Overview
The Helen Keller School of Alabama had its origin in a program
created in 1955 to serve children who were both deaf and blind at AIDB
and was named for the Alabama native when programs for children with
multiple disabilities were consolidated in 1980. Serving children, ages
three to 21, HKS provides individualized quality education, service and
care which focuses on the abilities and potential of each student. Our
program is nationally recognized as a training center for teachers of
children who are deaf or blind and multidisabled and we are accredited
by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
HKS takes a holistic approach to working with children with special
needs involving staff and parents in the design of an education plan
that may include language, math, Braille, music, art and other
academics, in addition to independent living skills and physical
therapy.
A creative arts program is designed to stimulate students through
visual and tactile activities, motor development and expansion of
expressive and receptive language. Students also have the opportunity to
participate in Music Therapy and are trained in assistive technology.
As a residential school, educational opportunities continue in the
HKS dormitories and through various field trips, Special Olympics, and
horseback riding.
There is no tuition, room or board charged for students whose families are Alabama residents.
Student life
For residential students at the Helen Keller School, learning doesn't
end with the school day but continues into dormitory life. All are
supervised, with regular times set aside for study, mealtimes and
recreation. Helen Keller students are learning all the time - how to
take care of themselves, how to get along with others, how to create a
healthy, balanced lifestyle.
The AIDB Foundation also makes many special opportunities available
for children. Hawkins Chapel provides regular nondenominational worship
services, and our chaplain offers spiritual growth opportunities.
Volunteers help us offer Sunday School classes designed to match the
students' developmental needs.
The Foundation also raised the funds to build the Compass Bank
Fitness and Recreation Park, a special facility to help Helen Keller
students develop into strong and healthy adults. Our Athletics program
includes participation in many Special Olympics sports and after school,
recreation offers informal opportunities to exercise and have fun. We
have monthly birthday parties in each dormitory, complete with cake and
ice cream. Student groups go on frequent outings to the park,
restaurants, and cultural events. Helen Keller students have access to
an indoor swimming pool, exercise room and gymnasium. There is scouting,
dances and an annual competition for Miss Helen Keller School.
A nurse is on campus on weekdays, and comes to the dorms on weekends
to distribute medications if they are needed. Dormitory staff are
trained and certified in CPR and first aid. AIDB has an extensive
program focusing on health and wellness for all our students. AIDB’s
Health and Clinical Services department coordinates regular clinics for
our students including low vision, audiology, seizures, psychiatric and
ear-nose-throat clinics.