Project SEARCH Success Stories

MEET SALLIE

Everyone who meets Sallie Hall falls in love with her. When she laughs, the whole room lights up. She is truly a pleasure to be around. She has several passions, including cooking, retail therapy, family time, learning and arts and crafts.

Sallie entered Project SEARCH of Calhoun County in August 2022 as one of the program’s first deaf students ever enrolled. Because of her communication obstacles, she is unique. Sallie does not communicate with American Sign Language fluently. Due to numerous unsuccessful medical procedures and well-intentioned doctors who told Sallie’s parents she would speak; Sallie was not taught American Sign Language.

Sallie, 13, was completely deaf. As Sallie was getting ready to exit her high school to transition to Project SEARCH of Calhoun County, she was faced with yet another obstacle. Sallie was diagnosed with diabetes. As difficult as this diagnosis was, Sallie’s family supported her and helped her embrace a new lifestyle complete with a strict meal plan and blood glucose checks.

Sallie began the 2022-2023 year by making connections with other interns, skill trainers, and the instructor. As interns and staff began to use ASL apps, pictures, body language, and support from the deaf side of Alabama Department of Rehab Services, communication became easier than we could have imagined. We had two interpreters initially, but after recommendations were made, Sallie had a deaf mentor to help her at the start of her first internship rotation.

Sallie and her friends even joke around with one another and share private inside jokes. Sallie’s initial rotation was in housekeeping. She learns best by modeling. Sallie’s mentor models cleaning activities for her, and she can now clean bathrooms on her own. Sallie is hardworking and enjoys spending time with her friends. She can navigate the hospital with the assistance of her friends and mentor.

Sallie oversees pushing all of the buttons on the elevator. Sallie’s next rotation will more than likely be in the kitchen. We enjoy watching her develop and learn life skills. Sallie’s family is encouraging and understands that being around people and having a purpose in life makes Sallie happy. Sallie is a true inspiration, and we are honored to have her as a part of Project SEARCH of Calhoun County.

MEET CJ

CJ, another success story within Project SEARCH, is currently employed by the host site, Riverview, as a steward. He is working 40 hours per week and is making a great hourly wage. His area of disability is autism. He is a remarkable young man who has come a very long way. From not speaking, nor being potty trained at elementary age, to blossoming into a pleasant, well-mannered individual through the years.

CJ has a desire to succeed and try his best at everything he does. He is very conscientious and likes to do a good job. CJ has had many successes through the PS program, including how to learn to ride the MAPS transportation bus last year. This is a bus associated with the public transportation (WAVE) in Mobile, AL, but it provides door to door services if an individual qualifies. Not only did CJ learn to ride the MAPS bus independently from home to work, but he also learned to ride it to events in the community such as drama club and dance without limits. He is an inspiration to all that have the pleasure to meet him.

This year, he has already spoke to interns to share information with them about procedures at the hotel. He has demonstrated to the entire class how to break down boxes for the recycling machine, etc. He is also currently serving as a mentor to an intern in the steward department, and hopefully this young man will be hired on also. Our hope is that an intern will be hired on in all departments and eventually they will be training PS future interns.

CJ, a previous intern with Project SEARCH program at Riverview Hotel, is currently training a current intern in steward department.  CJ was hired in the steward department last year and is an excellent trainer for not only PS students, but other new employees as well.

MEET JOSHUA

The staff of Project SEARCH Birmingham would like to recognize the excellent performance and accomplishments of Joshua Jackson. The hard work and commitment that Joshua has exhibited thus far have been outstanding.

Joshua completed Project SEARCH Birmingham in May of 2022. He is currently employed as a full-time Environmental Services Supply Room Specialist. Joshua’s responsibilities include the following: Ensuring supplies are accounted for, storing all received materials, delivering supplies to supply closets, ensuring availability to staff as needed, distributing appropriate items to staff and signing and maintaining packing slips.

Since enrolling in Project SEARCH, Joshua has made significant progress. Initially, Joshua displayed ongoing negative behaviors that required lots of staff support and redirection. He was not interested in attending the program nor participating in classroom activities. Joshua would become easily agitated, verbally confrontational with staff and his peers, use profane language to express his dissatisfaction, and exhibit poor etiquette skills. He struggled with staying awake through much of the day. He resisted working with others and did not respond well to constructive criticism. However, Joshua has turned over a new leaf by receiving a great deal of support from the PS and UAB staff, his family, along with guidance from his VR counselor. He has developed into a young man who is motivated to work, recognizes his shortcomings, and strives to improve in his areas of weakness. Joshua rarely misses a workday and displays excellent teamwork and leadership skills. He brings enormous energy to UAB Environmental Services and keeps the atmosphere positive.

Joshua is currently awaiting approval of his mental health application so that he may be able to receive an array of home and community-based services that will enable him to live and work safely in his community. Joshua has made remarkable progress and is on his way to success. Project SEARCH Birmingham is extremely proud of Joshua’s achievements.

MEET KAYLA

Kayla was an intern in our Project SEARCH program during the 2015-2016 school year. She attended school at DAR High school in the Marshall County School District. She let us know, from the beginning of the program, that she was very interested in helping others in the healthcare field.

Kayla had many challenges throughout her year in the program. She didn’t always have a dependable vehicle and sometimes her living situation was not always the best, but she always had a wonderful attitude and tried her best at everything she did. She did well in her first rotation working at Therapy Plus and started a second rotation in Environmental Services. After that rotation, she applied and was accepted into the CNA program at a local nursing home. With the help of Kira Galarza, her Skills Trainer, and her determination, she passed her test and became a registered CNA.

It was here she met the man who would become her husband in the spring of 2017. In 2020, they bought a house and welcomed their first baby boy and in 2021 they added a second baby boy. In July 2022, she was hired at Marshall Medical Centers North in the Environmental Services Department working full time. She also helps her husband run a lawn care service on the weekends. We are so proud of Kayla and all she has accomplished!

ACDD Now Accepting Applications for Membership to Advocate for those with Developmental Disabilities

The Council identifies the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in Alabama. The Council is responsible for developing a state plan and approving grant projects and other activities to carry out the objectives in the state plan to improve the lives of Alabamians with developmental disabilities and their families. Activities include providing outreach, education, and advocacy.

The 36-member, Governor-appointed Council consists of:

• Individuals with developmental disabilities
• Parents or legal guardians of children with developmental disabilities under the age of 18
• Immediate relatives or legal guardians of adults with mentally impairing conditions who cannot advocate for themselves
• A person with a developmental disability who lives or has lived in an institution or an immediate relative or legal guardian of an individual with a developmental disability who lives or has lived in an institution
• Representatives from state agencies that provide services and supports to people with developmental disabilities
• Representatives from the Alabama University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and the Protection and Advocacy System
• Representatives from a local and non-governmental agency concerned with services for people with developmental disabilities and a private non-profit group concerned with services for people with developmental disabilities

A standard term for members is three years. A member, except for other DD Act Programs or State Agency members, may be appointed a maximum of two consecutive full terms.

Those wishing to apply for membership can fill out an application at www.acdd.org. Alternate formats are available by request by contacting Darryle Powell at 334-242-3976 or darryle.powell@mh.alabama.gov. Applicants will receive a confirmation email and/or letter confirming receipt of the application.

For more information, contact the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities at 334-242-3973 or visit www.acdd.org.

APPLY ONLINE

DOWNLOAD PDF FLYER | DESCARGAR FOLLETO PDF

DOWNLOAD PDF APPLICATION | DESCARGAR APLICACIÓN EN PDF

MEMBERSHIP FAQ’S | DESCARGAR APLICACIÓN EN PDF

ACDD Holds Local COVID Vaccination Clinic for those with Developmental Disabilities

The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) is conducting a COVID vaccination clinic for those with developmental disabilities and their families. The clinic is a joint effort of the ACDD, the Alabama Disability Advocacy Program (ADAP), University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Independent Living Center of Mobile, and the University of Alabama School of Social Work.

ACDD COVID Vaccination Clinic

March 19, 2022

10 am – 1 pm

Hank Williams Museum

127 West Rose Street, Georgiana, Butler County

There is no cost for the vaccine. Those who attend the clinic are encouraged to wear a face mask.

“In the past, it’s been difficult for some with developmental disabilities to get vaccinated against COVID,” said Darryle Powell, Executive Director of the ACDD.  “With a designated vaccination clinic for them in the area where they live, we hope to make it much easier. It’s important that all Alabamians have access to the vaccine to protect themselves and those around them from the effects of the coronavirus.”

For more information, contact the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities at 334-242-3973 or visit www.acdd.org.

ABOUT THE ALABAMA COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) is comprised of 36 governor-appointed volunteer members, including people with developmental disabilities, family members, and representatives of public agencies that serve them. The organization is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities. To that end, ACDD works towards system changes in aspects of service/support to promote better lives for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For more information, visit www.acdd.org.

ACDD Launches New “See Me” Campaign for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) has launched a new campaign to coincide with Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March. Each message features a different person with disabilities inviting the viewer to “See me as” an “equal”, “employee”, “graduate”, “neighbor”, “achiever” and more.

The ACDD’s colorful and engaging messages can be seen across social media, digital ads online, and outdoor billboards throughout the state.

“Our survey results showed that there were several concerns among those with developmental disabilities and their families,” said Darryle Powell, Executive Director of the ACDD. “Many times, the general population is unaware of the strides the disabled have made in terms of employment, educational opportunities, and housing.”

Powell continued: “This campaign brings attention to their many achievements in these areas, as well as how they simply want to be seen and accepted by their fellow Alabamians. They want the same things as anyone else, to be active participants in their communities. Through this campaign, we hope to increase understanding, and for people to get to know and appreciate those with developmental disabilities.”

For more information, contact the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities at 334-242-3973 or visit www.acdd.org.

ABOUT THE ALABAMA COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) is comprised of 36 governor-appointed volunteer members, including people with developmental disabilities, family members, and representatives of public agencies that serve them. The organization is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities. To that end, ACDD works towards system changes in aspects of service/support to promote better lives for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For more information, visit www.acdd.org.

Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities creates public awareness video campaign to help vulnerable population on exploitation and human trafficking

January is recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world, the buying and selling of people. Thousands of men, women, girls, and boys in America fall prey to human trafficking, which encompasses both forced labor as well as sexual exploitation at the hands of traffickers. The CDC states that “in the United States, people with disabilities are 4 to 10 times more likely to be victimized than people without them and children with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be victimized as children without them.”

The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) in Montgomery, Alabama has awarded Fowler Davis, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama a second grant to continue the educational campaign for trafficking of persons with developmental disabilities. The campaign includes English and Spanish fact sheets, dedicated website, five animated videos on different types of exploitation, a General Awareness video, all in English and Spanish, social media campaign, and digital ads distributed across Alabama newspapers.

“Exploitation and human trafficking of children in Alabama is a silent epidemic happening in rural communities to large cities. Our goal is to provide education and empower this highly-vulnerable population to learn the signs to understand what this means to help prevent them from being exploited in the first place. We commend ACDD on being proactive with this campaign to provide resources and preventive education. Alabama will be the leader with this type of video and educational campaign in the United States,” states Barbara Fowler, Co-Owner of Fowler Davis, LLC.

Darryle Powell, Executive Director of ACDD, says “persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been a target population for traffickers due to their vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is especially gratifying to know that Fowler Davis will empower this population through educational campaigns to help prevent them from becoming victims of exploitation and trafficking.”

“Human trafficking is a major problem hiding in plain sight. Alabama has a high percentage of familial trafficking by a parent, family member, caregiver, or trusted adult. Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities have difficulty understanding risky situations or how to understand who a risky person may be. This campaign will help educate them, along with parents, caregivers, educators, and others,” states Jeff Davis, Co-Owner of Fowler Davis, LLC.

If you see any suspicious activity related to possible human trafficking, do not attempt to confront, as this could jeopardize their safety and your own. Call 9-1-1 immediately. If you need help, or to report suspected human trafficking, call the Department of Homeland Security at 1-866-347-2423 or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).

ACDD Posts New Requests for Proposal at acdd.org

The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) has announced the availability of funds for innovative proposals that support the Council’s 2022-2026 Goals and Objectives. The four areas represented in the requests for proposal (RFPs) are: 1) education and early intervention; 2) employment; 3) formal and informal community supports; and 4) health.

Details for each of the new RFPs can be found at acdd.org/funding under “Current Requests for Proposal”.

“We’re looking for new ideas for projects that meet our mission,” said Darryle Powell, Executive Director of the ACDD. “Whether aimed at helping people attain employment, educational opportunities, or housing, for example, the projects should be focused on improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families.”

For more information, contact the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities at 334-242-3973 or visit acdd.org.

ABOUT THE ALABAMA COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) is comprised of 36 governor-appointed volunteer members, including people with developmental disabilities, family members, and representatives of public agencies that serve them. The organization is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities. To that end, ACDD works towards system changes in aspects of service/support to promote better lives for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For more information, visit acdd.org.