Disability Pride Month: Alabama Resource Guide
July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the history, experiences, and contributions of people with disabilities. It is also a time to acknowledge the barriers that still exist and to celebrate the progress toward a more accessible world. At WBHM, we’ve put together a list of disability-related resources available in the state of Alabama to help connect individuals with tools, services, and organizations that support independent living, advocacy, and community engagement. We encourage you to explore and share these resources. For national information, visit the ADA National Network, the National Council on Independent Living, or the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.
DISCLAIMER:
This website, and the information shared here by WBHM, is not intended to be an advertisement or solicitation for any particular services (for profit or non-profit) and is not meant to fully represent all services available to individuals in the state of Alabama. No representation is made that the quality of these services are greater than the quality of services performed by other caretakers. The selection of disability-related resources is an important decision and should not be solely made upon the information provided here. WBHM is a listener-supported service of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Emergency Resources
- Call the Alabama Department of Mental Health Deaf Services TTY line at 1-888-574-2257.
- Call the Alabama Developmental Disabilities Crisis Hotline at 1-800-361-4491.
- Call the Alabama ADA Hotline for urgent accessibility concerns at 1-800-205-9986.
- Call One Door Alabama at 1-800-243-5463 for statewide disability and aging support.
- Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or TTY 1-800-846-8517.
Quick Facts
- 33% of adults in Alabama have a disability (CDC, 2024).
- This equals over 1.3 million people in our state.
- Disability services in Alabama span education, employment, healthcare, housing, advocacy, and more.
Alabama Disability Employment Services:
The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services offers a variety of programs to help individuals with disabilities gain employment, including vocational rehabilitation, which provides job training, counseling, and placement services.
The Alabama Department of Labor provides assistance through its Alabama Career Center System, offering resources such as job search assistance, resume building, and career counseling specifically tailored for individuals with disabilities.
The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities works to promote independence and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by providing advocacy, resources, and support for community inclusion.
United Ability is a non-profit organization that offers comprehensive employment services, including job placement, coaching, and supported employment programs for individuals with disabilities.
The Arc of Alabama provides various services, including employment support and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them achieve meaningful employment.
Disability Rights & Resources offers programs designed to assist individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment, including job readiness training, advocacy, and support services.
Goodwill Industries of Central Alabama provides job training, placement, and support services to individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve their employment goals through various programs and initiatives.
Alabama Independent Living Services:
Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham offers various services to help individuals with disabilities live independently, including advocacy, peer support, and skills training.
The Disability Resource Network provides support services such as advocacy, information, and referral to individuals with disabilities to enhance their ability to live independently in the community.
The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind offers a wide range of services, including housing assistance and independent living skills training for individuals with sensory impairments.
The Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida serves Alabama residents by offering independent living services, including advocacy, peer support, and assistance with accessing community resources.
The Alabama Housing Finance Authority provides housing assistance programs specifically tailored for individuals with disabilities, helping them find affordable and accessible housing options.
Alabama Rehabilitation Services:
The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services provides comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including physical, occupational, and speech therapies to help individuals with disabilities improve their functional abilities and achieve greater independence.
Easterseals Alabama offers a variety of services, including medical rehabilitation, employment services, and support for individuals with disabilities, helping them live more independently and participate fully in their communities.
United Ability provides rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as innovative programs designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County offers specialized inpatient rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from a variety of disabling conditions, including stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury.
Alabama Disability Transportation Services:
The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services provides specialized transportation services for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to reliable transportation for medical appointments, employment, and other essential activities.
ClasTran offers transportation services in the Birmingham metropolitan area, catering to the elderly and individuals with disabilities, providing them with safe and affordable transportation options.
Max Transit in Birmingham offers paratransit services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to public transportation that is both accessible and reliable.
Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) provides paratransit services for individuals with disabilities in the Montgomery area, offering door-to-door transportation for those who are unable to use the regular bus service.
Alabama Disability Childcare Services:
The Alabama Department of Human Resources offers various programs and services to support families with children with disabilities, including financial assistance and access to specialized child care services.
Childcare Resources provides information and referrals to quality child care programs for children with disabilities, helping families find suitable care options tailored to their needs.
United Ability offers inclusive child care programs that cater to children with disabilities, providing a supportive environment that promotes development and learning through specialized services and therapies.
Easterseals Alabama provides child care and early intervention services for children with disabilities, offering programs designed to enhance development and prepare children for school.
UAB Disability Resources
Faculty Resources for Accessibility
Offers faculty training, tools, and support for accessible course design
Disability Support Services (DSS)
Provides accommodations for students, including classroom, housing, and transportation support
AWARE Disability Management Program
Supports UAB employees with ADA accommodations and return-to-work assistance
Blaze Ride
Free transportation service for students, faculty, and staff with temporary or permanent mobility limitations
Center for Engagement in Disability Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (CEDHARS)
Leads research and community initiatives focused on disability inclusion and health equity
