Language. Each lesson has hands
on activities and games that help the students apply the lessons in a
fun and creative way. Sunday night, ASD students attend a worship
service with time for music and teaching, spiced up with games and high
tech videos and sound - helping students apply what is taught and add
impact to their lives. Alabama School for the Blind students attend
"Jump Start" after ASD Sunday morning, with the same high energy and
excitement as the deaf students. Helen Keller School students attend
worship services on campus and at the Chapel. The music and teaching
involve gross motor movement and hands-on involvement, helping the
students of Helen Keller to grow spiritually as well as have fun.
There are also weekly activities
for ASD, ASB and HKS students as well as adults studying on our Gentry
campus. The chaplain is also available for personal spiritual
counseling.
Students may also visit local churches at the request or permission of families.
We invite you to
“adopt a student” for our Chapel program to help us provide materials
and supplies and innovative spiritual development opportunities. The
Chapel also has a numbing of funding opportunities for equipment,
technology and projects. Please contact us for information on how you, your church or organization can support the Hawkins Chapel ministry