The Alabama Industries for the Blind, a component of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), was honored by the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, with the 2024 Employment Growth Award. This prestigious award recognizes Alabama Industries for the Blind’s commitment to increasing employment retention, growth and upward mobility for people who are Blind. 

“AIDB takes great pride in the work done by all its valued employees. This award from NIB is a testament to the amount of effort, dedication and talent shown at Alabama Industries for the Blind daily,” said Dennis Gilliam, Ed.D., President, AIDB. “We are thankful for the recognition, but more thankful for the contributions of those who enthusiastically come to work each day.”

"I would like to thank the NIB for presenting the Growth Award to Alabama Industries for the Blind,” added Jeff Papalia, Executive Director, Alabama Industries for the Blind. “This award is an honor and shows Alabama Industries for the Blind’s dedication to our mission of growing employment for people who are Blind or Visually Impaired. This would not be possible without the outstanding partnership that we have with the National Industries for the Blind and the staff at Alabama Industries for the Blind who work hard, every day, to meet our mission." 

Since its inception in 1932, the Alabama Industries for the Blind has steadily grown in products and personnel and is one of the top five largest industries for the blind in the United States. Today, nearly 300 people are employed by Alabama Industries for the Blind, including those at the main facility in Talladega and the satellite location in Birmingham. Alabama Industries for the Blind provides services and employment opportunities by operating Base Supply Centers located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville; Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia; Fort Novosel in Fort Novosel, Alabama; Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia; and Anniston Army Depot in Anniston, Alabama.