Isaac Beavers has been named the Executive Director of Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind (AFCB), Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB). 

"Isaac has an extremely strong programmatic background and has consistently demonstrated a Structured Discovery-based professionalism and understanding within his 27-year tenure within AIDB," stated AIDB President Dr. Dennis A. Gilliam. "Isaac has facilitated a robust partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) which partnered to establish the AFCB in 2016 and as such, Isaac will also serve as a liaison for adult services with ADRS. These attributes and expertise will further establish the AFCB, which is one of nine distinct programs in the nation utilizing the Structured Discovery methodology and philosophy,  as a state and national leader in the field of blindness training - especially as we grow and enhance program and services within AIDB-North, Decatur. I am truly excited about the possibilities for stability and growth under Mr. Beavers’ leadership."

Beavers is a graduate of Alabama School for the Blind. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Alabama and a Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling from Auburn University. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Beavers spent the first 17 years of his career providing direct services to consumers as the Case Manager for the Blind at the Huntsville Regional Center. Beavers served as Interim Director of the AIDB Huntsville Regional Center from 2011 until his promotion to Regional Director in 2014. Beavers most recently served as AIDB Executive Director of Field Services since August 2022.

Beavers has served on the Alabama State Rehabilitation Council; as President of the Alabama Chapter of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired; as Chairman of the Future and Beyond Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Symposium and as Co-Chair of the Huntsville Council on Accessibility.  He served as Director of College Quest, a college preparatory program for students who are blind or visually impaired, for two years. He also served three terms as President of the Alumni and Workers Association of Alabama School for the Blind (ASB Alumni) and was the ASB Commencement Speaker in 2006 and 2022. In 2015, the ASB Alumni awarded him the organization’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2016, Beavers received the Spirit of the Diplomat Award, Global Ties Alabama; in 2018, the Governor’s Committee Collaboration Award Huntsville; and in 2023, the Auburn University Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling Outstanding Alumni Award.

Beavers currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Rehabilitation Counseling programs at Auburn University and Alabama A&M University. He sat on the National Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Board from 2021- 2023 and is the creator and coordinator of ten transition curricula for students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Beavers has been chosen to be a Mentor in the American Foundation for the Blind’s 2022 Blind Leaders Development Program.

“The Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind has the potential to be one of the nation’s most effective programs," noted Beavers. "I am ready for the challenges and excited about the possibilities. In my role as ADRS Adult Services Liaison, I hope to improve current programs and develop new programs.”