Alabama Industries for the Blind

Mr. Billy Sparkman, Executive Director of Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), attended the Committee's June meeting to discuss the history of AIB and the work it provides to people who are blind under the JWOD Program.

AIB, a state-funded nonprofit agency, is associated with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB), located in Talladega, AL. AIDB is the nation's most comprehensive education and service program for individuals who are sensory impaired, serving more than 10,000 individuals who are deaf, blind and multidisabled and their families each year. AIDB includes four schools, a healthcare facility, a special equestrian program, a manufacturing facility with retail and wholesale outlets, and eight Regional Centers providing a wide range of services.

Prior to 1997, AIB was entirely a manufacturing operation with a very small outlet store. Its primary JWOD contracts with the Defense Logistics Agency were neckties, flyer's kit bags, and pillowcases; with the General Services Administration, paper tablets, steno books, easel pads, and file folders; and Navy deck swabs. In 1996, as a result of its high quality workmanship, on-time delivery record and early utilization of Electronic Data Interchange, AIB was recognized by the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (its largest customer) as an Outstanding JWOD Program Vendor and was presented with the Outstanding National Industries for the Blind Contractor Award.

In 1997, AIB opened its first Base Supply Center at Fort McClellan in Anniston, AL. AIB later opened stores at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL; Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, GA; and Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, MS; and several more Base Supply Center operations are in negotiations. Currently, there are three legally blind workers employed at Redstone Arsenal, one at Moody AFB, and another blind individual at Columbus AFB. A legally blind individual is also employed at the retail store operated as part of AIB's Talladega operations.

All together, Alabama Industries for the Blind currently employs 150 individuals who are blind. Out of the current seven supervisory positions, three are filled by legally blind individuals and two by mobility impaired employees. AIB's average production hourly wage is approximately $6.50 with a 35% fringe benefits rate.