Marcus Washington has been named the Director of Student Life at the Alabama School for the Deaf (ASD). 

Washington began his career at the Family Service Foundation in Greenbelt, Maryland where he served as the Day Program Instructor before transitioning to the Supervisor Resident Counselor, Family. He then became a Vocational Rehabilitation Job Coach/Instructor for Deaf Services for the Mobile Association for the Blind and Deaf in Mobile, Alabama before becoming the Home Coordinator for the Jefferson-Blount-St. Clair Mental Health Service in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Washington joined the team at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) in 2007 as the Assistant Basketball Coach at the Alabama School for the Deaf and the Director of Recreational Therapy and a Recreational Aide for the Summer Assessment Camp at the Helen Keller School of Alabama. During this time, Washington was also the assistant coach for the Helen Keller School of Alabama Basketball, Powerlifting, Volleyball and Special Olympics Teams. Washington also worked with AIDB’s statewide network of regional centers as a Contract Driver with the Talladega Regional Center, a bus driver and Camp Aide for Chill Out Camp for Students who are Visually Impaired at the Birmingham Regional Center, and the Case Manager for the Deaf at the Montgomery Regional Center. Most recently, Washington served as the Case Manager for the Deaf and ASL Supervisor at the AIDB Birmingham Regional Center. 

“I’m happy to be back here after graduating almost 30 years ago. Becoming the Director of Student Life has brought back many wonderful memories of myself being a student in the dorms. I would love to bring back some of those memories for today’s youth to experience and hope they’ll leave ASD with the same wonderful feelings I’ve had,” said Washington. “Working together in supporting the growth of our students is important. Every single person the students come in contact with counts, no matter how big or small their role is. I’m excited to start this role with my team and see how we can help the students thrive.” 

Washington earned a Bachelor of Science in Leadership Recreation from Gallaudet University and a Master of Arts from Auburn University. He is an active member of the Alabama Black Deaf Advocates and the Council of Organizations Serving Deaf Alabamians. As a member of the Alabama Association of the Deaf, Washington serves as the Chairperson for Region II. He also serves as the Southern Regional Representative for the National Black Deaf Advocates.