Isaac Beavers, Executive Director of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind’s (AIDB) Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind, has been named to the Board of Directors for the Disability Resource Network. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, the Disability Resource Network provides services to residents of 13 North Alabama Counties including Colbert, Cullman, Dekalb, Franklin,  Jackson, Limestone, Lawrence, Lauderdale, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston.

“With almost three decades in the education and rehabilitation field, Isaac has always been a staunch supporter of advocacy and independence for individuals with disabilities,” commented Jessica Edmiston, Chief Adult Programs Officer, AIDB. “As a Disability Resource Network board member, he will truly be an asset to both AIDB, the Disability Resource Network and the communities we collectively serve and collaborate alongside.” 

The Disability Resource Network’s mission is to promote independence for people with disabilities through advocacy, public education, and consumer-controlled independent living services. The network also encourages people with disabilities to support one another in reaching their own independent living goals and promotes equal access and disability rights through advocacy and public awareness activities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Isaac Beavers to our Board of Directors!” exclaimed Davina Patterson, Executive Director, Disability Resource Network. “Isaac has 27 years of professional experience working with people with disabilities and more than 50 years of lived experience as a person with a disability. We are honored to have such a distinguished and dedicated leader on our Board of Directors. Disability Resource Network has worked with the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind and the Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind on programs and activities and we look forward to the continued partnership.”

“As a person with a disability from birth, I know firsthand the struggle for acceptance, access and equality,” added Beavers. “Disability Resource Network promotes independence and advocacy throughout the community and it is an honor to serve on the Board. I hope that with my lifelong experience as a self-advocate, I can contribute to the mission.” 

Beavers is a graduate of the 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 AIDB’s Huntsville Regional Center. Beavers served as Interim Director of the AIDB Huntsville Regional Center from 2011 until his promotion to Regional Director in 2014 and to Executive Director of AIDB’s Office of Field Services in 2022. Since June 2024, Beavers has served as the Executive Director of AIDB’s Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind.