By Jessica Atkinson, Coordinator, AIDB Marketing and Community Relations, Office of Institutional Advancement

Graduating from high school and transitioning to college or career is an exciting time in any student’s life. With the help of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind’s (AIDB) statewide network of Regional Centers, Alabama students are more prepared to successfully navigate this transition and the exciting world of their limitless future.

Through a collaboration with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and the Alabama Junior College System, 2024 Transition events were held for high school students throughout the state who are Blind, Deaf, DeafBlind and their teachers and parents. Students’ agendas were filled with concurrent team-based activities created to promote job exploration, team cooperation, social interaction and friendly competition. The Parent Teacher Session included ADRS resources and programs.

“The transition event was a great opportunity for Kyanna to be around peers like herself and to get a better understanding of college courses and what direction she wants to go,” said parent, Michelle Morris.

Themed Ready to Acquire Certificated Employment, or RACE Tracts, this year’s interactive experience allowed students to explore certificate programs offered through Alabama's Junior College System. Each regional event also offered a parent/teacher session about AIDB's suite of resources.

“Our family enjoyed the transition event sponsored by AIDB at Wallace Community College because it gave us an overview of the resources available to our son that we were unaware of,” commented parent, Beth Wilson. “Evan was able to take a tour that exposed him to the coursework and programs available locally.”

Throughout each event, students also had the opportunity to meet with mentors and learn about college-specific resources and support. “This is really what it’s about,” said Leslie Mitchell, Student Services Specialist and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator for Central Alabama Community College. “You empower minds with inclusive education, where every student’s potential finds its runway and technical and college programs can pave the way for diverse talents to soar.”