LOUISVILLE, KY (August 4, 2022)—Jason Martin of Prattvile, AL, graduated from the Blind Leaders Development Program at the American Foundation for the Blind’s (AFB) special commencement ceremony on August 2, 2022.

Launched in 2020, the Blind Leaders Development Program was created by AFB to increase upward mobility and create meaningful leadership experiences for individuals who are blind or low vision, who are already employed and in the early stages of their careers.

While in the program, Mr. Martin and his fellow graduates received extensive training in leadership, networking, communication, and other key skills for advancing in their careers and improving their effectiveness as they achieve higher levels of authority and influence. Other facets of the program included following the Leadership Challenge curriculum, attending a series of webinars, and being paired with a successful blind or low vision mentor who provided honest advice and feedback about what it takes to succeed in the workforce. Mr. Martin was among 18 graduates of the Centennial Cohort, named as such in light of AFB celebrating 100 years advocating on behalf of those who are blind or have low vision throughout 2021.

Mr. Martin is an Assistive Technology Specialist for the Center for Assistive Training Technology (CATT), a partnership between the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind and the American Printing House for the Blind. Prior to this role, Mr. Martin served as the Statewide Assistive Technology Specialist for the Blind for seven years at the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. He later taught Assistive Technology to low vision, blind, and deafblind students at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. He is a certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and is currently the first and only Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist in the state of Alabama.

Mr. Martin credits much of his work in the field of blindness to his father, who is totally blind, and his mother who had low vision. In 2017, he was awarded Advocate of the Year by the Montgomery Area Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities. He is a nationally known speaker in the field of assistive technology, transition, and STEM programs for students with low vision. He has also published his research in the Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities.

“These 18 professionals, including Jason, have honed their knowledge and skills to take on greater authority and responsibility in their professional fields,” said Neva Fairchild, who oversees the program. “Due to their intensive learning and practice, as well as the work of their mentors, for whom we are all grateful, Jason and his fellow graduates now have the imperative to create and sustain a more inclusive workforce.”

Since its inception in 2020, the program has seen a steady rise in applicants. The recently-launched third cohort is the largest class to date. For more information, visit AFB.org/BlindLeaders.