In a coastal community known as “The Gateway to the Gulf,” Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) consumers are navigating the waters of their careers with the help of the AIDB Mobile Regional Center. For Kaila Pugh, Shelly Jencks, and Brandon Smith, there are no limits to how far they’ll go! 

Kaila Pugh

During high school, Kaila completed a program to become a Patient Care Assistant. After graduating, she earned a position at a regional hospital but did not disclose her disability. When she encountered an issue with her vision and not being able to see things, she contacted the AIDB Mobile Regional Center; Donnie Edwards, Assistive Technology Specialist at the AIDB Mobile Regional Center, stepped in. But it was too late; Kaila was laid off.

The AIDB Mobile Regional Center began working with Kaila on how to disclose her disability and request accommodations. It wasn’t long before she began applying for other positions and landed a job at Mobile Infirmary as a Patient Care Assistant in the Intensive Care Unit. 

“The devices that Donnie recommended for her in her previous position were able to be used in her current position!” exclaimed Alex Tenney, Job Developer and American Sign Language Teacher, AIDB Mobile Regional Center. “She is working the job of her dreams and we couldn’t be more excited.” 

Shelly Jencks

When Shelly moved to Fairhope, she was highly motivated to work. “I am Deaf and have a hard time finding jobs,” commented Shelly. “I worked at McDonald's for three months but a fire caused the location to shut down; I immediately began looking for another job.”

During her job search, Shelly attended a Deaf Coffee Chat hosted by the AIDB Mobile Regional Center at a local Starbucks. There, she got connected with the Regional Center and began receiving services. She continued her job search and successfully gained employment at a local Walmart. Through a collaboration with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS), the Regional Center was able to provide additional support as Shelly began the onboarding process. 

“One of the supports we provided during the onboarding process was interpreting, which is critical for success in any job,” said Paul Pituk, Job Developer, AIDB Mobile Regional Center. “Also, either Sam Feibelman, Deaf Support Specialist at ADRS, or I was available during the first 90 days on the job to help Shelly learn how to not only meet her job requirements but to excel in them. Together, we created a system that would allow her to be successful in her new job.”

Brandon Smith

Brandon had just moved to Alabama from Colorado when he was connected with the AIDB Mobile Regional Center. He began participating in the Step Ahead Program, an eight-week program designed for individuals with vision loss who are looking to transition into the workforce, either for the first time or after a period of unemployment.

“Brandon walked into class on his first day of the program timid and shy but he graduated with a smile on his face that lights up a room,” commented Paul. During the program, Brandon participated in a job fair where he had the opportunity to speak with representatives from various industries. 

“I was able to talk with a couple of people from a hotel and they seemed to like me,” explained Brandon. “They encouraged me to apply for a position at the hotel and walked me through the process. About a week later, I was interviewed and hired on.” 

Brandon now works as a houseman responsible for cleaning the hallways and common areas of the hotel. “His new employers were taken by his smile,” added Paul, “and he is a valuable member of the staff there to this day, almost one year after completing the Step Ahead Program!”