by Deborah Armstrong
The Alabama Council of the Blind is, of course, the Alabama state affiliate. Jimmie Smith, the Talladega local chapter president, graciously stepped in when a change in leadership was required, and he's excited about the affiliate's future as it rebuilds and takes on new projects.
The Alabama affiliate and the Talladega chapter both use the meeting space at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, and anyone, inside or outside of the affiliate, is welcomed to attend the state and local chapter meetings. Many opportunities to volunteer to help the affiliate grow are available.
Raising funds has been a priority in order to hold their next convention, which they hope to combine with the AER convention. Creating a cookbook is one venture for enriching their coffers, but they've also held yard sales.
Jimmie teaches access technology at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. Other chapter members teach there as well.
Jimmie praised the many active members in his state and chapter, labelling them as go-getters and happy to have their loyalty and organizational skills.
Though they are themselves getting reorganized, we expect great things in the future from this affiliate.