At AlaTrust Credit Union, our mission goes beyond providing financial services—we aim to empower every member of our community with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of personal finance. This commitment was exemplified in our recent Bite of Reality event at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB), where we took an extra step to ensure inclusivity by developing a braille version of the program, making it fully accessible to visually impaired students.
Expanding Financial Literacy to Everyone
The Bite of Reality program was developed a few years ago in partnership with Leadership Walker County to address a growing need for financial literacy education among young adults. Since then, AlaTrust Credit Union has been dedicated to organizing, funding, and running these interactive events across the community. Each Bite of Reality session provides students with a simulated financial experience that mirrors the real-life challenges of managing money, credit, and unexpected expenses.
But when the opportunity arose to host the event at AIDB, we recognized the need to adapt our program to meet the unique needs of visually impaired students. It wasn’t just about delivering financial education; it was about making sure every student had an equal opportunity to participate, learn, and benefit from the experience.
A Braille Version of Bite of Reality
For this event, AlaTrust took the step of developing a braille version of the Bite of Reality program in partnership with AIDB. This adaptation allowed visually impaired students to engage fully with the simulation, removing barriers and ensuring that financial literacy was accessible to all.
During the event, students received life scenarios, complete with a job, salary, family, and financial obligations. They were tasked with making real-world financial decisions, such as budgeting for housing, managing transportation costs, and dealing with unexpected financial setbacks. Our team also provided personalized support to students, ensuring that everyone could participate fully and gain valuable financial insights.
Making a Difference at AIDB
The impact of the event at AIDB was profound. Students engaged with the material enthusiastically, and the braille adaptation proved to be a game-changer in delivering financial education in a way that was meaningful and accessible. The event not only taught them essential financial skills but also boosted their confidence in making informed decisions about their future.
Inclusivity in Action
Hosting Bite of Reality at AIDB reinforced our belief that financial education should be accessible to everyone. By adapting our program to include braille and providing tailored support, we demonstrated that inclusivity is not just a goal—it’s a practice we are committed to upholding in all our community initiatives.
This event was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. It highlighted the importance of breaking down barriers to education and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn vital financial skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Looking Forward
AlaTrust Credit Union is proud to have taken this significant step toward making financial literacy inclusive for all. We are grateful to the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind for partnering with us and for their unwavering support in making this event a success. Our commitment to expanding the reach and accessibility of the Bite of Reality program continues, and we look forward to bringing financial education to even more diverse audiences in the future.
We extend our deepest thanks to the AIDB staff, volunteers, and students who participated in this event. Together, we are breaking down barriers and building a financially savvy and empowered community.