LOUISVILLE, KY (August 4, 2022)—William Adams of Prattville, Alabama, 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. Adams 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. Adams was among 20 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. Adams is a Senior Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. He has also worked in Information Technology at the Kent State Medical Center, as a programmer for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and as a Case Manager for the Blind with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. While at the VA, he wrote the admissions, automatic scheduling, and data collection system for the Blind Rehabilitation Services. With his extensive background in technology, Mr. Adams is always looking to push the field of Assistive Technology and Orientation and Mobility and has developed ways to make indoor maps, and easily printed Braille that is usable and long lasting with 3D printing technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in Justice Studies and Political Science and a masters in Orientation and Mobility at Western Michigan University.
“These 20 professionals, including Bill, 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, Bill 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.
