E.H. Gentry Celebrates 50 years
Deaf.Blind.Limitless

In 2018, E.H. Gentry (EHG) marked 50 years of offering deaf, blind and disabled adults opportunities to discover their limitless potential! Established in 1968 through a partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services,
AIDB expanded its emphasis on vocational training programs for deaf and blind adults.

EHG’s 50 year history is marked by the stories of many successful lives. A state trooper who lost his eyesight in the line of duty, but learned to use technology and was promoted to a leadership position. A Deaf woman who set the industry record for accuracy on her job at Alabama Power. An attorney who lost his eyesight in a car accident and learned how to return to his thriving law practice. A blind carpenter. A former governor. An office manager. A production worker. A deafblind sales clerk. A blind business owner. A chef. All consumers sharing a common purpose – to discover
the limitless possibilities of their lives.

The primary goal at EHG is to provide quality job skill training as well as
adjustment and academic services to individuals with disabilities that promote independence and lead to meaningful employment. Our mission - to help students achieve economic and personal independence through employment training, college preparation classes, and independent living skills.

Using the latest technology and training methods available, EHG creates
customized programs for Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, and General Services students that allow them to explore personal and professional goals. 

The Assistive Technology (AT) program, initially created with seed funding from the AIDB Foundation in response to a teacher grant, is now ranked among the top three percent best service providers in the nation. The AT team provides both on-site and outreach assessment, training and recommendations in thousands of job, home and education locations each year.

EHG’s academic classes are individualized to meet the specific needs of each
student – those who want to obtain their high school diploma, earn their GED or engage in academic remediation. Other students may be referred to improve crucial skills in literacy, math or money management. Computer-based instruction supplements teacher-made PowerPoints® and materials designed to accommodate the individual learning style of each student.  In addition, students can participate in state workforce development programs such as ACT (American College Test), Compass® and WorkKeys® testing while enrolled at Gentry. Qualified students participate in dual enrollment allowing them to take college courses at Central Alabama Community College while receiving tutorial support from academic instructors at EHG.
Independent living skills are an important focus at Gentry with training in both home and personal management. Driver training is available as are genuine job skills and work experience opportunities.

The most important thing students take away from Gentry is self-confidence and a belief that their newly-developed skills and attitude will empower them to live a life that is limitless.

For more information contact www.aidb.org.